Damn, I really do love this knife. Really solid feeling with great ergonomics. Aesthetically my favourite looking Spyderco too. The price has gone a bit crazy, but I do not regret spending the money on it. Such a special feeling owning one.
I have a couple shamans as well. I scale swapped the blacked out M4 micarta scales for the burnt orange Rex45 scales. I also have a 15V one with flytanium carbon fiber scales. Love the shaman 😀
@@timnichol6566 Definitely gonna do some AWT scales on one of them. And one’s going away. Probably the satin because I already threw some stand offs in it instead of the backspacer. Definitely lightens it up a bit.👌🏻
I did the same with my satin version. Put the stand offs on. Definitely lighter. Not that I’ve used it, it’s just sitting as I have way too many Spyderco’s that I have in “rotation”. Been carrying a standard Native Chief and a Military 2. Both great edc blades.
I love the M2 as well, but I prefer the compresion lock this one has to the crossbar style on the Manix. I like the blade shape on the manix more though. . .
@5MinuteKnives Yes that compression lock looks sick. The ball bearing lock on the Mannix is solid but I'm sure not as good. Mannix isn't super fidgety either.
@@Tarheelsteel The Manix 2 is super fidgety once you replace the stock spring with an AWT one.....only downside is the "detent" becomes a bit weak, but wayyyyyyyyyyy easier to close. Still not a huge fan of the weird ergos of the Manix 2.....I think the XL might be a slight improvement, but haven't tried one out yet. The Shaman blows the Manix out of the water in the ergos dept, but the Manix is obviously a better slicer. The Shaman does featherstick surprisingly well though.....good knife to carry if you're heading outdoors.
I love the Shaman. It's my favorite Spyderco. Got my first one right after my heart surgery in Feb of 2022. Carried it a lot but earlier this year, I somehow managed to screw up the pivot. I think I ruined the thread inside the pivot itself. Got my second one on May 4 of this year. This one came perfect right out of the box. No blade play or lock rock and it was drop shut from the moment I took it out. I haven't touched any of the screws yet. Got my third one just last Saturday (09/16/2023). It had the DLC coated blade. Didn't want to drop but was perfectly centered. I thought it broke in very quickly. When I got home, I continued to fidget with it but when I checked, there was a lot of side to side movement. One of the pivot screws got loose. Tightened it up and starting fidgeting with it again just to see. Sure enough, that same screw started to back out again. Had to use blue LocTite. So far so good.
Replaced my shaman with a benchmade persidio as my wknd garage knife last year. Shaman just needed to be slightly bigger and more grip in the handle I found for any harder use at home. Great review, cheers!
I love high-value knives/tools etc but... I absolutely lust over the Shaman in M4. I HATE how the scalper market has driven up the price but its a perfect knife for me and one of these days I will own one.
I love that blade shape. And great energy with the “and we’re back!” 👍 I think this format for reviews is just fine. Always worthwhile. Oddly enough seeing guys in the woods isn’t critical for me. I’d have to really try hard to compare somebody batoning or feather sticking with one knife and another in a separate vid.
Check out the old Spydie Super Leaf. I have custom scales on one that I hand contoured for comfort and it looks to me like a near exact match to the Shaman. As such, I recommend it as an alternative to a PM2, more comfortable and much sturdier tip.
Shaman is my fav Spyderco. The Leaf Shape Blade is practical for the size of the knife IMO. It is a fantastic choice, i have the version in your video and The Knife Joker Exclusive.
My Shaman may be my favorite knife out of my almost 200 collection. Never was a Spydie fan until I got the Shaman, then I picked up the Manix 2 and it is a close runner-up. I would love to see a Shaman with Manix style Ball lock.
Hopefully this comment don’t make me a chump but I got a question- don’t got a spyderco in my collection. Narrowed it down to the Yojumbo, the Manix 2 XL and this Shaman right here. Any insights on which of the three I should go with? 4-max scout is my favorite knife ever made if that should inform my decision. Love your vids.
I really like the Shaman but had to put aftermarket scales on mine. The "comfort" that first time users experience, in my opinion, is due to the aggressive chamfering and smoothness of the handle. That smoothness doesn't lend itself to a locked in grip which is my preference. I do love the thickness of the blade which Spyderco doesn't do too often, but they did a good job here. My complaints would be the lack of alignment pins for the scales at the back spacer (transferring any stress to the screws themselves) and small-ish pivot washers. Does it matter? I don't know.
