The manix 2 is my most "high end" knife (i have 4 total, not the largest of collections) and i absolutely LOVE it. Since i got it i've almost exclusively carried my manix!
Le Lemon the only thing stopping me from carrying my manix2 is its too wide in pocket. I only use it for heavy jobs I know I got going on that day. Like breaking down heaps of materials.
Took my son to the Spyderco outlet so he could pick a knife for Christmas. He fondled both of these knives for a long time. We both loved the blade design and heft on the Shaman but we didn’t like the polished G10 so he picked the Manix 2. I thought the Shaman handle felt a little better when deployed. More ergonomic. Just wish it was rough textured instead of polished.
They’re my #1 and #2 favorite Spydercos. Manix wins slightly for the lock and ergonomics/grip. They have made some Shaman sprint runs/dealer exclusives (limited editions with fancy steel/cool colors) with micarta in the past which is much grippier. My Z-wear (same as cruwear) blade Shaman came with micarta, I also hate the smooth G10 that my 15v came with. You can order after market scales that are much grippier and/or square if you prefer that shape like the Manix. Great choice either way. I have 5 Manix (a lightweight, 3 regular size, and an XL) and 2 Shamans - all sprint runs/exclusives. They’re amazing knives and either one will last him long enough to give to his kids if he maintains it.
I have the manix in lw and I love it. I use to carry really big knives so the manix is not too bad for me. I prefer something Delica sized these days though.
Just had to dive into this one since I have both a Manix 2 and a Shaman (with a Manix 2 XL on the way!). Nick, I would say I agree in most conditions that the Shaman is a VERY slightly better knife more often than not (although I honestly do like the blade shape, but that's a fairly minor quibble). But there's a reason I own both knives. Being accused of being a Spyderco fanboy may have something to do with that, but it's not everything or even the main reason. First, I break down a TON of cardboard of varying thicknesses (everything from Kleenex boxes and store brand soda eight pack boxes up on through Maytag boxes and wholesale cartons). Thus, I need a very capable slicer. I tend to find that my Manix 2 does a little bit better (probably negligibly, but still) if I'm tired and just want to bust down the cardboard without too much effort. And I realize everyone's mileage likely does vary with that one, but that one is personal to me. Second--and a bit more objectively--is that I wear large to XL gloves. It's annoying, because my palms aren't exactly huge (and if you cut the tips off the fingers, I bet I could wear a medium-large intermediate size), but I have unusually long fingers. Thus, if I'm in my garage, leaning over the trunk of my car, breaking down cardboard that's going to be sent to recycling, you can bet I'm going to have winter gloves on in cold weather. And THAT is where the Manix 2 really shines to me (and why I'm getting a Manix 2 XL). I find you can get more purchase on it wearing relatively big gloves and still feel the jimping/get good purchase on it as opposed to less purchase in your hand like the Shaman; the G-10 on both knives (my Manix 2 is the black G-10 version) will grab onto your gloves and you're going to want to go for the more heavily-jimped knife. But I think the real winner here is Spyderco simply because they managed to make a knife for us in the Shaman that goes through cardboard like a lightsaber during the dog days of August where the G-10 is still grippy enough to stay in your hand and they've also given us a more "winter-friendly" option in the Manix 2 that does the exact same thing when you're freezing your behind off (I've also EDC'd my Manix 2 in very cold weather and find it surprisingly handy in something like a jacket pocket; and by the way, if anyone is wondering, yes, you can get a pretty good purchase on the CBBL while wearing gloves thanks to the jimping on the plastic).
Ed Nygma They are doing alot of compression locks. I don't really like them at all. But lots of folks do. They sell well. I won't be rushing out to get any of them unless the knife is really great like the shaman.
Tactical Center there were manny of spyderco knives that I wanted to buy you know great ergonomics,steel etc.but what threw me off was that they were lockbacks and framelocks.So I would really like to see them use more modern lock types.
Finally got a Shaman. As someone whose favorite Spyderco _and_ favorite EDC is the Native 5, i wish i had never bought the Manixes and spent the money on Shamans. For the record, i am ambidextrous and have zero trouble using the Shaman left-handed.
I like my m4 manix over all my other Spydercos, but I am not saying I haven't thought about the idea of a manix 3 that was scaled down to 85% of the manix 2 with a compression lock.
I think there could be something done about the width, you could put a compression lock on the manix 2, but it would be harder to cut width since you need something to hold on while activating it imo. If you keep the ball bearing lock, it probably could be slimmed easier. I would love a curved,yet still slimmer handle with a metal cage and m390 for 200. Spyderco let me help ya and we'll talk about a pm2 lightweight aswell...without rivets😎
Currently there is a 50% price bump on the Shaman, so that can also factor in too. I need to try the Shaman, because the part of the choil that pokes up into the compression lock seems like a deal breaker for me. I hit my finger with my PM2 at times, and it seems like it would only be worse on that knife. I'd also like to try it for the ergos, If something really is hands down better in the hand than the Manix it's worth checking out.
It’s easy to grind down the choil if it really bothers you, many people do. I prefer to have the extra protection when the knife is open so I just live with it lol. People also make bigger buttons you can put on your compression lock. That might help, but I’ve never used them. A lot of lefties use them because it makes the compression lock a button lock for them basically
I just got my Manix 2 today, based largely on your review. I'm in love so far, but I can't wait till the it breaks in because that ball bearing lock is tiiiiight.
What a timing, I just took my Shaman out of the box and comparing it with the Manix 2 :) The standard Manix 2 might be heavier, it has full liners, this one seams to have skeletonised. I might say that the Shaman is lighter than the standard Manix 2.
