I have all 3, and love them all. Hard to choose which I like best..it depends on what I;m doing. Overall I favor the Manix, but the Shaman is my go to for heavier prolonged cutting tasks. the ergos are comfortable with the sculpted scales, and the extra weight makes it better for hard downward cutting.. The PM2 is great too though, but the Manix gets the most pocket time for me.
PM2 one of the best selling knives of all time, for a reason; easy to carry, variety of steels, easy to clean / maintain, ergonomics are great, lots of after market items if you want to personalize the PM2. Easily the best all round knife for me, no question.
As of right now, yes I agree with the 3rd party support and steel options for the PM2 being a pro. I do think the Shaman has potential to be just as well received once more steels and support is out for them. The shaman is just so comfortable, it's hard for me not to give that the nod. These are razor thin margins of difference in overall positivity for all three knives though. I assumed the manix 2 and shaman weren't going to be as good as they ended up being once I got my hands on them. That doesn't take anything away from the PM2.
It's funny how instead of updating the manix and pm2 to a "3" variant with contured handles they just add in a new knife that seems like it needs a second iteration right away.......damn conservative knife makers. So many knives could be updated instead of watering the portfolio down. The Pm2 is built around the compression lock and focuses on it, like the manix 2 is all about traction and angles and the shaman is about heft and contured handles (and profit). I really think they can be seen as studies on different approaches and steps towards the perfect pocketknife. If they would combine what they learned from those 3 they potentially could make it so we wouldn't have to buy all 3 for different reasons, but 1 for all. Or maybe if Spyderco updated pm2s and manixi 2s with contured scales there would be no damn 230 s30v shaman. There wouldn't be any shaman at all , since it's a compression lock manix with a contured handle, a worse blade and higher price 😒
Unfortunately my favorite didn't make the table, probably because it is discontinued. It has the blade shape of the Shaman, drop free compression lock like the PM2 and a deep carry wire clip. What is it? The Super Leaf. It really is a heavy duty EDC with the blade stock to match. Its one problem is blade centering. Of my 3 samples only one will center up.
Great video, I liked the rating approach, good way to had a little more of an objective approach to the comparison. Definitely my three favorite Spyderco users, though I prefer the XL version of the Manix. The Shaman takes the top spot in my list too. Found you through Jack Farmboy, glad I checked your channel out!
I have a standard PM2. After a couple of drops of knife lube, it dropped closed that easily too. Shaman after some lube, still does not drop closed. I don't have a Manix 2...yet!
My worry with the manix 2 is that dirt can get into the lock switch mechanism. When I'm working I have to empty my pockets of saw dust and worse on a regular basis. Has anyone had problems in this respect?
Good comparison 3 exceptionally well-designed knives by Spyderco. If I had to choose -- Para 2 Iconic style, then Manix. Shaman's size and dimensions put it in a different category. Meanwhile, the lowly Tenacious can be had at 1/2 price Manix, 1/3 price PM2, 1/4 price Shaman.
Mike Knight For me, the weight of the G10 Manix turns me off carrying it regularly. But yeah, it’d be tougher. For my use the LW is tough enough. And I find it more comfortable than the PM2. Don’t have a Shaman. I’ve seen video of a Manix XL being very hard used and it held up very well.
Mike Knight Haha. Maxamet is what I have. Still enjoying it. Gonna sharpen it soon. Wish I had a Para3 in it though. Liking the Para 3 way more than I thought I would.
If we were to pick....we'd all have our own reasoning for which ONE we'd pick out of hte 3. Of course. Is it going to be an EDC knife? Left at home for "everyday tasks"? Cost? Manix 2 is the cheapest (under $190 CAD)....PM2 about $230 CAD and the Shaman over $399.00 CAD. How badly does one want the Shaman over the Manix 2 for whatever the use they intnd?? YOu mentioned the locking mechanism ofn the Manix 2 feels more "tight" so maybe it gives the impressin it's "better engineered" and "less flimsy"? These knives really aren't IMHO EDC knives being just a little "too big/heavy" to "disappear...forget you're carrying it" in your pocket....which is what I'd think any one planning to add a folding knife to their EDC items. I'd go with "lightweight" knives for EDC.
