Which is better? Comparing Spyderco Shaman vs Para Military 2

It's about time I did a big old comparison video between the spyderco Para Military 2 (PM2), and their popular Shaman. Some people like the ergo and thickness of the Shaman, while others like the lightness and simplicity of the PM2. In this video I discuss the pros and cons of each to determine which is best for you. The Shaman seen here is a an extremely limited Blade Ops exclusive run that teams up Elmax steel with sculpted gray G10 handles. Other knives featured in this video. The Tenacious, the Hawk Deadlock, the full sized military, the Benchmade Crooked River and more. A spyderco exclusive is a dealer or distributor network custom configuration of an existing Spyderco available at one retailer usually but a sprint run is a limited configuration that once it's sold out it never comes back- and multiple retailers can carry it.
Gray G10 Elmax Shaman: bladeops.com/p...
Blurple PM2: bladeops.com/s...
Knife Steel Nerds Edge Rentention Steel article: knifesteelnerd...
_____________________________________________________________
Pimping your PM2
Flytanium Lotus scales for PM2 (seen in video): bladeops.com/f...
PM2 Purple Lanyard Tube: bladeops.com/f...
______________________________________________________________
Further watching for my EDC Theory
My 10 favorite pocket knives: • The best of the best. ...
Best Budget EDC folding knife: • Best Budget Pocket Kni...
How to Pick the Perfect EDC light: • Best Budget Pocket Kni...
#edc
#everydaycarry
#spyderco
___________________________________________________________
You can donate to my Patreon, that supports whatever it is this channel is about: / advancedknifebro
Follow me on Instagram: / advanced_knife_bro
Buy Advanced Knife Bro merch (stickers, shirts, mugs): teespring.com/...

[@CrowdSurfingGeezer]

9:26 I've got skin tags older than you

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Ever thought about getting them looked at?

[@CrowdSurfingGeezer]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro 😂love your channel

[@JohnHolliday1911]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro Hmmmm, skin tag removal, sounds like a job for a slip joint. If only we knew someone that collected them?

[@frenstcht]

@@JohnHolliday1911 Straight razor & a styptic pencil?

[@adamjames1375]

Diiiabeetus. For real Gramps, cut back on the sugar and wait for them suckers to wilt away and fall off. Hell, put them in jars & hawk 'em on the Interwebs. Chicks are getting big money for Mason jarred gaseous expulsions. I'd gladly pay three or four dollars just to drop a nice dangly one in the communal coffee burner at work.

[@tomfury7767]

Finally, a non-slip review of a more mainstream knife you talked me out of buying, but still want, but can’t justify cause I have 100 knives I don’t use.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

I’ve been hurting for the views lately so I’m trying a crowd pleaser

[@DullPoints]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro might have to fall back on reviewing machetes or flashlights if things get really dire.

[@ChrisLoew]

Your review saved me 300 dollars, thanks. Pm2 will maintain my edc choice for now

[@MitchBollig]

What a fantastic trip down memory lane...batoning with a folder, stump throws, poop jokes, self deprecation, dripping sarcasm, all in a hilarious easy to watch essay! Your videos are literally timeless, so you can review a Delica now and it will be relevant. Thanks!

[@jeffslaven]

Very entertaining video! I'm a PM2 guy from years back! Never felt the need to get a Shaman.

[@joshmteo]

This guy gives off Regular Car Reviews vibes but for knives and I love it. Solid review sir.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Wow, thanks!

[@williamyoung369]

Shaman seems more of a bushcraft type blade rather than an EDC one. I don't think I would be batoning with any folder, but it's fun to watch you do it to that $235 knife.

[@larrypeterson9429]

Just found this channel, immediately subscribed. I love how you don’t take yourself too seriously but honestly you have a lot of knowledge. And the crass sense of humor is the cherry on top. Keep doing you my guy! Thanks

[@whatfreedom7]

I’m glad you actually mentioned the bump on the shaman interfering with your finger. Some people on KZbin dodge it. I feel that that is the one big flaw with the shaman line that needs to be changed. Hopefully they will address it in the future.

[@reggieburris]

Thanks, just bought a black on black Shaman from Scheels. It is heavier than my PM2 and Manix 2 but feels good. I like them all. Good video!

[@dionflorio9249]

Cool miss your older reviews with batoning the crap out of wood. Your the man.👍

[@alxs2666]

10:59 ?!

[@gregoryblake3377]

I don't know why I haven't been seeing you but man you are really something. Appreciate your work.

[@TheBoredITGuy]

Just discovered your videos. I'm quite amused, it's as if someone recorded my inside voice and put it on KZbin. Love the content. Thanks for the time and effort!

