Used my new Shaman for the first time.

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Dutchman
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Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#1

Post by Dutchman »

Blizzard conditions today – freezing rain yesterday - car is low on fuel. Get to the station, 9 degrees f./ 40 mph winds - pull up to the pump, pull that lever below the seat and the gas door doesn’t open. I can’t pull that lever and pry on the gas door at the same time so out comes the Shaman to wedge into the seam between the body and that door. Go back to pull the lever and the door opens, knife falls to the frozen pavement. Now that I’m home looking the knife over there is no evidence of it doing its job.
These “prized possessions” are tools first, very good tools at that.
I’d bet Sal would be proud -
Don't judge me by my shoes.
The Meat man
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#2

Post by The Meat man »

Well you're braver than I would be with a new knife. ;)

Great story. Thanks for sharing!
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Zatx
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#3

Post by Zatx »

I'd rather freeze to death in the blizzard than use my blade to pry anything!
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Dutchman
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#4

Post by Dutchman »

Zatx wrote:
Fri Feb 08, 2019 5:05 pm
I'd rather freeze to death in the blizzard than use my blade to pry anything!
The second to the last sentence . . .
Don't judge me by my shoes.
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Evil D
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#5

Post by Evil D »

Tools first yes, but man I'd find something other than my $200 knife, if for no other reason than to keep it from falling on the ground. They usually land tip first for me and snap off or wreck the edge. But, I also never leave home without a multitool so I'd have used that first.
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Catamount123
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#6

Post by Catamount123 »

I usually carry an old beater Pacific Salt loose in my pocket, to save my better Spyders from being used for those kind of things.
I don't get people who only carry one knife :thinking ;)
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Pelagic
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#7

Post by Pelagic »

Good stuff Dutchman, buy it and use it. Knives aren't man jewelry and a Shaman isn't meant for the safe.
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Dutchman
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#8

Post by Dutchman »

The blade that rides with me gets used, silly to carry it and be afraid to use it.
A scratch/chip shows me it was there when needed.
Don't judge me by my shoes.
Daveho
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#9

Post by Daveho »

Good on ya.
I have a cheapie Ti pry thingo in my kit for such occasions but really these knives arnt that precious- as far as tools go they arnt even that expensive- I’m a big advocate for the right tool for the job but there are plenty of times you just don’t have the right tool on you.
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Tucson Tom
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#10

Post by Tucson Tom »

Bravo! Good to hear about someone using these knives for what they are made for, rather than as poker chips in some crazy collector game.
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curlyhairedboy
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#11

Post by curlyhairedboy »

The Shaman can take it. It was born to handle quite a bit!
EDC Rotation: PITS, Damasteel Urban, Shaman, Ikuchi, Amalgam, CruCarta Shaman, Sage 5 LW, Serrated Caribbean Sheepsfoot CQI, XHP Shaman, M4/Micarta Shaman, 15v Shaman
Fixed Blades: Proficient, Magnacut Mule
Special and Sentimental: Southard, Squarehead LW, Ouroboros, Calendar Para 3 LW, 40th Anniversary Native, Ti Native, Calendar Watu, Tanto PM2
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sal
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#12

Post by sal »

Glad it worked for you.

sal
VashHash
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#13

Post by VashHash »

Glad you got to use your knife.
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bearfacedkiller
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#14

Post by bearfacedkiller »

I am not the pocket jewelry type of guy. They are obviously tools and should be used as tools. We agree on that. As knife geeks we fall into the old “to a kid with a hammer everything looks like a nail” trap as well and I am also guilty of seeking out tasks for my knives at times.


That said, there must have been something else in your vehicle that could have been used instead. A pen or pencil or a folded up piece of paper or cardboard. My truck is loaded with stuff that could work.

It isn’t the use or abuse or the light prying that would worry me. I have been guilty of all that. It is the drop onto the ground. Almost all damage that my knives have ever incurred were the result of a fall onto a hard surface. I try to avoid that.

Glad it all worked out this time. :)
Last edited by bearfacedkiller on Mon Feb 11, 2019 4:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Doeswhateveraspidercan
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#15

Post by Doeswhateveraspidercan »

It just paid for itself. That kind of weather is brutal especially when fuel access is not functioning, you need gas and have to get somewhere. Totally acceptable sacrifice. Glad it was not a sacrifice in the end.

I do carry a Swiss Tool X in the glove Box for many situations it can and has covered might want to look into one for the next time you need extra tools and are out and about in the vehicle. This thing is very Strong the Pliars are excellent. https://www.swissknifeshop.com/swiss-army-swisstool-x
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Dutchman
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#16

Post by Dutchman »

To explain why the Shaman was "the tool at hand" - this was official blizzard conditions, white-out/sideways snow.
The vehicle was my wife's car ("Would you pleeease get me some gas?"). She's real fussy about not having "clutter" in her car. I have a tool bag tucked away near the spare tire. I could have used her sunglasses - not going to happen. When that gas door opened and that knife flew to the ground I had a big smile on my face.
One lesson I've learned in life is that when you find yourself in trouble - where you need to think on your feet and persevere - a good sharp slab of steel has the best chance to save your behind.
I understand I'm preaching to the choir here . . .
Don't judge me by my shoes.
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knivesandbooks
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#17

Post by knivesandbooks »

I wouldn't want to, but I wouldn't have the biggest problem using that knife for that. Knives like the shaman, xm18, sng, and adamas are meant for situations like that. Glad your knife is all good.

In case a beater knife is something you're interested in keeping around, a yellow delrin Case sodbuster or a stainless Byrd would both be great to throw around
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vivi
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#18

Post by vivi »

I've dealt with frozen gas caps plenty of times and I can't say I've ever used a knife. It's a lot easier to just poke through it with a key. I'm all for using my Spydercos but that's an odd choice IMO.
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Dutchman
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#19

Post by Dutchman »

Keyless ignition - the fob cost more than the knife.
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vivi
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Re: Used my new Shaman for the first time.

#20

Post by vivi »

Dutchman wrote:
Mon Feb 11, 2019 9:37 pm
Keyless ignition - the fob cost more than the knife.
Ah, makes much more sense to me now
:unicorn
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