Shaman

marrenmiller said:
Counter opinion here: the shaman is the most disappointing Spyderco I've bought yet, and compared with any of their other models I'd say it's definitely not a must. It's fun to play with and feels nice in hand until you actually put a lot of force into the handle for long periods of time, at which point the compression lock cutout area, clip, and palm swell cause issues. I'm hoping aftermarket scales and a deep carry clip help. YMMV but I think this one is a lot of hype and not much substance.
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Just to share a counter opinion to this. I used to own about 30 or so Spydercos. My collection is now down to just a few, a couple of beater Dragonflys in random drawers around the house, a Para 3 in k390 (my all time favorite Spyderco), and a Shaman in z-wear. The Shaman has definitely made the cut for me as a keeper. And if you don't like it it won't be hard to sell here. I agree with the above about the design flaw at the compression lock cutout area though, it's definitely got its issues there, including not closing all the way if you have your finger in the wrong spot.
 
I definitely can see where the comp lock could cause issues under heavy pressure. Though I own two, I'm not super fond of the design. I don't own a shaman, but have handled one and for that size I prefer the GB1 or Manix 2. Plus, I can't own a shaman for religious reasons.
 
I'm pretty ambidextrous but do most of my precision cutting with my left hand. The shaman is definitely more comfortable in my left hand than my right. Luckily God gave me 2 pants pockets. Shaman is definitely a Rh carry LH use kind of knife. I can see a shaman and native chief being a good pair to carry along with a sharpened prybar for stupid tasks.
 
I've had about 5 different shaman models.

It's a great knife but too big/heavy for me and I hate the smooth g10. Wish they had a contoured g10 model that had the texture of the pm2 g10.
 
You have to except the shaman for what it is. It’s a Zen state, but once you get there it will become clear.

I’m seriousness, I bought a Shaman awhile back and wasn’t prepared for it and quickly sold it cause it felt too big for me.

Recently I picked up another one, being better prepared this time and I really like it. It’s a big heavy knife but great for what it is. It’s not an EDC knife for me, more like a woods or yard work knife. I actually normally am wearing gloves while using it too so the compression lock cutout hasn’t bugged me.

-M
 
BlindMouse2of3 said:
I'm pretty ambidextrous but do most of my precision cutting with my left hand. The shaman is definitely more comfortable in my left hand than my right. Luckily God gave me 2 pants pockets. Shaman is definitely a Rh carry LH use kind of knife. I can see a shaman and native chief being a good pair to carry along with a sharpened prybar for stupid tasks.
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If I was a left handed individual, I would probably like the Shaman a lot more. Most of the ergonomic shortcomings on that knife, for me, are due to the lock.
 
Not to harp on this too much, but I'm curious what kinds of tasks people actually use the shaman for. I've done a fair bit of multi-panel cardboard cutting and strenuous, high-force wood carving. I could see the knife being more comfortable if you aren't doing those sorts of tasks, but I can't imagine why the blade stock and grind is so thick if not for doing such things.

Doing the sorts of tasks that the blade seems designed for, the handle feels woefully inadequate. I won't touch on gloved use, as virtually any folding knife feels just fine in a pair of work gloves.
 
marrenmiller said:
Not to harp on this too much, but I'm curious what kinds of tasks people actually use the shaman for. I've done a fair bit of multi-panel cardboard cutting and strenuous, high-force wood carving. I could see the knife being more comfortable if you aren't doing those sorts of tasks, but I can't imagine why the blade stock and grind is so thick if not for doing such things.

Doing the sorts of tasks that the blade seems designed for, the handle feels woefully inadequate. I won't touch on gloved use, as virtually any folding knife feels just fine in a pair of work gloves.
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Wondered this myself, MM. I don't use clips on most of my Spydercos, so no issue there, but the compression lock is (literally) a pain for me when using PM2, Shaman, and others. Which is why years ago I switched from PM2 to Manix 2 or backlocks in harder use. My conclusion to your question is that compression lock lovers don't do "strenuous, high-force carving".

That being said, the OP should still buy a Shaman and try out himself :)
 
You won't be let down, I like how you can just flail it into wood but its still thin enough to slice.
 
Out of left field but have you wood carvers used a delica for the task in either vg10 or s30v? I have a set of full contour Boomer scales coming for the wife's delica. She doesn't do a lot of carving but likes to wittle some.

(Shameless plug for the guy that does awesome work)
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DocJD said:
So, for collector "need" , absolutely ! LOL . ;)

Functionally , as a utility knife , IMO it's all about the handle ergonomics . Nice full grip handle for hard , extended work .

I don't own one . Outside my budget .

I do have a Cold Steel Bush Ranger folder , that I consider comparable in POU and in some ways superior and much cheaper . :cool::thumbsup:
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I thought about the Shaman myself. But after reading DocJD s post, I looked at the price, and realized it is out of my current price range for a hard user. I ve been spoiled by Cold Steel users that are great value for the price.

Doc mentioned the Bush Ranger. I d also recommend the Ultimate Hunter. Half the price of the Shaman, extremely ergonomic and strong as a folder could ever be in a convenient carry weight. Great worker and edc.
 
BlindMouse2of3 said:
Out of left field but have you wood carvers used a delica for the task in either vg10 or s30v? I have a set of full contour Boomer scales coming for the wife's delica. She doesn't do a lot of carving but likes to wittle some.

(Shameless plug for the guy that does awesome work)
View attachment 1969929
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That's a Lil Matriarch! Shares frame with Delica, though
 
I had a Shaman and a Native Chief (both with Rex 45) and I got rid of both quickly. I don't like the ergo of either. The handle of Shaman is a bit too narrow especially at the butt area, while the huge choil of NC is a big turn off and waste of cutting edge to me; the blade tip of NC is unnecessarily too delicate.
 
Ok, like just about everyone else I am a knife geek, the Shaman is one of my medium sized knives and for whatever reason it is the right size for me. Having said that I almost always carry a small fixed blade (right, knife geek) for some serious cutting so have never had to beat it like a red haired step child but it fits well. YMMV, but it works for me
 
The striderco. If u like bigger knives grab it. The g10 does feels a little slick. The 2 I have remaining are in micarta and are fantastic. Great ergos good action. Both of mine wear lynch clips which helps. The only thing is u can’t flip it out by releasing the compression lock cause the nub is in the way. Not a big deal. Someone mentioned the gb2 earlier which is another great spyderco. Probably save a little cash with the gb2. Think u would be happy w either.
 
BD_01 said:
It’s over 5 oz and a pocket hog. In spite of superlative ergonomics, the answer for me is ‘no.’

If I needed another burly folder, the answer would be ‘maybe.’
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If over 5 oz is a pocket hog already, what about the Cold Steel Voyager XL? 😅
 
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