I have a PM2 and I love it but the Shaman does look like the scales would be much more comfortable. I did use some sandpaper to knock off some of the sharp edges on the G-10 though and it did help.
I’m a little confused about the scale colors in the video. I’ve never seen these colors. I also would never buy these colors. They look like you have sprayed them with primer.
I bought a new pm-2 and it has the worst lock stick I've ever encounter and I have a lot of knives wondering if you could give me any pointers on how to fix it I called Spyderco they said to send it in turnaround time for 3 weeks I have fixed lock stick on some of my other folders nothing is as bad as this this is my first Spyderco and I love the knife but if not a very good first impression of quality control
Great video as always, I had a feeling that the Shaman was going to pull out the win here. It's the only one of the 3 I own and have ever owned, so it's hard to give a preference, but the Shaman is just so good. Great review as always!
I’m a beginner. The paramilitary. I don’t think has liners which makes a bad pry-bar in emergency situations but I live it. I want an all black Spyderco. The other two look good because I see liners inside. I’m a newby so don’t hate
Sharpening, edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness all have to do with the steel used and heat treat. You can have a variety of steels on each knife, so I left that out.
The cruwear pm2 didn’t have that great action, I agree. As an edc pm2 is hard to beat with that pointy blade. For work a manic lightweight is the shit. Shaman I guess is for survival edc? 😂 don’t know. I know I’ve got a lot of knives in that category though 😉
I have the PM2 and the Manix2 LW and G10. Don’t have the Shaman. The Manix2 is too wide front to back when folded and takes up too much room in the pocket and I very rarely carry them. The action on the PM2 is amazing. The Manix2 is not very “flickey”.
Not all of them, but the one I got just happened to have the crappiest wet noodle detent. I'm sure some people got one with a good detent. It's just not consistent.
@@gwailotus9154 Wet noodle detent. So I could shake out the blade, and it was hard to spydieflick it open because the detent didn't build up any pressure. I sold the knife eventually.
I don’t know what the big deal is about the Para 2. I just got one and it feels like I’m holding a 2x4. It’s not comfortable at all. I like my Shaman, Native Salt, and Siren better. Good video.
I have all 3, and love them all. Hard to choose which I like best..it depends on what I;m doing. Overall I favor the Manix, but the Shaman is my go to for heavier prolonged cutting tasks. the ergos are comfortable with the sculpted scales, and the extra weight makes it better for hard downward cutting.. The PM2 is great too though, but the Manix gets the most pocket time for me.
I like them all a lot too. I thought I wasn't going to like the Manix 2 as much as I ended up liking it.
PM2 one of the best selling knives of all time, for a reason; easy to carry, variety of steels, easy to clean / maintain, ergonomics are great, lots of after market items if you want to personalize the PM2. Easily the best all round knife for me, no question.
As of right now, yes I agree with the 3rd party support and steel options for the PM2 being a pro. I do think the Shaman has potential to be just as well received once more steels and support is out for them. The shaman is just so comfortable, it's hard for me not to give that the nod. These are razor thin margins of difference in overall positivity for all three knives though. I assumed the manix 2 and shaman weren't going to be as good as they ended up being once I got my hands on them. That doesn't take anything away from the PM2.
It's funny how instead of updating the manix and pm2 to a "3" variant with contured handles they just add in a new knife that seems like it needs a second iteration right away.......damn conservative knife makers.
So many knives could be updated instead of watering the portfolio down. The Pm2 is built around the compression lock and focuses on it, like the manix 2 is all about traction and angles and the shaman is about heft and contured handles (and profit). I really think they can be seen as studies on different approaches and steps towards the perfect pocketknife. If they would combine what they learned from those 3 they potentially could make it so we wouldn't have to buy all 3 for different reasons, but 1 for all. Or maybe if Spyderco updated pm2s and manixi 2s with contured scales there would be no damn 230 s30v shaman. There wouldn't be any shaman at all , since it's a compression lock manix with a contured handle, a worse blade and higher price 😒
Unfortunately my favorite didn't make the table, probably because it is discontinued. It has the blade shape of the Shaman, drop free compression lock like the PM2 and a deep carry wire clip. What is it? The Super Leaf. It really is a heavy duty EDC with the blade stock to match. Its one problem is blade centering. Of my 3 samples only one will center up.
