For me the Manix 2 wins in every category especially ergos. Shaman and PM2 are close, they are designed to have different strengths/uses, but I lean towards the PM2. Para 3 is a different category to me based on size, but a nice knife all the same.
If the manix 2 had the compression lock it would absolutely be the perfect Spyderco knife and in fact might even be the perfect knife period for me personally. Nothing wrong with the ball bearing lock but when talking “perfect” it really distracts from the overall clean lines of the manix by having that switch in the middle.
Manix 2 PM2 Shaman Para3 I actually dislike the Para 3. I regret buying it. Most fidgety or best action knife though. Straight up to small and awkward for my hand and I dislike how thick the blade is for its length. Manix is the closest knife to perfect imo. Out of all knives, not just Spyderco. Slicey, durable, decent edge length, fore finger choil, no fingers in blade path type lock, fidgety, strong lock, minimal lock wear, closed back design (LW), flickable open, snap shut, wire clip (LW), large lanyard hole, large knife but only 3oz, aesthetically pleasing lines closed, aesthetically pleasing lines open, extremely grippy, very ergonomically comfortable in every conceivable position, balanced. Essentially it is a large knife that can be used like a small knife. Fit in a tactical role and edc. It cuts better than other offerings in its size while allowing maximum control by letting the hand go forward more so than others while being comfortable. I typically like a large knife and a small knife for different tasks. Large knives can feel unsafe or not offer the requires control for fine tasks. The Manix 2 fills every role I require for a knife. Including a lightweight jogging knife in my shorts without pulling them down and food prep. Closest to perfection at one knife doing everything well.
I own at least one of each of those four knives and love them (especially the Shaman). I learned the first day with my Shaman how to get my finger out of the way of the nub - it’s not a big deal..!
Always amazes me to see knives reviewed that are in the $150 - $300 range, and then they are talked about in reference to how well they break down cardboard boxes. Really... I'm going to spend that kind of money for cutting cardboard? And then there's the fidget factor... I don't "play" with my knives, I actually use them. Somehow I get the feeling that most of the people that review these knives still live in their parents basement and spend the majority of their day on the computer or watching video games. Give me a knife a farmer/rancher, construction worker, or hunter/outdoors men uses, and then I'll believe the review. All the knives reviewed look like they're well made, I just think they are more show than go!
I’m a roofer and just picked up a manix 2. It isn’t specifically for my work however I use it in slot of daily scenarios or just generally abuse. I’m a huge manix fan now highly recommend
I don't get the cardboard box stuff that every edc channel talks about either. Like who tf is cutting up so much cardboard and why? I'm a carpenter and live on a farm, I prefer fixed blades because the dust, dirt, and other debris always finds its way into the pivot and locking mechanism of folders. I usually go for an esee izula, but recently started using a spyderco para 3 in s45vn. Really enjoying the premium steel, just wish I could get the same knife in a fixed blade version
Great review and interesting insights! Part of why I like my para2 is because of the generous handle. But I don't have those other knives. I have the Chief in m4. That's a great knife, but I think all of these are great, basically we're splitting hairs here.🤣🤘🏼
Nice ranking. I would have thought the Para 3 would have placed above the Paramilitary 2, but they are close. I personally find them to be fairly ugly with that bird-skull look. I like the leaf shape better and think the Manix 2 is the best deal on the table.
I have the same Spyderco Shaman sprint run knife from this video with Cruwear and brown Micarta handles which is my favorite Spyderco knife in my possession.
I have seen the plastic ball cage break, I love spyderco knives, I have 2, they Para 2 and the tenacious, but they need to make the ball cage metal, either aluminum or titanium, for this reason my next spyderco is going to be the shaman
wow, great video thanks! i've been wanting to see exactly this sort of comparison! I don't have any of these, but have been looking into checking them out! i think i might check out the manix 2!
DLT Trading has an exclusive Manix 2 with M390 blade steel for $146.30 right now and they do not charge tax with purchase. I think Knife Center has them also, but I think they do add taxes.
For me, the Shaman is the best. The Manix 2 and the PM 2 are about dead-even for me. The Para 3 is fourth. Having said that, I noticed I've been carrying my Para 3 LW in SPY27 a lot the past few days. It just depends on my mood I guess.
I own an XL Manix, but not a Manix 2. Depending on use The Para 3 is light use, Shaman heavy use, and PM3 is an in between knife fow me. I think the Manix 2 would be roughly the same use as the PM2. I would put the Para 3, Shaman, PM 2, then Manix 2.
Touché. I’ve actually been wanting one for a while but I have been trying to wait for a titanium S90V one to become available at a good price. I’m not sure I’ll ever see one that isn’t crazy expensive. I may have to get the titanium S30V one at some point.