[@retardno002]

It's hard to express oneself so authentically. Many people that sit down to write a video script change their inner monologue with the prospect of posting it on the internet, even if subconsciously. So yeah, I appreciate the content a lot as well, and even though I sound just as cynical and funny in my head, it would be impossible for me to come across like that in a YT video the way AKB does.

[@jouzel8951]

You just get me bro, I did work hard this week, I do deserve a super steel!

[@DrMaddog]

I'm like two years in a serious KZbin knife influencer binge.....and somehow, I'm just now finding Advanced Knife Bro....fugginhell this dude is hilarious.....the sarcasm is lovely

[@Btree33]

This is the best video I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen wood cut like that but I’m glad I did 😊

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

OMG. I GOT A SHOUT OUT ON YOUR CHANNEL.. my life is now complete!! I can die in peace now!!

[@daveburklund2295]

This channel literally puts the SHAME in the Shaman. Why I love AKB.

[@MrFlyrod7]

Man, I used to throw my knives into logs and dirt back in the day. Now, with decent knives at $150 or more, I’d cry if someone did that to my knife. My times have changed. Great video!

[@yoboisteven1741]

Your reviews get me through my day at work. Thank you so much. Keep up the shitty work 💗

[@nonnobissolum]

Thanks!

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Thank you!!

[@mityjoeyoung8855]

There he is. My favorite KZbin knife reviewer / comedian.

[@joepublic573]

that axe-chopping at the end with the shaman was awesome.

[@jg8979]

Now this is how a knife review is done right. I appreciate watching it be held and used instead of just tossed on a table with a ruler and a comparison knife. And I’m adding “lube-ier” to my vocabulary at the first opportunity.

[@nicholasswain5430]

I'm glad you showed that piece of the tang that blocks the lock. I never knew it was like that.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

I didn’t either.

[@powersww1reset]

There are many many, neutered shamans out there, at this point. I’ve personally nipped five (six including mine) that are out there in the wild.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro Look where the edge of the knife would be if it weren't there.

[@RM-xd5gp]

Always wanted a Shaman, and when I finally bought one, I was a little underwhelmed. I liked it, but didn't love it. Hard to justify that price on a knife that you kinda like... Ended up reselling it. My Crucarta PM2 on the other hand, I still hear angels singing when I flick it open.

[@corporalpunish6089]

I'm struggling to like my crucarta PM2. Waited a year for it and then just didnt like those thin scales. I also wasnt expecting the micarta to not be the typical resin impregnated type. Mine is filthy and denim stained after no time. I know some people call that patina, but.... What do you like about it, that I might be looking past? Other than it is a PM2 (I have multiple other PM2 and 3's)

[@whatfreedom7]

I feel the same way about the shaman. I wanted one for song long then was a little let down by the blade interfering with your finger when closing which is a bad design then my exclusive run was suppose to be green micarta and black blade but it’s tan with no green at all.

[@JohnDoe-sw4kg]

Ya getting a factory second was the only way I could justify one

[@mikoyanig5512]

I’m trying to decide between a crucarta pm2 and a shaman and you kind of helped me decide

[@Knivess0]

Its good stock and great modified.

[@FreedomFox1]

Just got an ad for Seal Team… got me hyped for the awkward backyard batoning I’m about to enjoy.

[@captntrousers4646]

I think I just found my new favorite knife channel.

[@thedrmurchindise]

One of my favorite channels. Something is wrong with me. I am probably not going to buy another knife until the comp lock military comes out

[@douglasfromalberta2456]

Dude where the F has this channel been hiding! This is the first vid I’ve seen and I lol way to hard! I’m subscribed for sure now.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Just been here, hanging out

[@Aaron-ym4bf]

Literally just filled the grey g10 void-hole because this video. I’m impressionable! Tell me to do something else I don’t even care anymore.

[@nandayane]

Thank for Riding the Shaman Train. I’ve been curious about one but never seriously thought about buying it due to the hefty weight and price.

[@tcrenegade]

Wait....there was a Spyderco knife called the Void?! Did I miss it!? Hopefully people are reselling them online at exorbitant mark ups!

[@masterofreality230]

I am just glad you pronounced shaman right, a certain other reviewer got it wrong for years and drove me crazy lol

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

He must have not listened to the doors much.

[@masterofreality230]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro he obviously never watched an Ayahuasca documentary on national geographic

[@boatbuilding4412]

My first shaman is 15v love it. Pm2 crucarta and sage 5

[@arrowheadguys7637]

Damnit Advanced Knife Bro! As I'm doing some late night recycling of my favorite youtube channel, I did not expect a Spyderco review to bait me into rage buying a GEC 35 Camp & Tool knife.

