Shaman XL?

sharp_edge

sharp_edge

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Jul 30, 2015
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I like big folders. Holding the new Rex 45 g10 Shaman right now and agreeing it is a fantastic knife, I'd like to have a proportionally blown-up version with a 4" blade. Yes - it would perhaps make the weight to about 7oz but I don't mind. I understand there is the Native Chief already but it is not as beefy. Anyone with me?:)
 
I think that size is more Cold Steel territory!

The ZT 0300 series were about that size, they had a following but eventually went out of production (presumed for sales), a Shaman XL would probably be pushing $300, not sure there would be a market to make it profitable, it seems like smaller versions of existing models (or the Little Native and Para 3) tend to do better.

I would suggest an XS Shaman but I think that’s called the Manix!
 
Eversion said:
The Manix 2 XL is a 3.9 inch blade much beefier than the Native Chief. Maybe you'll enjoy that one; I sure am.

Every thread is better with pictures!

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The Manix 2 XL is about the size I like. But, the CBBL is not my top choice; I don't like the location of the lanyard hole and the pocket clip; the extremely curved handle butt looks unnecessary to me.
 
John_0917 said:
I think that size is more Cold Steel territory!

The ZT 0300 series were about that size, they had a following but eventually went out of production (presumed for sales), a Shaman XL would probably be pushing $300, not sure there would be a market to make it profitable, it seems like smaller versions of existing models (or the Little Native and Para 3) tend to do better.

I would suggest an XS Shaman but I think that’s called the Manix!
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Cold Steel is much larger. Even ZT 0470 has more cutting edge than Shaman, so we are really not talking about a huge folder here with the XL Shaman. I don't see a $100 jump from regular size to XL size. I do agree with you that there seem to be more people who prefer 3.5" and shorter blades.
 
sharp_edge said:
The Manix 2 XL is about the size I like. But, the CBBL is not my top choice; I don't like the location of the lanyard hole and the pocket clip; the extremely curved handle butt looks unnecessary to me.
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Oh yeah, you're right. The pocket clip position is horrendous. I ended up getting a titanium deep carry clip from MXG made for a Para 3, which has the same issue.
I like the handle shape, it melts in my hand. But that's just me.
 
At least 4", preferably 5"-6". Skeletonized liners. No FRN please. Cost would be astronomical though, that is why CS has the big ones sewed up. I think it would be pretty cool to see a well known Spyderco Knife upsized to CS sizing, probably have to win the lottery to purchase though. I do rotate large folders along with my Spydies, even the CS XL Aluminum Espada.

IMG_4778 - Copy.jpg
 
Have you tried the Spyderco Byrd Resilience? A good deal for a 4.25" blade for just $58.80 MAP.

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As for a ShamanXL, that would be a hard pass for me because I already think that the Shaman is too thick/big in the hand and an XL version would be even thicker/bigger.
 
I have two Shamans, but find that I almost never carry them as they're just so heavy in the pocket. Now, I'd go for a Lil' Shaman in a heartbeat! Or, as I've been begging forever for....a compression lock Native. Maybe call it the Brave?
 
The whole point of proposing such an XL Shaman is not another large, lightweight, and super slicey folder as Spyderco already offers several, including Police 4 and Military (which I have). Rather, I'd like to see a large, beefy, and bombproof ;) Spyderco that would rival the likes of ZT 030x and Benchmade Adamas and Contego. If Spyderco decides to produce such a folder, I think the Shaman platform would be a top choice. I understand this may not be the kind of knives that Sal and Eric are much interested in associating the Spyderco brand with, but as a consumer I can dream right?

05wf5Wp.jpg
 
sharp_edge said:
The whole point of proposing such an XL Shaman is not another large, lightweight, and super slicey folder as Spyderco already offers several, including Police 4 and Military (which I have). Rather, I'd like to see a large, beefy, and bombproof ;) Spyderco that would rival the likes of ZT 030x and Benchmade Adamas and Contego. If Spyderco decides to produce such a folder, I think the Shaman platform would be a top choice. I understand this may not be the kind of knives that Sal and Eric are much interested in associating the Spyderco brand with, but as a consumer I can dream right?

05wf5Wp.jpg
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I love my Contego, and I've been wanting to check out and maybe buy a shaman... How does it compare to the contego? If it's similar I may just try to find one on the secondary market and give it a shot...
 
soc_monki said:
I love my Contego, and I've been wanting to check out and maybe buy a shaman... How does it compare to the contego? If it's similar I may just try to find one on the secondary market and give it a shot...
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Shaman feels and is smaller than Contego as shown in the above picture though it feels just as sturdy as the latter. I'm sure Sal has his design philosophy but if it were me, I'd make the end/butt portion of the handle of Shaman a bit wider and accordingly replace the back spacer with standoffs. Anyway, it is a great folder that deserves a try.
 
A Shaman XL that fell in between the proportions of the regular Shaman and the Native Chief might strike a good balance. I've seen some scales out there for the regular Shaman that are slimmer. Applying that principle to a larger Shaman might be a good way to get a larger Shaman was wasn't unwieldy.

Soc_monki: I've got a Contego, too. It's tough to compare it to a Shaman. The Shaman seems more rounded and contoured whereas the Contego has a lot of jimping on the liners and texture on the scales. Both have good ergonomics to me, but are definitely different in hand.

The Shaman is easier than the Contego to hold different ways to cut stuff. The thumb jimping on the blade on the Shaman provides good traction. The jimping just above the pivot on the Contego doesn't hold my thumb in place as well. The Shaman has a forward finger choil, too, that makes it easier to choke up.

I'd say the Contego reminds me more of a Manix XL/2 than a Shaman. The Shaman is one of my favorite Spydercos, though. It seems very solid, ergonomic, versatile, and well made.
 
Thanks guys. I've been kicking myself for not picking up a shaman when they first came out and were around 150. I'm not against paying full price for one, especially if I try one out and love it. I'll have to see what I can find on the used market and if there's no luck just bite the bullet and buy new!

When I bought my Native Chief I had been on the fence for a while, until I worked with a guy who carried one. Love at first opening. I ordered one right away! Love that knife... I'm sure the shaman would make me just as happy. I did just buy the blade hq manix 2 xl, another knife I was on the fence about. And zt is dropping the 0707 tomorrow (hoping it's in the 0777 family...)

This is an expensive year in knives for me... Lol
 
I haven't regretted buying my Shaman once. That's why I think just about any variation that is larger or smaller would be great. Sure, it wouldn't be for everyone, but I think it's a design that would appeal to a huge number of people.

The Shamans are a little expensive. I have the regular S30V one. The lock up seems as sturdy as a fixed blade and the contouring on the G10 feels very premium. I think it's worth the cost. It's a great knife!

I'm curious about the 0707, too!

The more of the regular Shamans that are sold, the more likely an XL could become a reality.
 
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