Random: General Spydie Chat

[Enactive]

So, I've got a 15v Native5 LW in the mail. In the same package is a Byrd Gooney!

I don't buy many Byrds, nor budget Spydies, but this was a must buy when it was released. I finally got around to buying one. I'm eager to try it out. Seems like a good garden and utility shaped blade. Probably less good for most wood working tasks. We'll see!

Anyone else gave any experience with the Gooney?

I'm also curious if I can see a difference in sharpening or use between 8 and 9 CR?

[cabfrank]

There is a thread in the Byrd Forum called Byrd Gooney. It's four pages all about this knife, if you feel like reading more about it. People like it.

[Enactive]

Thanks, I have read it, also looking for more feedback.

[cabfrank]

[Brock O Lee]

I am (we are?) so fickle...

The smallest subjective perferences or imperfections sometimes make or break a knife, right? Detail you don't get from the spec sheet, like:
- action
- lockup (early, late, stick)
- scale radiuses
- scale texture
- balance

One example:
I got a Shaman 15V at the end of the drop in 2024. I was not convinced about the smooth brown scales even before the knife arrived. Peel-ply brown scales on the PM2/M2 were okay, but the smooth brown Shaman scales were in person as dull as dishwasher. They had to go.

Enter AWT skinny scales (they only make the skinny version). I loved the equivalent Manix scales, so why not?



Initially I liked the burnt bronze. The action was perfect, centering was perfect, lockup was solid, ergos were good. But something still felt off. I could not put my finger on it. I carried it a few times, but each time it lasted a day and back into storage it went.

This week I decided to go back to the OEM scales. I pulled them out, and nope, they were still as hideous as I remembered. So I figured I'd do a scale swap with the M4 DLC micarta version instead as an experiment. Looking at them now, it is slightly embarrasing how similar these scales appear in the picture below, which enforces my point...



Boom! 15V + brown canvas micarta was the answer. Not just the looks, but also the full grip, added texture, added weight and most importantly improved balance compared to the AWT's. All of a sudden it became a pocket hog. Perfection.



As an added bonus, the brown G10 looks okay on the M4 version with the contrast against the black DLC blade and hardware. It won't win any beauty contests, and I might still get aftermarket canvas micarta scales, but it will do for now.

[kobold]

Guys, what's the link for the online 2025 product guide/catalog? Have trouble finding it. thanks!

[mikey177]

Guys, what's the link for the online 2025 product guide/catalog? Have trouble finding it. thanks!

Is this it?
https://ops.spyderco.com/catalog/

[Manixguy@1994]

I am (we are?) so fickle...

The smallest subjective perferences or imperfections sometimes make or break a knife, right? Detail you don't get from the spec sheet, like:
- action
- lockup (early, late, stick)
- scale radiuses
- scale texture
- balance

One example:
I got a Shaman 15V at the end of the drop in 2024. I was not convinced about the smooth brown scales even before the knife arrived. Peel-ply brown scales on the PM2/M2 were okay, but the smooth brown Shaman scales were in person as dull as dishwasher. They had to go.

Enter AWT skinny scales (they only make the skinny version). I loved the equivalent Manix scales, so why not?



Initially I liked the burnt bronze. The action was perfect, centering was perfect, lockup was solid, ergos were good. But something still felt off. I could not put my finger on it. I carried it a few times, but each time it lasted a day and back into storage it went.

This week I decided to go back to the OEM scales. I pulled them out, and nope, they were still as hideous as I remembered. So I figured I'd do a scale swap with the M4 DLC micarta version instead as an experiment. Looking at them now, it is slightly embarrasing how similar these scales appear in the picture below, which enforces my point...



Boom! 15V + brown canvas micarta was the answer. Not just the looks, but also the full grip, added texture, added weight and most importantly improved balance compared to the AWT's. All of a sudden it became a pocket hog. Perfection.



As an added bonus, the brown G10 looks okay on the M4 version with the contrast against the black DLC blade and hardware. It won't win any beauty contests, and I might still get aftermarket canvas micarta scales, but it will do for now.

I changed my Shaman scales ( well made ) to RGT canvas burlap skinny for a better platform for closing as a lefty . Added perk was knife is also much smoother opening and closing for some reason. Turned into a favorite a
I rotate it often , if I didn’t want to try a Bodacious I would not hesitate to get another Shaman in a different steel . Nice looking Hans ! Dan

[kobold]

Guys, what's the link for the online 2025 product guide/catalog? Have trouble finding it. thanks!

Is this it?
https://ops.spyderco.com/catalog/

Yes! Thanks a bunch.

[Brock O Lee]

I changed my Shaman scales ( well made ) to RGT canvas burlap...

I forgot to mention, your photo made me look at the options from RGT, and I ordered a set of green canvas micarta. Not skinny though, nice and fat!

[Manixguy@1994]

I changed my Shaman scales ( well made ) to RGT canvas burlap...

I forgot to mention, your photo made me look at the options from RGT, and I ordered a set of green canvas micarta. Not skinny though, nice and fat!

I can’t wait to see them ! Nice choice ! Dan

[Brock O Lee]

I changed my Shaman scales ( well made ) to RGT canvas burlap...

I forgot to mention, your photo made me look at the options from RGT, and I ordered a set of green canvas micarta. Not skinny though, nice and fat!

I can’t wait to see them ! Nice choice ! Dan

Here they are, Ripps Garage Tech green canvas micarta scales for the Shaman.





I like them! They fit perfectly, and IMO they look great against the black blade and hardware.

I am normally ok with smooth scales, but the G10 on the Shaman was just too slippery. This feels grippy and secure, a vast improvement over the G10.

[Jeb]

I like the look you got there Brock. I don't have a Shaman of any sorts. This one you got here is flat killer looking.

[Brock O Lee]

Thanks Jeb, that colour scheme gives me strong ESEE 3 Mil vibes...