[@Glocks.Scotch.and.Wristwatch]

I own both. Love both. If I had to have one knife between the two, Shaman because of how robust.

[@greghill5183]

I have both. My PM2's are more user friendly and smoother action. Great review! Thanks!

[@jimbodial4847]

I am surprised , excellent . Where has this channel been hiding?

[@sharpknivesrule6006]

Never disappointed with your content!

[@trodrigu13]

You just need to do a stand-up somewhere buddy. You are rocking the humor! I almost forget that I'm here to listen to a knife review!

[@HaiNguyen88888]

My third video I watched from you.. thank you.. I really enjoy your content.

[@kylestone-chilla3977]

Your videos are amazing. Thank you for being so sarcastic it hurts. The reviews them selves are also significantly above average. Well done.

[@carl.44magnum51]

Good luck at Albertsons!!! Great video. Very funny.

[@crispy_edge_edc]

Love your perspective….wrong as always. And “All hail the Dollica!”,…your shout out to Keith was a nice touch. 😎👍🏻👊🏻 And yes it can be front flipped,..knocking the corners down on the jimping is HIGHLY recommended.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

“It works great as a front flipper as long as you sand the shit out of the jimping”

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro who needs skin on their thumb?

[@pnwesty7174]

Best knife channel there is.

[@sicsempertyrannis9224]

I have resisted the shaman myself. I really like my pm2 in S45. I’ll get there someday.

[@cannabislife1688]

I love S45VN. I have a Pm2 with a DLC black coated s45vn blade and camo G10 scales that I have been edc for a while now

[@evilhamsters08]

Brilliant video. Looking forward to this road to 100k.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

That’s like 3 years off

[@MrTheandygeorge]

I came for the batoning and the snarky dry jokes. I was not disappointed. Thank you

[@conjandysecurity]

You should have a ‘coolest knife name’ tourney. I would watch that.

[@unknownriderinbound]

Love to see some batoning at Albertsons footage!

[@inkdependence]

I've got an orange and black Shaman, and the action is so stiff I can't flick it at all. And that little nubbin hits the tip of my finger every time I close it. I want to love it, but I'm not there yet.

[@taylorhickman84]

I like the handle of the shamen, but the blade geometry on the pm2 is so much better.

[@Barryhatchet]

The Shaman geometry is for people with large feet

[@Sleep_SDE1979]

Great comparison... and you were absolutely right to tell us about the muscle wasting and the raw meat; thank you.

[@brianjohnson3743]

AKSHULLY, there are also distributor exclusives, which go to different dealers through a particular distributor.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Addressed this in the description already- anticipating this comment

[@brianjohnson3743]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro ain’t nobody got time to read that

[@mmllrjr]

3 minutes in and you’ve earned yourself a subscriber. i think i love you. i mean…thanks for the laughs. whatever.

[@Corkymmi]

This has been by far, my favorite knife review!!!

[@thomassmyth65]

of all the spydies i own, the manix 2 lightweight is always the one i keep going back to, probably why i have 5 versions of the manix 2, its a perfect balance of everything that i love about spyderco and knives, i would probably consider a shaman if they made on a lightweight and cut the cost down dramatically

[@ttattx]

this hit my feed today first time, as likely the algo hit me since I'm looking for scales to put on my SPY27 Shaman... I wonder if you have a video three way - PM2 vs. SHAMAN vs. BODACIOUS... that's another good place to fill a void.

[@floydmorrison2025]

Screw calling it the "Shah-man"...I still call it the Shame-an in order to remind myself of the shame that I feel to still be getting drunk before noon and ordering random Spydercos online at the age of 46. AKB, all these sensitive kids in your comments section are not be prepared for black suck hole of their 40s. The full size Crooked River is still one of my favorite knives.

[@elconquistador98]

You’re bummed about being in your 40s. 40s isn’t a giant suck hole. The problem is in you. Straighten up, you got a long way to go.

