Album link: https://www.flickr.com/gp/57770516@N06/38282M
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Untitled by dplafoll, on FlickrShaman:
Well it's here y'all. And it is, as far as I can tell, as good as everyone expected. It looks and feels like a larger, upgraded Native 5. The sculpted G-10 handles feel fantastic. The ergos are as good as the Native but on a larger scale. The blade is beautifully finished (aside: I'd love to see more Spyderco knives with this stonewash finish, especially sprints) and the shape is definitely Native XL. The blade opens easily, although on both of the samples I handled it's got that initial, pre-break-in stiffness that you get with compression locks sometimes. But they were both loosening up even as we were standing there playing with them. It's nice in the pocket, and I really, really like that they stonewashed the clip too.
We found one ergonomic concern with the compression lock; the bottom of the front of the choil is so long, that it protrudes up into the area with the comp lock tab. The point of the choil is towards the rear, so all you have to do is get used to your finger being towards the front part of the comp lock tab, and you're fine. It's not quite as thoughtless as a Para Military 2 or a Sage 5, but it's honestly not something I'd find to be a problem (YMMV). It's similar to how the flipper tab on the Sliverax (and, I would imagine, any future comp lock flippers) will hit your finger if the finger is out of place, but you can adjust around it. That's really my only complaint with the Shaman, and it's not a big deal; I was already getting used to it with just a few minutes of handling.
I want one, but I can't come close to justifying it right now, and I've got others I want first. Plus, I'll probably grab a sprint version. But it's a great knife, and I think it's a great addition and a good complement to the line-up. I can definitely recommend this to someone who wants something like a Para Military 2 (3.5inch-ish blade, compression lock, maybe American-made) but doesn't like the PM2 for some reason, maybe blade shape, or the handles are too thin/sharp, or whatever. Very well done on this one.
Untitled by dplafoll, on FlickrHundred Pacer:
This thing is large and ridiculous (phrasing). I'm not a huge fan of the ergos, but I can see how the blade shape and positioning could be useful for some uses and cuts (food prep comes to mind; the edge is down at the knuckles like the SpydieChef). Build quality is excellent, the G-10 is very neat and finely detailed, and lockup is good. It's a little harder to open with certain methods, but that's likely solvable with repetition. It's definitely thin, but very wide, so it doesn't sit well in the front pocket where I carry.
Overall, it's neat, and I'm glad they're making odd knives like this to appeal to wider audience (like the Tighe Stick and Mamba and others before). But it's not really my taste, and I don't think I'll be picking one up. But if it appeals to you, I think you won't be disappointed in the quality and execution.
Untitled by dplafoll, on Flickr