Excellent review! Shaman is my favorite in the Spyderco line. I was so disappointed to hear about the crankiness at the factory. Inexcusable to me! People enthusiastically travel from all over the world to visit the Spyderco mothership location and learn more about the knives, not to mention the big hard-earned bucks some people drop there. The employees should appreciate that. Thanks and keep up the great work.
I like the Manix 2 more. I prefer the compression lock but not if it means close to 100 bucks more! The Shaman is cool but just too much for what you get.
Go with a Yojumbo instead you will appreciate it in every way x10! Seriously! Like the title says not what you thought..... Well let me tell you my little story about the Shaman. I wanted it for the longest time looked and fawned over it forever... Then when it was actually available in all black I was ready and had it sent. Got it in the mail and was stoked. It was MUCH! thinner than expected, for me it was ok but the way the handles are rounded out made it slippery combined with the material? Or was a massive NO. As bro here states the way it holds and everything yes totally great. And then that nib on the back lock again wtf?! But if you must get one and get way! Different real burlap micarta that will be excellent grind down the nib and yeah in that case you can have an excellent knife.. Also try and get a clip that is closer to the SpydieChef! You will be set.
The Shaman's are awesome knives, have 7 of them with 3 being exclusives. I like the Shaman better than the PM 2 due to the thicker and sturdier tip. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah man , I like it quite a bit , and the manix 2 and pm2 are my top 3 spydercos but they are the ones I have . Funny how the knives we have are the best , lol
Spyderco customer service line seemed to be in a cranky mood as well when I called. I sent a few knives for re-sharpening and a women answered sounding like she couldn't be bothered to answer my questions. Great knives but the people there can be a little nicer because I couldn't wait to get off the phone with her, felt like she was gonna start patronizing me for simply asking the turnaround time for re-sharpening blades.
I got my Shaman for around $130 in 2022 - it was on sale (I think regular price was around $230 back then) and then had enough points for a $50 Knife Center discount, but the current price of $270 is a little crazy. Give it a couple years, and they'll probably be over $300. I love the knife and all, but these prices are getting outrageous. However, food prep? No. That's what kitchen knives are made for lol.
So true… and you’d be surprised how many guys use their EDC knives for food prep. I mean, I don’t, but a lot of guys do. Thanks for joining the discussion 👍
Glad someone explained that. I've never understood it... (I wish someone would've told me that before I drove all the way up there though.) The staff was also having a bad day both times I happened to visit so that has nothing to do with pricing but it was a factor for me.
@@5MinuteKnives _ Weird, I go up there whenever I'm in Denver visiting family. I look at/handle all the knives I may want to buy (just to make sure I like them) & then go home and order them on line cheaper. I usually buy some swag there though!. Also, I've never been treated badly or thought the staff was "Off" their game or anything.
@@danofiremano Happened twice to me. The first time, I had three friends with me that were all SPyderco fans. We were all buming on the ride home about it. The second time, they were dismissive and didn't really engage with us even though there was only one other person in there at the time. I actually lived in Golden and heard similar thing from the gun store employees in the area as well, so I stopped going.
Hey nice stuff, I have a couple shamans. One in Rex45, one blacked out M4, and my new one in 15V. Ive put flytanium carbon fiber scales one the 15v one. I put the burnt orange scales from the Rex45 one on the blacked out M4. The Rex45 one has micarta scales from the M4 one 😀
I like the knife........but I've got a Benchmade Griptilian (a good work horse) with almost the same size and materials with a pricetag with almost 200 euros less......???😅😅👍
Makes total sense to me man. There is something special about this one once you handle it for a bit though that's hard to describe. Still, I totally get your point. On paper, it should be cheaper.
I don’t believe it’s overpriced at all. The blade steel, quality, and handle is top notch. If bench made produced the exact knife it would run 500-700. Don’t get me wrong bench made has amazing customer service and quality of its own, but the sharpness out of the box and quality’s make it worth the price. Yes it’s a heavy knife that makes you feel like your carrying more but overall one of the best knifes at the price point. I don’t mind the heaviness, it just reeks of quality, and something I didn’t want until holding in my hand
Was just going to say, if you think Spyderco’s are overpriced, then whatever you do, don’t go looking at Benchmade’s! Still like them, but damn have they gone crazy in the price department.
Personally I'd rather a Cold Steel American Lawman. Same size, way lighter, stronger, thinner, just as versatile...and less than half the price. I like US made but dang
Damn, I really do love this knife. Really solid feeling with great ergonomics. Aesthetically my favourite looking Spyderco too.
