Bodacious Discussion

[Michal O]

Got mine. Rather keeper. Smooth G10 isn't my dream but it's not bad in reality. Whole knife feels light and well balanced compared with hefty Shaman. My interest in SE version is now peaked.

[JARHEAD]

Got mine. Rather keeper. Smooth G10 isn't my dream but it's not bad in reality. Whole knife feels light and well balanced compared with hefty Shaman. My interest in SE version is now peaked.

Those are what I was waiting for in the Bodacious!
Sweet dreams they are I tell ya!

[Michal O]

Only one thing I dislike is stop pin which is sticking out of scale like button lock. On clip side more than front size. And kinda regret not to wait for spy27 being available but deal on s30v was pretty good considering EU prices.

[Red Leader]

Only one thing I dislike is stop pin which is sticking out of scale like button lock. On clip side more than front size. And kinda regret not to wait for spy27 being available but deal on s30v was pretty good considering EU prices.

What's interesting too is seeing the pricing difference between the two at the Seconds Sale. The SPY27 was less, and I wonder if that is more an artifact of the pricing reduction we saw in some of the lineup this year.

Some of the seconds pricing on the S30V Golden stuff last year was amazing (think 1/3 to 1/4 of retail) but that didn't really translate over to the Bodacious. It could be that it is a new model, or considered a premium. Still great discounts.

It's funny. The Bodacious is probably going to end up being one of my most favorite models of all time, but I don't even have one yet...

Soon!

[Michal O]

Bodacious Lightweight will be great. I would prefer FRN scales with texturing and hidden liners. It would be like big Lil' Temperance. Due to lock system and size it has to have liners I guess. Lightweight models without liners on and washers are for me instant pass.

[mikey177]

Thread needs more photos

[Fharing45]

I had a dlc black Bodacious. While a very nice knife, the width of the scales combined with flatness was uncomfortable. It reminded me of holding a caribbean. So now I am happy with a salt pm2. And a new shaman for my big native. What a comfortable knife with canvas micarta.

[Michal O]

I think making at least R2 radious on handle instead 0,5 mm x 45° chamfer would help.
Photo with some AI backround.

[derangedhermit]

I think making at least R2 radious on handle instead 0,5 mm x 45° chamfer would help.
Photo with some AI backround.

I wish we had clarification (not speculation) on why the the other two designs provide for tip-down carry, but not the Bodacious. From your photo of the three knives, it seems like it is not a design / manufacturing issue or problem, just a choice. ?

[HolySteel]

I had a dlc black Bodacious. While a very nice knife, the width of the scales combined with flatness was uncomfortable. It reminded me of holding a caribbean. So now I am happy with a salt pm2. And a new shaman for my big native. What a comfortable knife with canvas micarta.

I was teetering, but you just convinced me to get one!

[mikey177]

^ Indeed. You'd think they were designed by the same guy

[Michal O]

I think making at least R2 radious on handle instead 0,5 mm x 45° chamfer would help.
Photo with some AI backround.

I wish we had clarification (not speculation) on why the the other two designs provide for tip-down carry, but not the Bodacious. From your photo of the three knives, it seems like it is not a design / manufacturing issue or problem, just a choice. ?

Price probably and fact that these days tip down carry is not popular. Most people are right handed and pro tip up carry, so we pay extra for features we don't use. But other reason might be screw length. They use Shaman hardware, for knife with thinner scales, so you need shorter clip screws, so they don't reach bronze washers. Spyderco wasn't changing stop pin length for Bodacious, so for sure they don't want to bother with shorter screws for that ~15% of clients who still carry tip down. So it's the matter of $$$ on both ends.

[HolySteel]

^ Indeed. You'd think they were designed by the same guy
caribbean vs bodacious.jpg

I don't own a Bodacious - didn't realize how close they are. Fortunately my Caribbean is SE, so I've got a great excuse to get a Bodacious.

[silver & black]

For those that own both: how do you compare the Bodacious to the Shaman? I have the Shaman and love it. Should I get a Bodacious to keep it company?

[Michal O]

Shaman is more heavy duty because thick handle scales, Bodacious is more pocket carry friendly because thin scales. Magnacut Shaman with those ribs on scales is probably most heavy duty.

Bodacious handle isn't uncomfortable but Shaman is hard to beat in comfort departament. In pocket although Bodacious wins. Also depend if you're #teamricasso or not.

If I had to choose, Bodacious would win but I would search for aftermarket scales to meet Shaman's scales in the middle of the road.
But after deeper thought it's hard to give up on Shaman. You can give it to regrind, to gain 4-5 mm more of cutting edge and delete nub, and thin a little bit scales.

[horzuff]

The Shaman's blade is 0,5mm thicker as well, so another step towards more durability, less cutting ability.

Clever idea regrinding the Shaman not only thinner but also further towards the handle. Never seen that done. Do You have an example photo?

As far as comfort goes - both RGT and AWT bodacious scales increase comfort dramatically, I'd lean towards AWT as it doesn't move Your grip backwards as the RGTs do, so You mostly keep factory ergonomics just gain comfort. But they are aluminum and that's not everyone's cup of tea.

Another idea how to increase the handle comfort of the bodacious is just sanding down the edges a bit. I did it on my spy27, not pretty but worked quite well

[silver & black]

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm thinking I need a Bodacious because, well... you know.

[Gamecock]

For those that own both: how do you compare the Bodacious to the Shaman? I have the Shaman and love it. Should I get a Bodacious to keep it company?

I had a Shaman, and now have two Bodacious and no Shaman. I just prefer the Bodacious in every way. More blade length, thinner blade stock so it cuts better, carries way better in the pocket, no issue with nub hitting finger. They fixed everything I didn’t like about the Shaman. In fairness though, bodacious has become my favorite knife of all so it also displaced the pocket time of my PM2, Manix 2, Sage 5 and others too. Its a great knife. To me it magnifies what was wrong in my book with the Shaman and that’s why I just didn’t need the Shaman anymore. I kept the rest but they get less time.

[silver & black]

Thank you, Gamecock. I don't mind a heavy/er knife. I have come to equate quality with a certain "feel" over the years. The Shaman gives me that "feel". I think I would really like the Bodacious, too. I'm going to search one out..... with a steel I don't have, yet. This knife journey is proving to be expensive...lol.