@@TripleEEDC I admire your will to wait for the right knife! I dreamed about the titanium S30V framelock, but even that was kinda too expensive for me, here in Czechia... So I ordered the good old G10 version just last week and now I´m waiting for my first real full-size Spyderco knife:-)
People’s hands are so different. Find the most reasonable option that fits your hand and go with it. Don’t listen to to the internet. The smallest minority is the individual.
I respect that. I personally find the Shaman to be very comfortable but the same ergonomics do not fit everyone. It seems to be a pretty good consensus that the Para 3 is better than the PM2. I don’t think enough people say it out loud.
Four years later and this is still a very helpful comparison! Thank you.
For me the Manix 2 wins in every category especially ergos. Shaman and PM2 are close, they are designed to have different strengths/uses, but I lean towards the PM2. Para 3 is a different category to me based on size, but a nice knife all the same.
If the manix 2 had the compression lock it would absolutely be the perfect Spyderco knife and in fact might even be the perfect knife period for me personally. Nothing wrong with the ball bearing lock but when talking “perfect” it really distracts from the overall clean lines of the manix by having that switch in the middle.
Manix 2
PM2
Shaman
Para3
I actually dislike the Para 3. I regret buying it. Most fidgety or best action knife though. Straight up to small and awkward for my hand and I dislike how thick the blade is for its length.
Manix is the closest knife to perfect imo. Out of all knives, not just Spyderco. Slicey, durable, decent edge length, fore finger choil, no fingers in blade path type lock, fidgety, strong lock, minimal lock wear, closed back design (LW), flickable open, snap shut, wire clip (LW), large lanyard hole, large knife but only 3oz, aesthetically pleasing lines closed, aesthetically pleasing lines open, extremely grippy, very ergonomically comfortable in every conceivable position, balanced.
Essentially it is a large knife that can be used like a small knife. Fit in a tactical role and edc. It cuts better than other offerings in its size while allowing maximum control by letting the hand go forward more so than others while being comfortable. I typically like a large knife and a small knife for different tasks. Large knives can feel unsafe or not offer the requires control for fine tasks. The Manix 2 fills every role I require for a knife. Including a lightweight jogging knife in my shorts without pulling them down and food prep. Closest to perfection at one knife doing everything well.
I own at least one of each of those four knives and love them (especially the Shaman). I learned the first day with my Shaman how to get my finger out of the way of the nub - it’s not a big deal..!
I bought that exact same para 3 and its the best knife I've ever owned by a mile. Guess I'll have to look into the shaman.
Always amazes me to see knives reviewed that are in the $150 - $300 range, and then they are talked about in reference to how well they break down cardboard boxes. Really... I'm going to spend that kind of money for cutting cardboard? And then there's the fidget factor... I don't "play" with my knives, I actually use them. Somehow I get the feeling that most of the people that review these knives still live in their parents basement and spend the majority of their day on the computer or watching video games. Give me a knife a farmer/rancher, construction worker, or hunter/outdoors men uses, and then I'll believe the review. All the knives reviewed look like they're well made, I just think they are more show than go!
Check out the GNS. (Go, no show) by L T Wright. Fixed blade greatness!
Agree with you 100%. And I think you'd like the Manix 2. It takes a bit to break it in.... but then it's like your favorite dog.
I’m a roofer and just picked up a manix 2. It isn’t specifically for my work however I use it in slot of daily scenarios or just generally abuse. I’m a huge manix fan now highly recommend
I don't get the cardboard box stuff that every edc channel talks about either. Like who tf is cutting up so much cardboard and why? I'm a carpenter and live on a farm, I prefer fixed blades because the dust, dirt, and other debris always finds its way into the pivot and locking mechanism of folders. I usually go for an esee izula, but recently started using a spyderco para 3 in s45vn. Really enjoying the premium steel, just wish I could get the same knife in a fixed blade version
I don't get the cardboard stuff either but people buy these knives just to collect or carry generally not just farmers xD
Great review and interesting insights! Part of why I like my para2 is because of the generous handle. But I don't have those other knives. I have the Chief in m4. That's a great knife, but I think all of these are great, basically we're splitting hairs here.🤣🤘🏼
Great comparison video. Think you helped me make up my mind on my first purchase, thank you!
I know there are lots of knives out there but I went with the Manix for my daily
That’s one of the best choices out there for a daily user.
Excellent choice imho .
I don't have a shaman or para 3, but I do prefer the manix over the pm2
A good insight into the knives and the reasons behind choosing them. Thank you
Just got a knife center all black manix. LOVE IT!! Better than PM, PM2. I feel it’s going to be one of my go to EDC.
Hoping did it take to ship and was it delayed or out of stock temporarily?
