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...
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Pimping your PM2
Flytanium Lotus scales for PM2 (seen in video): bladeops.com/f...
PM2 Purple Lanyard Tube: bladeops.com/f...
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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...
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#everydaycarry
#spyderco
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[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@dionflorio9249]

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

[@alxs2666]

10:59 ?!

[@daveburklund2295]

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

[@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!

[@ChrisLoew]

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

[@yoboisteven1741]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@FreedomFox1]

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

[@tcrenegade]

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

[@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

[@mityjoeyoung8855]

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

[@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

[@gregoryblake3377]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@conjandysecurity]

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

[@captntrousers4646]

I think I just found my new favorite knife channel.

[@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

[@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.

[@powers1776reset]

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.

[@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

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@joepublic573]

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

[@greghill5183]

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

[@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.

[@boatbuilding4412]

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

[@Btree33]

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

[@HaiNguyen88888]

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

[@Hitinui666]

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

[@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.

[@unknownriderinbound]

Love to see some batoning at Albertsons footage!

[@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

[@sharpknivesrule6006]

Never disappointed with your content!

[@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? 🤔🤨

[@BlackTeaKettlebells]

Damn boi... Way to go Spyderco. Finally a knife and a review that brought back your inner impetulent man child. You really let the air out of that cardboard box. Dat bits won't be holding stuff no more. The mediocre knife throws into the stump were so refreshing. This is art. This is primal. The true essence of the Advanced Knife Bro.

[@MrTheandygeorge]

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

[@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.

[@Leftyotism]

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

[@Sleep_SDE1979]

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

[@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.

[@billclancy4913]

I have both, shaman is preferable for heavy use. Para2 is slicier. I'm happy with either, with a small favoring to the Shaman.

[@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!

[@nonnobissolum]

So obscenely accurate.

[@riverrunner23]

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

[@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?

[@texanbladereview138]

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

[@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🤣🤣🤣🤜🤛👍⚔️

[@viseshseernam39]

one of the sharpest folding blades ever seen or used Spypderco

[@Corkymmi]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@thechugdude]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@evilhamsters08]

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

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

That’s like 3 years off

[@sicilianmammalian]

I got a serrated shaman it's been my favorite knife I've ever owned

[@poncho151]

“a full two ounces more of tradition” is brilliant

[@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

[@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

[@macmiddlebrooks1]

PM2 every day. It's a classic for all the right reasons. If you have hands smaller than XL, the para3 fills the void.

[@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!

[@jimbodial4847]

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

[@pnwesty7174]

Best knife channel there is.

[@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.

[@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.

[@BrokenBarBox]

Your emotional and spiritual growth through the years has been nothing short of ok.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

If I have learned nothing the journey has been worth it.

[@DullPoints]

HEY! Don't forget to make fun of ergonomic chairs and footrests. Maybe middle managers too.

[@edc4fun]

Finally it’s here!

[@starkparker16]

This will change everything!

[@mmllrjr]

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

[@6thMessenger]

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

[@f4t4lity0r4]

That intro was fucking hilarious. I’m glad I found this channel

[@destro6971]

Thanks Kyle, you’re a winner. 👍🏼

[@gumbihilt1333]

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

[@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.

[@mitchelljames1406]

As an owner of both, I can state that the question should be "Which to purchase?" ....The comparison is akin to testing an SUV vs. a Pickup truck. Completely different animal if your blade experience and I.Q. is more than average. Gotta say I don't quite understand the over-the-top craze for the Shaman. Great piece, but the Para 2's are Gold😉👍

[@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

[@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.

[@JaxWatchesandEDC]

After my 2nd PM2 blade broke at the tip, I went back to Benchmade. It seems like the Spyderco knives 20 years ago were a lot better.

[@Glocks.Scotch.and.Wristwatch]

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

[@frankiejdwm_edc1037]

Shaman is most definitely my favorite Spyderco knife. The lanyard hole is only problem, cause if you put a LynchNW clip on there, the lanyard hole disappears.

[@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

[@dobie-at-home]

I love the Spydies I love, and don’t like the ones I don’t like… but man, for some reason I hate sprint runs, exclusives, limited releases, one-offs, and any others that I left off. Just make the damn things and sell ’em.. don’t make a couple of ‘em in plaid for one dealer, and make us feel like we need to fill that hole. Now where’d I put my chartreuse, glow-in-the-dark Shaman in Adamantium… I’ve got some Spydie flickin’ to do… it calms my nerves.

[@MrCravin8388]

Not a fan of the leaf blade shape on the Shaman or Manix, I have many Spyderco's and even drove to Golden Colorado to meet Sal which was great. The PM2 is favorite followed by the the Para 3.

[@bladeops]

Give It Hell!

[@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.

[@0zmosis2001]

Well missed the drop and sold out.....big surprise Spyderco!

[@teratism143]

I was eating a grilled cheese and while chewing thought you said Depression Lock.

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

I might have!

[@carlito5552]

Thanks for pronouncing it right

[@dourmoose]

Finally right?

[@Leftyotism]

Advanced Spiderbro! 😱