Gary W. Graley
“Imagination is more important than knowledge"
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Mar 2, 1999
- Messages
- 27,336
Well, I vaguely remember when this was announced and thought it looked good, but too similar to the Native, which for some strange reason I could never fully appreciate or like, I had two types of the Native and in my hand it was a bad fit for me, which is weird as the entire world/Earth really loves the Native so much there have been many many iterations of it and high praise, so, I know that it is just me.
Which brings us to the Shaman, again my eyes told me I like the overall shape, both blade and handle, but the history of the Native held me back from trying one out, no local knife stores makes it hard to get a sense of the actual knife. But I was fortunate enough to trade into this one, the blade has some funky finish problems in the stonewash, both sides about the same area about 1 1/2" from the tip going from spine to edge like a heavy rub mark on both sides, doesn't affect it's cutting ability nor can you feel it by touch, just funky looking. I wasn't overly concerned as the fellow warned me ahead of time and as long as it wasn't any deep scratches I figured that was ok as I planned on using the knife.
Well the knife arrived, she was in great need of sharpening and it took an exceptional edge and now press cuts and slices like crazy. And the handle contours are excellent, for what ever reason, being larger, slight angle difference between this and a Native, what ever it is, I do like the Shaman and it is a good fit to my hands, strong cutter too.
I'm still getting use to this upside down liner lock, or compression lock as it is called, but that too is growing on me. I did remove the washers and gave them a very light polish and now the blade opens very smoothly and locks up secure.
Nice one Sal and Crew, I see there is talk of sprint runs, I would expect that would go over really well, my one critique would be to grind her down a little thinner than this one, if the steel you choose can support it, as this was a little thick bte but after reprofiling it does cut much better.
Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr
Pardon the Christmas tree lights reflecting in the mirrored edge, showing as black and white here;
Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr
Nice knife, I hope she hangs around a good long time.
G2
Which brings us to the Shaman, again my eyes told me I like the overall shape, both blade and handle, but the history of the Native held me back from trying one out, no local knife stores makes it hard to get a sense of the actual knife. But I was fortunate enough to trade into this one, the blade has some funky finish problems in the stonewash, both sides about the same area about 1 1/2" from the tip going from spine to edge like a heavy rub mark on both sides, doesn't affect it's cutting ability nor can you feel it by touch, just funky looking. I wasn't overly concerned as the fellow warned me ahead of time and as long as it wasn't any deep scratches I figured that was ok as I planned on using the knife.
Well the knife arrived, she was in great need of sharpening and it took an exceptional edge and now press cuts and slices like crazy. And the handle contours are excellent, for what ever reason, being larger, slight angle difference between this and a Native, what ever it is, I do like the Shaman and it is a good fit to my hands, strong cutter too.
I'm still getting use to this upside down liner lock, or compression lock as it is called, but that too is growing on me. I did remove the washers and gave them a very light polish and now the blade opens very smoothly and locks up secure.
Nice one Sal and Crew, I see there is talk of sprint runs, I would expect that would go over really well, my one critique would be to grind her down a little thinner than this one, if the steel you choose can support it, as this was a little thick bte but after reprofiling it does cut much better.
Untitled by GaryWGraley, on FlickrPardon the Christmas tree lights reflecting in the mirrored edge, showing as black and white here;
Untitled by GaryWGraley, on FlickrNice knife, I hope she hangs around a good long time.
G2