Nice ranking. I would have thought the Para 3 would have placed above the Paramilitary 2, but they are close. I personally find them to be fairly ugly with that bird-skull look. I like the leaf shape better and think the Manix 2 is the best deal on the table.
I agree that the manix and shaman are more attractive
Yeah I want one myself. I wish they would release some new models. They seem to have forgotten about the manix series and that lock style.
Great review! Lots of good info
Thank you!
Cool comparison definitely alot of food for thought because these are all considerations I'm have made
Thanks!
Now that it’s been 2+ years, how are you liking maxamet?
Excellent points views, I never thought it that way. Nice baby
I have the same Spyderco Shaman sprint run knife from this video with Cruwear and brown Micarta handles which is my favorite Spyderco knife in my possession.
Mine too!
Triple E EDC the Spyderco Shaman simply fills my hand better with no hot spots along the handle. The Shaman is a comfortable knife for me.
Thanks for the USA spyderco vid!
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
I have seen the plastic ball cage break, I love spyderco knives, I have 2, they Para 2 and the tenacious, but they need to make the ball cage metal, either aluminum or titanium, for this reason my next spyderco is going to be the shaman
Awesome video my Friend...keep up the fantastic work !!!
Thanks!
I feel like the sage should have been on this list too 🤔
Possibly if I was doing best spydercos, but this was just a comparison of these models.
Love the sage .I have got to get me one .
wow, great video thanks! i've been wanting to see exactly this sort of comparison! I don't have any of these, but have been looking into checking them out! i think i might check out the manix 2!
It’s a great knife!
DLT Trading has an exclusive Manix 2 with M390 blade steel for $146.30 right now and they do not charge tax with purchase.
I think Knife Center has them also, but I think they do add taxes.
Best blade steel for manix?
Looking at cruwear, spy 27.
Cruwear. No question. It’s probably my favorite steel. Especially since a lot of makers have not fully dialed in the heat treat on magnacut yet.
Nice run down review. Thanks man.
Thanks!
Just bought a manix 2 LW in CPM-M4 for $135 on blade hq.
That’s a good one!
Very nice video, thank you!
Thank you!
For me, the Shaman is the best. The Manix 2 and the PM 2 are about dead-even for me. The Para 3 is fourth. Having said that, I noticed I've been carrying my Para 3 LW in SPY27 a lot the past few days. It just depends on my mood I guess.
Manix 2 > (Native 5) > Shaman > PM3 > PM2. PM2 is basically the upgraded Rat 1.
Calling a knife an "upgraded Rat 1" is a massive compliment!
@@tonysa2337 It isn’t particularly insulting. Rat 1 is a good, classic knife- Just very basic and kind of boring. Knives have come a long way.
I own an XL Manix, but not a Manix 2. Depending on use The Para 3 is light use, Shaman heavy use, and PM3 is an in between knife fow me. I think the Manix 2 would be roughly the same use as the PM2. I would put the Para 3, Shaman, PM 2, then Manix 2.
Great video I probably would have chosen the same way
My order is exactly how you have them lined up being the Shaman #1 / Manix 2 #2 / PM2 #3 / and the Para 3 #3 .👍🏼
If your fingers are smart enough you can front flip the Shaman, that is even cooler.
The Shaman is my favorite fidget knife.
Yeah. I think I front flipped it in the video but I can’t remember. It is a great front flipper too!
You say you are a full-size knife guy, so where is your Spyderco Military?
Touché. I’ve actually been wanting one for a while but I have been trying to wait for a titanium S90V one to become available at a good price. I’m not sure I’ll ever see one that isn’t crazy expensive. I may have to get the titanium S30V one at some point.
@@TripleEEDC I admire your will to wait for the right knife! I dreamed about the titanium S30V framelock, but even that was kinda too expensive for me, here in Czechia... So I ordered the good old G10 version just last week and now I´m waiting for my first real full-size Spyderco knife:-)
The conclusion that I draw is that I should buy them all. Lol
Yes. Yes you should 😂😎
People’s hands are so different. Find the most reasonable option that fits your hand and go with it. Don’t listen to to the internet. The smallest minority is the individual.
I saw the chaman in a store he was very scary sharp, spyderco make goods sharp in general but the chaman is amazing
Same exact order I would place them in.
Manix, Para 3, then the PM2 and Shaman tie it up for being last. I find the Shaman to be very uncomfortable and as it comes the PM2 is as well.
I respect that. I personally find the Shaman to be very comfortable but the same ergonomics do not fit everyone. It seems to be a pretty good consensus that the Para 3 is better than the PM2. I don’t think enough people say it out loud.
Para 3
F-117 Stealth
spyderco's 4 horseman
You must have small hands.
They call me Small Hands McGee. My love of the largest knife in this group must be an anomaly.