The price has gone a bit crazy, but I do not regret spending the money on it. Such a special feeling owning one.
I only have 2 Shamans, both bhq exclusives in micarta and m4, satin and dlc. Great knives.👍🏻
I have a couple shamans as well. I scale swapped the blacked out M4 micarta scales for the burnt orange Rex45 scales. I also have a 15V one with flytanium carbon fiber scales. Love the shaman 😀
@@timnichol6566 Definitely gonna do some AWT scales on one of them. And one’s going away. Probably the satin because I already threw some stand offs in it instead of the backspacer. Definitely lightens it up a bit.👌🏻
@@DuhYaThinkcool i have 2 as well, the Standard S30V, and a The Knife Joker Exclusive.
I did the same with my satin version. Put the stand offs on. Definitely lighter. Not that I’ve used it, it’s just sitting as I have way too many Spyderco’s that I have in “rotation”. Been carrying a standard Native Chief and a Military 2. Both great edc blades.
I can’t decide between getting the dlc or stonewashed
I love my Mannix 2 and don't know of anything that could replace it for me as far as Spyderco goes but this looks very appetizing.
I love the M2 as well, but I prefer the compresion lock this one has to the crossbar style on the Manix. I like the blade shape on the manix more though. . .
@5MinuteKnives Yes that compression lock looks sick. The ball bearing lock on the Mannix is solid but I'm sure not as good. Mannix isn't super fidgety either.
@@Tarheelsteel no but I loved my M2 in g10. Carried it for years. It went to a dear friend but I miss the hell out of it...
@@Tarheelsteel The Manix 2 is super fidgety once you replace the stock spring with an AWT one.....only downside is the "detent" becomes a bit weak, but wayyyyyyyyyyy easier to close. Still not a huge fan of the weird ergos of the Manix 2.....I think the XL might be a slight improvement, but haven't tried one out yet. The Shaman blows the Manix out of the water in the ergos dept, but the Manix is obviously a better slicer. The Shaman does featherstick surprisingly well though.....good knife to carry if you're heading outdoors.
I love the Shaman. It's my favorite Spyderco. Got my first one right after my heart surgery in Feb of 2022. Carried it a lot but earlier this year, I somehow managed to screw up the pivot. I think I ruined the thread inside the pivot itself. Got my second one on May 4 of this year. This one came perfect right out of the box. No blade play or lock rock and it was drop shut from the moment I took it out. I haven't touched any of the screws yet. Got my third one just last Saturday (09/16/2023). It had the DLC coated blade. Didn't want to drop but was perfectly centered. I thought it broke in very quickly. When I got home, I continued to fidget with it but when I checked, there was a lot of side to side movement. One of the pivot screws got loose. Tightened it up and starting fidgeting with it again just to see. Sure enough, that same screw started to back out again. Had to use blue LocTite. So far so good.
Thanks for the data point! I was seriously impressed with this one. I'm starting to think it's worth the money. 👍
@@5MinuteKnives It is. I've had a lot of Taichung Taiwan Spydercos. Really loved the Amalgam but none of those compare to the Shaman in my opinion.
Replaced my shaman with a benchmade persidio as my wknd garage knife last year. Shaman just needed to be slightly bigger and more grip in the handle I found for any harder use at home. Great review, cheers!
Appreciate the data point! 🍻
The shaman is one of the best performing Spydercos alongside the manix2
I love high-value knives/tools etc but... I absolutely lust over the Shaman in M4. I HATE how the scalper market has driven up the price but its a perfect knife for me and one of these days I will own one.
I’d like to sell my nearly perfect, like new DLC M4 Jade G10 Shaman so I can get the same with factory Micarta, instead.
I love that blade shape. And great energy with the “and we’re back!” 👍
I think this format for reviews is just fine. Always worthwhile. Oddly enough seeing guys in the woods isn’t critical for me. I’d have to really try hard to compare somebody batoning or feather sticking with one knife and another in a separate vid.
Right? I always felt the same way but for certain knives the thumping is a good data point. I usually didn't need it though. Appreciate ya bud!
Check out the old Spydie Super Leaf. I have custom scales on one that I hand contoured for comfort and it looks to me like a near exact match to the Shaman. As such, I recommend it as an alternative to a PM2, more comfortable and much sturdier tip.