Great video, I liked the rating approach, good way to had a little more of an objective approach to the comparison. Definitely my three favorite Spyderco users, though I prefer the XL version of the Manix. The Shaman takes the top spot in my list too. Found you through Jack Farmboy, glad I checked your channel out!
I have a standard PM2. After a couple of drops of knife lube, it dropped closed that easily too. Shaman after some lube, still does not drop closed. I don't have a Manix 2...yet!
Howdy! Always like a great review! Jack Farmboy sent me over. Glad to find you!
My worry with the manix 2 is that dirt can get into the lock switch mechanism. When I'm working I have to empty my pockets of saw dust and worse on a regular basis. Has anyone had problems in this respect?
Jack Farmboy sent me! Looks like a quality channel!
Those are some amazing looking knives. Just found my way over to your channel courtesy of Jack FarmBoy. Love finding new knife channels to watch.
JFB is a great guy. Welcome to the channel. Please feel free to share feedback, both positive and negative as long as it's specific.
Good comparison 3 exceptionally well-designed knives by Spyderco. If I had to choose -- Para 2 Iconic style, then Manix. Shaman's size and dimensions put it in a different category. Meanwhile, the lowly Tenacious can be had at 1/2 price Manix, 1/3 price PM2, 1/4 price Shaman.
Jack Farmboy sent me over for his 1,000 gaw just wanted to say hi and I’m looking forward to watching some of your vids 👊
Like the scales on the shaman. Jack Farmboy sent me BTW.
Cool review. All great knives. I’d go with a Manix LW, if I had to pick just one. 😉
I'm with you there, Tony. I am *so* hoping Spyderco updates the std. blade steel to BD1N soon!
Mike Knight For me, the weight of the G10 Manix turns me off carrying it regularly. But yeah, it’d be tougher. For my use the LW is tough enough. And I find it more comfortable than the PM2. Don’t have a Shaman. I’ve seen video of a Manix XL being very hard used and it held up very well.
Mike Knight Haha. Maxamet is what I have. Still enjoying it. Gonna sharpen it soon. Wish I had a Para3 in it though. Liking the Para 3 way more than I thought I would.
I absolutely love my Manix 2 LW in BD1
Hard to find those handle colors, which are quite nice.
If we were to pick....we'd all have our own reasoning for which ONE we'd pick out of hte 3. Of course. Is it going to be an EDC knife? Left at home for "everyday tasks"?
Cost? Manix 2 is the cheapest (under $190 CAD)....PM2 about $230 CAD and the Shaman over $399.00 CAD. How badly does one want the Shaman over the Manix 2 for whatever the use they intnd??
YOu mentioned the locking mechanism ofn the Manix 2 feels more "tight" so maybe it gives the impressin it's "better engineered" and "less flimsy"?
These knives really aren't IMHO EDC knives being just a little "too big/heavy" to "disappear...forget you're carrying it" in your pocket....which is what I'd think any one planning to add a folding knife to their EDC items. I'd go with "lightweight" knives for EDC.
I have a PM2 and I love it but the Shaman does look like the scales would be much more comfortable. I did use some sandpaper to knock off some of the sharp edges on the G-10 though and it did help.
That’s great. Love them deep carry
Hi! Jack farmboy recommended you channel. Excited to see your content! Hope you reach your 1K very soon!
Love all Spyderco!!¡!! New sub from Jack farm boy ...enjoying the content!!!!
Great vid! For me the Manic 2 lightweight takes the title. Though I do love the PM 2
Jack FarmBoy
sent me! Some nice looking knives
Where’d you get those sweet Shaman scales?