[@Mridgwell]

Since im also 46 I wish I could blame being drunk for ordering my shaman

[@Leftyotism]

By god, you almost made it before the morning of the 22nd was dawning! 👍

[@profesorEDC]

After all these years, I still crack up and enjoy your witty sarcasm. Great job Bro. I do prefer the Shaman and I am a bit older, so remember to respect your elderly...Shaman is better🤣🤣🤣🤜🤛👍⚔️

[@Hitinui666]

It was definitely not a waste of time for me. Thank you for the video 🙂

[@ahhcrickets]

It’s about time. I can finally move on with my life. Might as well call this video the Spyderco Shame-on-u for not doing this sooner. 🥁

[@crispy_edge_edc]

Are you Nick Shabazz? 🤔🤨

[@gingebrien2408]

Yes the Shaman. Truth be told I have a PM2 all tricked out & a Pm3 in Magnacut I call Frankenstein because of the aftermarket scales. I’m hoping for a Shaman in Magnacut. If it doesn’t come I will eventually pay the ransom and purchase a Shaman in Cruwear with brown micarta scales or G10. Love your dry humor.

[@datafoxy]

The shaman is a nice looking knife, I like a bit thicker of a blade, do not need the thin cuts. Really do not need the silly lanyard holes that Spyderco seems to love. Your kung Fu gets better each time.

[@BeerHandStrong]

The age old PM2 vs Shaman... in a zombie apocalypse scenario and I could only pick one, I'd call time out, run home and get both! These are my two fav edc items, in the morning I ask myself- do I feel more stabby? or do I feel more slicey?

[@kittytrail]

i'd take even my old tenacious... 😋

[@BeerHandStrong]

@@kittytrail I have a Tenacious and a Persistence both for work and abuse and I love them both! I abuse knives at work so happy Spyderco has these available.

[@riverrunner23]

If only Hai Karate aftershave was still a thing, cuz you got the moves. Great vid, thanks.

[@texanbladereview138]

I actually find this video quite helpful because I can't decide between the paramilitary 2 or the shaman

[@JamesMBC]

Great video! I have one question, you may know the answer: Why would the Spyderco Military and Paramilitary 2 knives are considered military knives, when they are so thin? I love those knives, but I think a soldier needs hard use stuff, like Cold Steel or even better, a fixed blade like the ESEE 4. Also, "Spydy holes" are stress risers in the steel (like any discontinuity in a bar of steel), so to me they are the best EDC knives, but definitively not hard use. But maybe I'm wrong and they are strong enough, not sure.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

The names weren’t taken at the time and it sounded cool!

[@thechugdude]

I really want the new 15V versions. Even though I may never be able to properly sharpen them.

[@poncho151]

“a full two ounces more of tradition” is brilliant

[@destro6971]

Thanks Kyle, you’re a winner. 👍🏼

[@bengalvin71]

Great to see you still putting out compulsion enabling content 😁 Having said that, don’t feel too bad about it. Isn’t most of KZbin about “The Void?”There’s got to be a paper in that somewhere. You speak to the unmet need in all of us. I think it’s why your content resonates so strongly with me, vacuous fucknuckle I am. On a lighter note I took my Falkniven camping the other week. It will next see the light of day in about 2025. But I kicked ass feather sticking and battoning like a MF for about a week. Can’t find time to get out with all this void filling. Hey ho, back to the grindstone….

[@bengalvin71]

Anyway, back to the point I was about to make….you’ve not been getting pushed through on the algorithm. Pretty sure it’s why you might have experienced a dip in numbers and absolutely nothing to do with the beer content….probably.

[@HollywoodTacticool]

keith the knife freak graced me with a dollica, cuz i've never seen one here in LA. I know you used to live out here. did you ever see one? that would've been a good batoning comparison

[@jasonfruit7698]

Osage Orange (long A is correct, unlike Wranglerstar’s weird pronunciation with the “massage” vibe). Here in Kansas it’s commonly referred to as “hedge”. With the big lime green brain looking balls/fruit. It’s also commonly referred to Bodart (which I’ve heard is French for “wood of the bow”). Native Americans in this neck of the woods preferred it for their bows. It’s incredibly hard, super dense and basically impervious to rot and insects. We use it for fence posts and they will last 100 years no problem. It’s also great for firewood but it’s so dense it must be cured for two to three years before using it in your stove. It ain’t no fireplace wood as it sparks like crazy and burns ridiculously hot. It’s bright yellow when cut, changes to burnt orange and then black after oxidation. I could go on, but that’s more than you ever wanted to know about Osage Orange I’m guessing! Love the videos and your sense of humor!

[@samk6707]

I live in PA and we call it monkey ball tree everything else you also said was correct as well

[@nonnobissolum]

So obscenely accurate.

[@gumbihilt1333]

Another great video from AKB. I'm broke, so here's an interaction for the algorithm.

[@danofiremano]

This last weekend I came home from Chy, WY with a Shaman & if it wasn't 99 miles each way I probably returned it today. To me it isn't any better than the PM-2 or one of my favorite Spydies, the Manix-2. I'll give it a week or two & if I don't like it any better I'll either take it back or trade it for something else!