👍👍👍👍
The PM2 lock stick steered me clear of any other compression locks for a few years now. My XXL hands just never liked them sadly
Shaman is my fav Spyderco. The Leaf Shape Blade is practical for the size of the knife IMO.
It is a fantastic choice, i have the version in your video and The Knife Joker Exclusive.
My Shaman may be my favorite knife out of my almost 200 collection. Never was a Spydie fan until I got the Shaman, then I picked up the Manix 2 and it is a close runner-up. I would love to see a Shaman with Manix style Ball lock.
lol and I would love to see a manix with a compression lock.
Hopefully this comment don’t make me a chump but I got a question- don’t got a spyderco in my collection. Narrowed it down to the Yojumbo, the Manix 2 XL and this Shaman right here. Any insights on which of the three I should go with?
4-max scout is my favorite knife ever made if that should inform my decision.
Love your vids.
Not at all! (It's what I'm here for.) I would say the shaman is by far the most impressive and functional out of those three.
Manix 2 XL is a very capable blade!
I might need one of these. How is the texture of the G10? Slick, or rough like a PM2? Heard it was slick, just wondering what you thought.
It was actually really nice! Not rough but perfectly grippy imo. I was really impressed by it.
Slippery believe me
I really like the Shaman but had to put aftermarket scales on mine. The "comfort" that first time users experience, in my opinion, is due to the aggressive chamfering and smoothness of the handle. That smoothness doesn't lend itself to a locked in grip which is my preference. I do love the thickness of the blade which Spyderco doesn't do too often, but they did a good job here. My complaints would be the lack of alignment pins for the scales at the back spacer (transferring any stress to the screws themselves) and small-ish pivot washers. Does it matter? I don't know.
That's good to know though and I appreciate you sharing the data point. 👍
But how is it on the back of your hand 🤔
Police 4 lw k390 is a sick knife with a finger choil 💥
One more thing , I like it better with a cme for the nub but thought it was a bit overpriced @$40 for a tiny $10 piece imho .
Excellent review! Shaman is my favorite in the Spyderco line. I was so disappointed to hear about the crankiness at the factory. Inexcusable to me! People enthusiastically travel from all over the world to visit the Spyderco mothership location and learn more about the knives, not to mention the big hard-earned bucks some people drop there. The employees should appreciate that. Thanks and keep up the great work.
My thoughts exactly. In my head, I thought I'd experience the Willy Wonka of knives haha. Thanks for adding to the discussion bud!
I decided on getting the Sage 5 G10 for $137. Maybe next pick up Ill get the Shaman.
I like the Manix 2 more. I prefer the compression lock but not if it means close to 100 bucks more! The Shaman is cool but just too much for what you get.
Manix 2 in g10 was one of my favorite knives ever...
@@5MinuteKnives I love the blade stock. The ergos are like butter.
Thanks for the review man. I’ve been wanting a Shaman for a loooong time. The only thing stopping me is the price but I think it’s time!
It's kind of like food... sometimes, the more I spend, the more I appreciate the thing. lol It's a solid knife though man. Thanks for watching. 👍
Go with a Yojumbo instead you will appreciate it in every way x10! Seriously! Like the title says not what you thought..... Well let me tell you my little story about the Shaman. I wanted it for the longest time looked and fawned over it forever... Then when it was actually available in all black I was ready and had it sent. Got it in the mail and was stoked. It was MUCH! thinner than expected, for me it was ok but the way the handles are rounded out made it slippery combined with the material? Or was a massive NO. As bro here states the way it holds and everything yes totally great. And then that nib on the back lock again wtf?! But if you must get one and get way! Different real burlap micarta that will be excellent grind down the nib and yeah in that case you can have an excellent knife.. Also try and get a clip that is closer to the SpydieChef! You will be set.
Best knife reviewer in the game imo.
Humbled and thank you for lying on a public forum. 🤣🍻
Love the look of the native line but the back lock on the chief and the cost of the shaman for what it is just kill it for me.
Actually I get my Shaman for $10 bucks more than my PM2, nice deal $197 exactly
The Shaman's are awesome knives, have 7 of them with 3 being exclusives. I like the Shaman better than the PM 2 due to the thicker and sturdier tip. Thanks for sharing!
I was really impressed with the feel and ergos on this one too. Thanks for tuning in bud! 🍻
Yeah man , I like it quite a bit , and the manix 2 and pm2 are my top 3 spydercos but they are the ones I have . Funny how the knives we have are the best , lol
Right? They really are though. I think you'd like this one too...
