PM2 vs. Shaman

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Jan 24, 2018
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Not to stir up any trash talking or anything like that, but I'm curious to hear you guys' feedback. So I just got my very first PM2 and a Shaman a few days ago, after wanting both for a long time. Don't ask me why I've never had either it just didn't happen lol. Anyway, I got them both and I don't know if it was just hype or what, but I was somewhat underwhelmed by the Shaman in comparison to the PM2.

For the longest time I was kind of under the impression the Shaman was this beefy workhorse of a folder, (which it does seem like it's capable of being. It's quite hefty and you can feel how solid it is) but in comparison to the PM2 it's relatively equal in size, from cutting edge length, stock thickness, handle length, and grip area as well. The thickness behind the edges don't seem too drastic in difference, excluding the thickness towards the tip being in favor of the Shaman.

All this to say, is the Shaman REALLY worth having if you already have the PM2? I'm not taking anything away from it at all, the action is stronger, it's built extremely well, and I do love the design and feel of it as well as the PM2. I'm just curious how many of you guys have both? What are your thoughts? Do you think the Shaman still lives up to the expectations it had when it was released? I'm on the fence about keeping mine because of this, but I'm a knife nut so obviously I have no problems keeping it lol. Anyway, I'm just curious is all, again not trying to poop on it or anything because I still like it off of first impressions alone. I'm more so just extremely happy with the PM2 after seeing so much about it for so long and I was pleasantly surprised it lived up to its popularity as well. Thanks!
 
I think a lot of people diss the PM2 because back in the day, some people were twisting the tip of s110v models in zip ties and cutting sheet rock with maxamet. Of course some tips broke, as that’s the trade off with a tip as thin as a pm2, fine cutting and all.

The shaman is more blade than most people need. It’s sort of like the Spyderco version of the cold steel AD10. I’ve had shamans, and I’ve had PM2s. I still have two PM2s (M4 and S110V) and no Shamans. I value the precision cutting ability of the PM2 over the ability to pry with my knife the shaman might provide.

Basically, I believe the shaman is overrated, and YouTube reviewers have a little to do with that.
 
Never had a shaman, and there does seem to be a lot of excitement about them from fans. I do have a pm2 and I never feel underknifed when carrying it, very happy with it. Doubt that I'll ever buy a shaman.
 
I find the handle on the shaman to be easily it's best attribute. It's very comfortable, and the G10 version has very good balance of grip and smoothness, and contouring.

PM2s have flat scales and I dont find them very comfortable in long use (I actually prefer the PM3 in this perspective)...maybe it's just me but the extra little bit of work they do to the PM3 and Millitary scales (they knock the edges of the scales down a little) makes alot of difference.

The PM2 outblades the shaman in most perspective, but I find the shaman much better in long-use.

My thoughts :)
 
Not a fan of comp locks and the PM2 and Para3 in Maxamet I already have are enough and I am happy with them... I would buy a CBBL Shaman though, but what I really want is a mid-sized 3.5" Native variant. Preferably in orange g10 and Rex45. :)
 
I think a lot of people diss the PM2 because back in the day, some people were twisting the tip of s110v models in zip ties and cutting sheet rock with maxamet. Of course some tips broke, as that’s the trade off with a tip as thin as a pm2, fine cutting and all.

The shaman is more blade than most people need. It’s sort of like the Spyderco version of the cold steel AD10. I’ve had shamans, and I’ve had PM2s. I still have two PM2s (M4 and S110V) and no Shamans. I value the precision cutting ability of the PM2 over the ability to pry with my knife the shaman might provide.

Basically, I believe the shaman is overrated, and YouTube reviewers have a little to do with that.
I'm a big fan of the PM2's blade as well. The tip on it is absolutely laser beam thin. I was lucky enough to grab one in REX 45 as well so that puts it in extra special territory for me. I'm not a pry with my knives kind of person, and if I were going to I'd use my CPK DEK1 because it could do it.

I find the handle on the shaman to be easily it's best attribute. It's very comfortable, and the G10 version has very good balance of grip and smoothness, and contouring.

PM2s have flat scales and I dont find them very comfortable in long use (I actually prefer the PM3 in this perspective)...maybe it's just me but the extra little bit of work they do to the PM3 and Millitary scales (they knock the edges of the scales down a little) makes alot of difference.

The PM2 outblades the shaman in most perspective, but I find the shaman much better in long-use.

My thoughts :)
That's another thing I failed to mention, is how slick the Shaman handles are. I was expecting the grip of a PM2 and it wasn't. The slipperyness in addition to the contouring, although amazing, just makes it too slick for me. I have already looked into replacement scales for it though so I can have more texture.

Not a fan of comp locks and the PM2 and Para3 in Maxamet I already have are enough and I am happy with them... I would buy a CBBL Shaman though, but what I really want is a mid-sized 3.5" Native variant. Preferably in orange g10 and Rex45. :)
I absolutely love the Native, it's just too small for me. It's so freaking comfortable in the hand and I know it's plenty of blade for me, but I've had 2 and I just can't get over the size lol that's mostly why I wanted the Shaman, it's a Native on steroids. I also got the Chief, it'll be here tomorrow. Between it, the Shaman, and the PM2 they're crossing over into similar territories for sure.
 
This. The finger dancing you have to do with compression locks gets old (to me) quickly.
I'm not gonna lie im not the biggest fan of the compression lock either. Much prefer a traditional front liner/frame lock. Much more convenient. Plus on the Shamam the lock bar is stiffer than most. On mine anyway.
 
