Spyderco Shaman: "Very Frustrating" but...

Funny how being so close to perfection (such as is even possible) can still go awry in some simple ways.
Obviously the M4 variant used in video is not available, but below are links to some regular Shamans.
BladeHQ -- www.bladehq.co...
KnifeCenter -- www.knifecente...
KnifeWorks -- knifeworks.com...
BladeOps -- bladeops.com/s...
SMKW -- www.smkw.com/c...
REC -- riversedgecutl...

[@DrLawyer284]

shaman is my current favorite production knife ~ i have the base model and the “CruCarta” sprint. i solved the very minor backspacer fit issue by adding a flytanium made titanium backspacer from BHQ.

[@DaveLikesKnives]

The backspacer doesn’t bother me as much as the lil’nubbin. But even that doesn’t stop it from being an incredible knife. You said favorite production, does that imply you’ve got a few customs?

[@DrLawyer284]

@@DaveLikesKnives HA! No customs for me ... yet! But srsly I would rather have 5 $100 ✌️budget✌️ knives than 1 $500 custom knife. This is one reason why I enjoy your channel ~ you review budget-ish/production/“evergreen” knives that you actually work with. I own a couple of exclusives and sprint runs, and i’ve customized a couple with after-market accoutrements, but there are no customs or midtechs in my collection.

[@DrLawyer284]

@@DaveLikesKnives You need to try a Spyderco Carribean ~ compression lock + LC200N steel ~ may solve your corrosion issues. I have the stabby-pointy straight blade version and, #IMHO, its overall better than the paramilitary 2. Except it doesn’t have a forward finger choil like the PM2 & Shaman, which I really like for some reason.

[@DaveLikesKnives]

The new Enduras in LC200N is going to be my first shot at that steel. As much as I whine about 'visual interest,' the Carribean straight up hurts my eyes. It is a great knife though, I played with one some time ago I think. And I agree with your other point as well, I would rather have a few (more than a few but what'evs) really good knives than one amazing one that I'm afraid to get dirty.

[@DrLawyer284]

@@DaveLikesKnives i have the spydeco green lc200n staight edge pointy-stabby endura (pacific salt 2?) - only issue i have with it is that its not very fun to play with, which is important to me as an idiot knife enthusiast.

[@carmelotansengco4605]

My Shaman has taken over the top spot in my heart. That used to be occupied by my S110V PM2. With regards to the nub hitting my finger. I can time it and let it swing close on it's own. Drop shut action.

[@DaveLikesKnives]

Incredible knife, I just got another one.

[@dsknives310]

I agree with all the quirks as you mentioned but with a little practice & use it is one of my favorites for sure. Especially this variant. A bit wider handle may hv fixed that glaring nub problem. Thx for the review.👍🏻👊🏼

[@DaveLikesKnives]

Right, and it's not a big enough problem that I've felt the need to fix it yet.

[@Mainrollman]

The price on this knife just keeps creeping up. In September of 2023 it's now $252. It's still a great knife though.

[@wrjames38]

The Blade HQ Shaman in your video is a Exclusive, Not a Sprint. Any knife person who has minor experience doesn’t even feel the "nub" when retracting the blade using the compression lock. Made up issue on KZbin. Who gets confused with different sized screws? The G10 scales don't match backspacer by design, Don't know why, But by design! Thanks for video

[@DaveLikesKnives]

cool

[@knifevideochannel4657]

I'll second the "nub" being a non issue to knife aficionados! That's what's so cool about Spyderco, They have a knife for everyone in their extension catalog.

[@Mainrollman]

I actually like the nub. You can use it as a flipper tab to open the the knife.

[@Hungrybird474]

The nub that bumps my finger is stupid and should ah e been corrected . I can guarantee 99% of people do t need that there to stay on the choil . Anyways it’s a flaw in the design imo even though I like the knife . Still after adding scales , it’s overpriced by a long shot @$400 with cF scales .

[@steeltoez8345]

I could never understand the hype with the shaman. I actually bought that exact same version for my buddy BJ Hill when the post office lost his St Nicks version. For the money I gravitated towards the hundred pacer but each their own. My next block of testing will include a shaman but it's the tree rex version. Who knows the design could grow on me, but I never found the standard 200 price tag worth the money. Esp when the model has the steel options coming out as much as they do.

[@DaveLikesKnives]

Exactly, I love the knife but man is the market around it weird. So expensive and every variant so far has been a low batch sprint run, as far as I'm aware. Not even any consistency to attempt to justify the price. Great piece but there's a lot surrounding it I wish they would change.

[@steeltoez8345]

@@DaveLikesKnives I'm assuming they were testing the Waters to see how they sell. The extra efforts could have been pushed towards more runs of the Millie which is almost a guarantee to sell out fast. The gambles paid off and they are pumping em out so much the s30v version doesn't make sense to acquire. Eventually thumb thunder will work in your favor and you can acquire a offering that's unique.

[@DaveLikesKnives]

Likely all true, although I've never been able to play with a Millie. I've been hearing rumors of a comp lock version so I'm waiting for that to pick one up.

[@wrjames38]

@@steeltoez8345 Millies DON'T sell anywhere near the Shaman, Para 3, Or Paramilitary 2. The Knifeworks Exclusives CF/TI S90V Framelock and Green G10 CTS -204P took forever to sell out (months). The Blade HQ Jade Exclusive and Rex 45 Sprint were there for hours/days respectively. As much as I love the Military, It's rather large for most knife folks. Para3s and PM2S sell in seconds...sometimes crashing servers.

[@iceblock3]

You think that’s bad but I’m also a idiot in saying 300 for the blade hq shaman today new

[@danofiremano]

The Shaman is just a Crappy version of the Manix-2 which is a fantastic knife in G10 or FRCP. Especially with that compression lock/choil shiit upon closing. I'm probably going to get rid of my Shaman because I shouldn't have to get used to or get good at changing my closing style because of a shiity design!

[@DaveLikesKnives]

Odd opinion, but I suppose you're welcome to it. I have enough room in my heart to love both knives.