To be clear: I have real experience only with the PM2 (and also extensively with several lightweight Manixes), but could just handle a Shaman once (did not actually ever cut anything with it).
That said:
- Since it sounds a bit as if this would become your
only or at least main EDC knife:
In that case I´d go with the PM2.
As others have said: Lighter, takes up a bit less pocket space, should be slicier, probably has a more useful tip for typical folder EDC use. I like the PM2 ergos too, both behind the choil and choked up.
-
If you go for two or more Spydie though, and one of those should either be the PM2 or the Shaman: Then I´d take the Shaman (additionally to something like and Endura, Stretch XL, or Manix LW).
Just from holding the Shaman I knew that one day I´ll have to own one. It feels really good with the rounded scales (even better ergos than the PM2), and I think it looks just so cool and "harmonious" - or not just looks but actually iS in my view, cause it combines the rather beefy blade (stock) with a very robust tip. So one could really make use of that in a way overbuilt blade (for a folder) in pretty much all tasks, cause one would not have to worry about the tip snapping.
I´d not carry it to often though, but certainly would love to use it in "harder" tasks.
- For me the ergos of both in really "hard", prolongued use suffer a tiny bit from the comp.lock cutout and the open back construction. Not a big deal though, cause tasks where one can really feel this are not typical EDC folder tasks anyway.
Still: A "Shaman" with a closed back and no comp.lock cutout, but still the contoured handle would be even better for me.
So in a way a backlock or CBBL Shaman...
- One suggestion:
For "just" about $ 50 more than the S30V Shaman costs you could get a S45 VN PM2 AND a Manix 2 LW in BD1N.
Since you obviously like the Manix platform, I bet there`d be a lot of days (in light shorts, iwb...) where you´d appreciate the light weight and easy carry of that model in its FRCP lightweight version (a bit more than half the weight of a Shaman).
And BD1N is such a nice steel! For me it "punches above its weight class". For how extremely easy and fun it is to sharpen even for a not master sharpener like I am, it holds an edge really well.
I even prefer the Manix LW over the G10. It (the LW) is not flimsy at all, and I figure the closed back could make for even slightly better ergos,
Hope you´ll keep us posted about your final decision and how you´ll like whatever model then!!
... same here with my Manix 2 LW.