I have already looked into replacement scales for it though so I can have more texture.
Fireside Company. Night and day compared to the originals.
Just like you I loved the look of the wooden scales but I found them too slippery.

SGNXxq.jpg
 
Fireside Company. Night and day compared to the originals.
Just like you I loved the look of the wooden scales but I found them too slippery.

SGNXxq.jpg
Ive Never experienced the wooden handles but I've already checked out a few guys to make some. I've heard good things about Fireside Company though. Last I looked at them they were less active so I kinda forgot about them. I do love what Aramis, Karbadize, RC Bladeworks, and Shepard CC are doing though
 
I have both, and have to agree that i was underwhelmed with the shaman in comparison. I did find the scales comfortable, but too slick. An upgrade on scales helped. I do like the blade shape, but would prefer choilless. Not to say i dont like the knife, because i do, but i love the pm2. I am tempted to try titanium scales on the shaman, i love them on pm2s.

Both are great knives though. Think an improved shaman will rule the knife world.
 
Both are good knives But neither is perfect. PM2 scales are well-known for being blocky though unless you use it to cut stuff for a long long period of time, it should not be an issue. Shaman handle is better rounded so supposedly more comfortable in hand. However, to me the handle is too narrow especially toward the butt portion. Between the two, PM2 is clearly the better slicer While Shaman can sustain more hard use. Finally, I feel Shaman is a bit overpriced.
 
Ive Never experienced the wooden handles but I've already checked out a few guys to make some. I've heard good things about Fireside Company though. Last I looked at them they were less active so I kinda forgot about them. I do love what Aramis, Karbadize, RC Bladeworks, and Shepard CC are doing though
Honestly, I didn't know the Shaman is coming with something else other than wooden scales... I see you have lots of options, I guess all of them make good scales.
I am very pleased with the Fireside, the guy communicate very well, very responsive. I got good discount for Christmas and scales fit like a glove. Totally different feel and traction on the scales.
Good luck !
 
What, no comparison pics. Here's one then ;)
I carry the PM2 more than the Shaman, but I like them both.

758hxOi.jpg
The pic isn't working :(. Atleast not for me. I don't have much to add to the conversation as I don't have a Shaman. But aftermarket contoured scales sure make the Para 2 a lot more comfortable!
 
Well, I have both knives, Shaman in Rex45, PM2 in Cruwear. I also have PM2 with tanto blade in M4. For comparing I'm putting also Manix 2,
a knife I'm not using because I usually use the XL size in S90V, but before I gave it away, I extensively used another Manix2 with composite, I believe cpm154/s90v blade.
I also added the Grip for size comparing. (sorry for the oily blade of the Shaman...)

2ZV7Ux.jpg


Now, From all of those knives, I use the most the Manix2, PM2 tanto M4, PM2 and less used is the Shaman because of the scales I received few wees back.
Yes, both, Shaman and PM2 have almost identical thickness of the spine of the blade but Shaman is much beefier and IMO there is much more material behind the edge.
I find both knives to be pretty functional but because of the blade geometry, Shaman is suitable for much more heavier tasks than the original PM2.
As others mentioned, PM2 original scales are squearish and not very comfortable. I fixed this by getting aftermarket scales that made whole world of difference, the knife is much
more usable for what I'm doing now.
Comparing both knives, I'd say the PM2 will handle normal use but it is more of a gentleman's knife than hard user. I don't have much experience with the Shaman but the way I hold it,
it is asking for heavier push on the blade, unfortunately I can't give it anything but cardboard boxes for now... 😂
From both of those, I like the ergos of the PM2 better but only because I replaced the scales.
I find both steels to be fine, the truth is - I didn't use those enough to have some solid opinion about the steel.
From both PM2 I used much more the tanto version in M4, I'm more familiar with the steel and blade geometry and the original shape of the handle doesn't bother me.
Originally the knife came with the "natural" scales, I replaced those with the other PM2's CF scales, they provide better grip because of different texture.
Compared those three PM2X2 and Shaman, to the Manix2, I used the most the Manix2, I find the handle ergos more suitable for my work, blade geometry is almost the same
as cutting angle to the handle, as on PM2 but the "belly" is probably more pronounced in PM2 and I like more straight edge so naturally Manix2 is my choice.
Locks, I don't have any issues with the locks, very natural for me to work with the Mnix2 after I used Grip's Axis for years, the compression locks on the other three knives
work just fine, never had issues with sticking locks or disengaging while twisting the knives but again, I did not have much chance to push those hard.
Anyway, I'm not expecting any issues with those locks, fiddle a lot with PM2 and it's pleasure to open and close with one hand, at least I don't have any issues.
From all of those knives, the PM2 is the easiest to disassemble with I think, less parts, followed by the Manix2 and the Grip, I'd put those on the same level.
I had more "trouble" (relative to the other 3 knives, otherwise not much issues) with the Shaman, I think because of tighter tolerances, I could be mistaking...
From all of the pictured knives the Griptilian have the most massive washers, all four of them does not have any lateral or vertical blade play.
I keep my blades little bit more tight at the pivot, I like them to only fall down slightly when the lock is dissengaged, I usually ride the blade to close it or open it, I don't flop, flick
or twist the wrist, its just a habit I developed, to be sure that the blade is locked, the thumb gives me positive feedback if I don't wave the knife out of the pocket.
I don't really know what else I can share, all of those are outstanding models, I have less experience with the Shaman but I like heavy front blade, my hands are usually numb and "tired" and
heavy knife/blade helps with control when I'm working.
Hope this will give the OP some information... :cool::thumbsup:
 
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