[@JackBlaguar]

Dude, I have a man crush on your humor. *Subscribed* (LOL)

[@Fischscale77]

I picked up the Knifeworks excluse Saturday night in a drunken stupor and felt immediate regret the next morning . The same way I already regret commenting on this video.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

A guy who truly gets the hobby.

[@andrewmypocalypse]

Honestly, if you have a budget that allows you to buy only one Spyderco, it’s the PM2. You’ll never regret it. Light, fast, sharp as all nuts out, comfortable, fun, capable, and... fun. Did I mention it was fun?

[@VernonSherrod-m2t]

Agreed

[@edc4fun]

Finally it’s here!

[@starkparker16]

This will change everything!

[@viseshseernam39]

one of the sharpest folding blades ever seen or used Spypderco

[@SpyderHeel]

Something about your Spyderco videos brings me back to a simpler time. Back when a muppet-esque named knife company would garner angry comments about intellectual property. Glad to see Stumpy™ is doing well.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Ganzo!!!

[@seanknapp1272]

I'm going to be buying one or the other and thanks for the video

[@butterpeanut2264]

I want to believe... great writing btw, love the channel

[@thechugdude]

If my knife is not heavy enough I just tie a weight to the lanyard. Viola! Your knife is heavier. If I'm not failing at 20 reps... Er I mean cuts. Then it's not heavy enough. I mean what's the alternative? People I've never met might think I'm a pussy? No siree! I can't have that!

[@shrigg]

Which camera and computer'd you go with? I went Canon R6/M1 Macbook Air recently

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

M1 iMac maxed out ram and cores, with 1tb hard drive. Upgraded to Panasonic gh5s, so I can use it to stream if need be, shoots in just about any light, and also has slow mo capabilities.

[@hanalereynolds-kane8484]

Only problem I had with my pm2 was when i use the compression lock is was hitting my figer nail on closing. I found a knife youtuber had the same problem and created a thing to stop that problem called a cme. Like $20 and now I love my pm2 and carry it everyday.

[@derekneumann]

Waiting for the compression lock military!!

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

Me too!!

[@JoeyDoingThings]

I went PM2 over the Shaman. I like so many things more about it, not counting that it was cheaper.

[@adammcguinness9950]

Awesome review. I’ve never experienced a Shamen, the PM2 & I have a hate/hate relationship. I do like the Manix. The Shaman would be cool.

[@Cahwai]

i always heard the exclusives don’t have any warranty compared to the normal ones as they don’t have the parts to fix them.

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

The re-released Resilience in S35vn got me. A deep carry Lynch clip has been installed and now the blue FRN scales seem gas stationey. (not a word). The Shaman never attracted me. Bulbous and bloated imao.

[@6thMessenger]

BAHAHA love the integrated humor. Good info. Shaman is already my EDC.

[@toddstamos89]

11:15 I’d like some input on the lock fail while batoning. Was that user induced by having your thumb on the compression lock or a failure in the lock itself? My guess is that you had your thumb on the lock, but it should be addressed. Although batoning is normally the job of a good fixed blade, that was some very light batoning and you’d hope the Shaman could easily handle it.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

My thumb was never on the lock. It was lock failure. And I’m going to disagree it was light batoning. The wood had a knot in it, and it’s why the blade was having trouble traveling through the wood. So I was repeatedly hitting and and the wood below had no give. This is pretty normal- I had a failure on the Sebenza a few times. My theory is that the right hit causes the lock to flex back to it’s closed position for a split second.

[@toddstamos89]

I appreciate the input!

[@geneharrogate6911]

Looked like afternoon there. Or early morning. Would it kill you to drink a beer or two during the review? *adds to the relaxed vibes IMO. **apologies if you were already drinking all afternoon (or morning).

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

I need a beer right now

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@AdvancedKnifeBro You can't drink all day if you don't start early.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

I’ll watch the video because it’s from Bro even though I don’t really care for either folder being discussed here. Commendable he knows how to pronounce Shaman. I’ll bet he even knows how to pronounce Marcin Slysz. 👍🏻

[@Owens_Racing]

Just to be clear. PM2 is the best. It’s ok to be wrong. Just learn from your mistakes. ;)

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@Owens_Racing You misspelled "Caribbean". The Caribbean is the best.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

@@Owens_Racing i’ve got an early PM2. Thinking about a PM3. Shaman is Jeff too chunky for me. If need anything more substantial than those I’ll reach for a fixed blade.

[@MrZlooze]

Which of the martial arts do you practice?

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

All of them.