PM2 is the alpha! Jack Farmboy said to come say hi
Hey Woodland. The PM2 is great, but there is a new dog in town. It better watch its back.
Jack Farmboy sent me over. I like all 3 of those but sadly haven't owned either yet.
Jack Farmboy sends his regards and his followers. Love that rocket pop shaman
Ahhh Rocket pop, I couldn't think of the name of it. It reminded me of those too.
I’m a little confused about the scale colors in the video. I’ve never seen these colors. I also would never buy these colors. They look like you have sprayed them with primer.
Own all three. PM2 first then Manix 2 then Shaman.
Is that the dlt manix?? Lucky guy I have one as well and love it with that 20cv
bianconeri1993 It’s it!
Nice Spiderco review. Farm boy sent me. 👍 Really liking this channel. Good job.
Great information new subscriber from Jack farmboy
I bought a new pm-2 and it has the worst lock stick I've ever encounter and I have a lot of knives wondering if you could give me any pointers on how to fix it I called Spyderco they said to send it in turnaround time for 3 weeks I have fixed lock stick on some of my other folders nothing is as bad as this this is my first Spyderco and I love the knife but if not a very good first impression of quality control
Great video as always, I had a feeling that the Shaman was going to pull out the win here. It's the only one of the 3 I own and have ever owned, so it's hard to give a preference, but the Shaman is just so good. Great review as always!
Jack farmboy sent me, digged the vid!
I’m a beginner. The paramilitary. I don’t think has liners which makes a bad pry-bar in emergency situations but I live it. I want an all black Spyderco. The other two look good because I see liners inside. I’m a newby so don’t hate
Chris Johnson PM2 does have liners...they are buried in the scales.
(Don't use your knife as a pry bar. Use a pry bar. 😎)
Laughing
New fan thanks for channel
Fabulous Review, I’d go with the PM2 if I had to pick one! Love that knife 🔪!!!
Yep!1 agree 👌🏻
PM2 all day.
What about sharpening?? What about blade strength/durability?? What about those weak tips?
Sharpening, edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness all have to do with the steel used and heat treat. You can have a variety of steels on each knife, so I left that out.
The cruwear pm2 didn’t have that great action, I agree. As an edc pm2 is hard to beat with that pointy blade. For work a manic lightweight is the shit. Shaman I guess is for survival edc? 😂 don’t know. I know I’ve got a lot of knives in that category though 😉
Jack farmboy sent me. 👍
Dude! Shaman scales? Where'd you get'em??
This is the bladehq sprint run. They came with natural g-10 scales and I dyed them with rit dye from hobby lobby.
Where do you get the deep carry clips?
Search for mxg or lynch clips
I could be wrong but I thought it was Osborn and Bill McHenry and Jason Williams, But I’m confused as those names come up a lot.
Right now I have pm2 and manix the cruwear micarta shaman is otw.
I have the PM2 and the Manix2 LW and G10. Don’t have the Shaman. The Manix2 is too wide front to back when folded and takes up too much room in the pocket and I very rarely carry them. The action on the PM2 is amazing. The Manix2 is not very “flickey”.
I agree. If you can get a shaman with a new steel I would get one. It might be your fav.
whats this about cru wear detent?
Not all of them, but the one I got just happened to have the crappiest wet noodle detent. I'm sure some people got one with a good detent. It's just not consistent.
@@MetalEffort - were u able to send it back for a better replacement part? you're saying wet noodle as in loose blade play?
@@gwailotus9154 Wet noodle detent. So I could shake out the blade, and it was hard to spydieflick it open because the detent didn't build up any pressure. I sold the knife eventually.
Sent by Jack FarmBoy
Who the hell is Jack Farmboy? lmao -
th-cam.com/users/jackfarmboy
I don’t know what the big deal is about the Para 2. I just got one and it feels like I’m holding a 2x4. It’s not comfortable at all. I like my Shaman, Native Salt, and Siren better.
Good video.
Shaman for me thicker blade stock can take a beating...
Jack Farmboy sent me.
Confirmation bias.
The manix is definitely the goldilocks knife.