I carry and use my Manix 2 XL a lot more than my Shaman
Is it because you're not afraid for damaging the M2, or is it just the better user for you? That's interesting. Thanks for the data point. 👍
I find the M2xl a better user with more cutting edge. I got a second M2xl from Knife Center with a CPM Cruware blade
Spyderco customer service line seemed to be in a cranky mood as well when I called. I sent a few knives for re-sharpening and a women answered sounding like she couldn't be bothered to answer my questions. Great knives but the people there can be a little nicer because I couldn't wait to get off the phone with her, felt like she was gonna start patronizing me for simply asking the turnaround time for re-sharpening blades.
Throw in some flytanium Ti scales and elevates it to another level! 😉👌
I just might!
I got my Shaman for around $130 in 2022 - it was on sale (I think regular price was around $230 back then) and then had enough points for a $50 Knife Center discount, but the current price of $270 is a little crazy. Give it a couple years, and they'll probably be over $300. I love the knife and all, but these prices are getting outrageous. However, food prep? No. That's what kitchen knives are made for lol.
So true… and you’d be surprised how many guys use their EDC knives for food prep. I mean, I don’t, but a lot of guys do. Thanks for joining the discussion 👍
The price is higher so they don't undercut their resale outlets. It's a very practical business practice.
Glad someone explained that. I've never understood it... (I wish someone would've told me that before I drove all the way up there though.) The staff was also having a bad day both times I happened to visit so that has nothing to do with pricing but it was a factor for me.
@@5MinuteKnives _ Weird, I go up there whenever I'm in Denver visiting family. I look at/handle all the knives I may want to buy (just to make sure I like them) & then go home and order them on line cheaper. I usually buy some swag there though!. Also, I've never been treated badly or thought the staff was "Off" their game or anything.
@@danofiremano Happened twice to me. The first time, I had three friends with me that were all SPyderco fans. We were all buming on the ride home about it. The second time, they were dismissive and didn't really engage with us even though there was only one other person in there at the time. I actually lived in Golden and heard similar thing from the gun store employees in the area as well, so I stopped going.
Hey nice stuff, I have a couple shamans. One in Rex45, one blacked out M4, and my new one in 15V. Ive put flytanium carbon fiber scales one the 15v one. I put the burnt orange scales from the Rex45 one on the blacked out M4. The Rex45 one has micarta scales from the M4 one 😀
Agree, Enduras are awesome. I love back locks. Hate compression locks.
💯💯💯💯
I like the knife........but I've got a Benchmade Griptilian (a good work horse) with almost the same size and materials with a pricetag with almost 200 euros less......???😅😅👍
Makes total sense to me man. There is something special about this one once you handle it for a bit though that's hard to describe. Still, I totally get your point. On paper, it should be cheaper.
Well worth the price it is built too last
5K subscribers!!!! WOOHOO!!! Let's make it 10K so we can see stuff get destroyed!!!
🤘🤘🤘🤘
I want one soooo bad but, I can't justify the price. Too many monies for me.
k390! is the best!!
It doesn't have a sharpening choiyo the first person that comment was $170-$180 ! ? Every reputable site has it at over $250
Good knife, but overpriced like most Spydercos anymore.
I don’t believe it’s overpriced at all. The blade steel, quality, and handle is top notch. If bench made produced the exact knife it would run 500-700. Don’t get me wrong bench made has amazing customer service and quality of its own, but the sharpness out of the box and quality’s make it worth the price. Yes it’s a heavy knife that makes you feel like your carrying more but overall one of the best knifes at the price point. I don’t mind the heaviness, it just reeks of quality, and something I didn’t want until holding in my hand
I like my Cold Steel Recon 1 for half the price of the Shaman.@@tylerwalker2351
Was just going to say, if you think Spyderco’s are overpriced, then whatever you do, don’t go looking at Benchmade’s! Still like them, but damn have they gone crazy in the price department.
Personally I'd rather a Cold Steel American Lawman. Same size, way lighter, stronger, thinner, just as versatile...and less than half the price. I like US made but dang
Good to know!
Go cry somewhere else. The shaman is a far superior knife to that cheap ass cold steel trash
Lawman is smaller, l think, but l agree with your preference.
Cold steel sux
In my opinion you’re wrong I had to look it up and it looks cheap spyderco is way better than cold steel
The Shaman was why I started buying Shysterco knives. The bodacious is why i stopped.