Spyderco Shaman backspacer

[LJTanzer]

Just got a Spyderco Shaman. Reading up on it online I noticed quite a few threads discussing the backspacer.
Is there a inherent problem with it..? Should I replace it with an aftermarket piece..?
Please advise. Thanks.

 

[Dergyll]

No? I've owned several and have no problem, granted I only use 1 of them... mind posting a link? Curious about it; thanks.

 

[soc_monki]

People complain that it's not flush with the scales. I don't know for certain, but to me it's done that way to increase grip on the knife, same with the slightly sharp edges on the inner part of the scales. They are machined smooth and rounded, so that crisp inner edge and recessed backspacer give your palm flesh something to grip. Works well, imo.

Nothing wrong with the backspacer, or the nub people constantly grind off.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Nothing wrong with it, its just a bit heavy but I believe its designed that way to aid in balance.

 

[David Mary]

People complain that it's not flush with the scales. I don't know for certain, but to me it's done that way to increase grip on the knife, same with the slightly sharp edges on the inner part of the scales. They are machined smooth and rounded, so that crisp inner edge and recessed backspacer give your palm flesh something to grip. Works well, imo.

It was also not flush on mine. I never heard that reasoning before. It's interesting, although I can think of any number of ways to increase the grip without needing a scale/spacer lip, or uncomfortably (sometimes painfully) sharp inner scale edge. I didn't like those things about the knife, and I "fixed" them on mine, along with other mods, though I still ended up passing mine along in the end.

Nothing wrong with [...] the nub people constantly grind off.

I never liked that either. I think it comes down to preference. I like to close the knife without the need to move my finger out of the way. I know I'm not alone in this, and so for me and those who feel this way, there is something very wrong with the kick (nub); it makes the knife less enjoyable to use. Bad nub! Bad!

Nothing wrong with it, its just a bit heavy but I believe its designed that way to aid in balance.

I shaved an ounce off by skeletonizing the handles and heavily regrinding the blade. It was still a very tough knife after, but also a super slicer. The factory Shaman cuts nicely enough for a factory knife, but it's not a super slicer at all.


L LJTanzer if you like the Shaman as is, and none of the common complaints about it bother you, then bask in the glory of the toughest factory Spyderco I can think of.

 

[soc_monki]

It was also not flush on mine. I never heard that reasoning before. It's interesting, although I can think of any number of ways to increase the grip without needing a scale/spacer lip, or uncomfortably (sometimes painfully) sharp inner scale edge. I didn't like those things about the knife, and I "fixed" them on mine, along with other mods, though I still ended up passing mine along in the end.



I never liked that either. I think it comes down to preference. I like to close the knife without the need to move my finger out of the way. I know I'm not alone in this, and so for me and those who feel this way, there is something very wrong with the kick (nub); it makes the knife less enjoyable to use. Bad nub! Bad!



I shaved an ounce off by skeletonizing the handles and heavily regrinding the blade. It was still a very tough knife after, but also a super slicer. The factory Shaman cuts nicely enough for a factory knife, but it's not a super slicer at all.


L LJTanzer if you like the Shaman as is, and none of the common complaints about it bother you, then bask in the glory of the toughest factory Spyderco I can think of.

Well, I don't know for sure if the recessed backspacer and crisp inner edges were supposed to increase grip, that's just the impression I get from them. I guess one would have to ask Sal for the actual design decisions, but it works for me and that's all that matters!

Same with modifications... I don't do them, but it's fine for others!