I just bought both last Thursday (03-03-2022). Both G10 with S30V. They didn't want to free drop when they arrived. The Shaman has some blade play which I haven't been able to get rid of. The Manix is rock solid. Both are great but having said that, I would choose the Manix over the Shaman just because it's a lot lighter. I also have a Manix 2 lightweight in SPY27 steel but I prefer the G10 version. The only knife in my collection that I prefer is my 'blurple' Paramilitary 2 in S110V. Just sharing my thoughts thank you.
Love my Shamans, I had the blade play issue also and the only thing that finally got rid of it was taking it apart and polishing the washers a bit with metal polish. Perfect now! I wish Spyderco would do this from the factory.
As a semi-ambidextrous leftie I personally don't have a problem with compression locks at all. It's a little slower than when using my right hand as I need to shift my grip and disengage the lock with my thumb but it works just fine. Edit: Happy appropriate and respectful winter/festive greetings, Nick!
You ever use the big sleeves you can buy for them? Turns it basically into a button lock for lefties. I with the compression lock was reversed so I could buy one and use it that way as a right handed person. It’s much easier. Basically a button lock PM2/Shaman
Manix 2 XL sure is a freaking workhorse. I've carried / used mine for 5 or six years. It's got enough "beefitude" to fill a tactical role if God forbid it's ever needed, and most importantly it's a wonderful cutting tool with awesome ergos.
I think it's pronounced Shahmin. My Manix 2 xl came drop shut smooth out of the box, very impressed. Nice agressive jimpimg but nothing compared to my Bemchmade contego. Need to wear.a glove for any task taking longer than a minute on that guy. The Shaman is on my to buy list for sure.
Hearing you say “Shaymin” was like nails on a chalkboard. It’s “shaw-men” it follows the theme of the native and the native chief… a Shaman in native cultures is like a healer or medicine man.
I've said it before, so no big surprise...... I'm a Manix guy. Although, I've never held that Shaman. I want to now, though. As far as the m4 blade there on that Manix, I know it's not terribly corrosion resistant. My question is, how does m4 compare to say..... d2 in that regard? Obviously m4 is on another level otherwise, but is its corrosion resistance, or lack thereof, in line with something like d2?
Rodrigo Teresa Great to know! Thanks so much. I take care of my stuff after each day anyway, so I guess no biggie. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something obvious. I'm in wet conditions a good amount, but I'm no scuba diver.
I own both and can attest that they are indeed absolute gems and have been dominating my pocket time recently. Nick, another awesome video, keep up the great work, however, your pronunciation of Shaman kills my soul
Nick, please stop saying "Shaymin" it's pronounced "Shawman" Every time you say it it makes me cringe so hard. Shaymin is a fucking Pokemon, not even related to what a Shaman is.
Contego is a beat. Bigger blade, heavier and not as comfy. I have a Manix2 and the Contego. For most EDC Manix wins (and therefore the similar Shaman). Still love the Contego but it would be more for very heavy duty/'tactical' uses.
It's shallow and has nothing to do with function, but I hate that the blade on the Shaman seems so disproportionate to the handle. It just looks funky. And the rounded G-10 reminds me of a kitchen knife. I'm sure if I had it in my hand, I'd love it, but it is a weird looking knife.
Maybe Spyderco will offer a left hand version of Shaman like they've done for the PM2? I like the looks of the Shaman knife blade -- looks a lot to me like the Native series!
Merry Christmas Nicky. Ask santa for some man hands please. 😂 love ya big guy!! Thanks for the great vid content in 2017. On to the next!! As far as the vid, great comparison. I love the look of the shaman but inevitably i believe i will pass on it due to having other knives that fit the same bill. Yet for some reason, i can never have to many manix’s 👍🏼. Just one of my favorites from spyderco. .
Steel IS important to me (I'm really nerdy and I've really enjoyed learning about steels and steel composition) but I've only ever personally dealt with 8cr, 420hc and vg10, so regardless it's gonna be a major jump in quality. I haven't experienced enough steels to have a personal preference
I've actually been agonizing over this choice for a week or so now. I've checked out quite a few of knives at this price point, and I've narrowed it down to these two choices. Every other knife that I'm interested in for edc is in the realm of $280-$350 and I'm not willing to spend that much... yet. I want to fill out my gear a bit more before I start replacing with higher end items.
Nick, heard a lot of people complain about this manix because it has M4; not stainless. I think rusting is something almost no one really needs to worry about except anyone who works on a boat. It takes 10 seconds to oil a blade. Maybe this issue could be your next gripe if you feel the same.
Nice video Nick. Do you have any issues with the choil "bump" contacting your finger during closing or does it clear ok? I'm really surprised this knife hasn't blown up the knife community, for me it's better than a Para 2 or Manix 2 in practically every way except being a little heavier. It's a brilliant design and it's making a lot of models obsolete IMO.
Nope. But I have smaller fingers. And I'm afraid they kind of kneecapped it at the initial buildup with the immediate price bump. Left a lot of people unwilling to try because of the principle of the thing.
I bought the Shaman largely on your recommendation and I'm very glad I did. I adore it. However, do you not find that the clip creates a certain 'hot-spot-itude' with prolonged use? The single flat bar style clip would suit this knife remarkably well I reckon. Or even clip-less and a smart leather belt sheath. What are your views?
MrRPM110 map prices always change. In 2018 it is going to increase. This is good and bad. But just know that spyderco is a good company with good people behind it and good morals and ethics.
Tactical Center I was just making the point that the shaman is more expensive then the manix in some cases almost double and since these 2 are so comparable it's easy to pick one on price alone
I've been tempted with this Manix. There is a DLC type version on its way. I have the Manix2 LW- and love it. Love the s110v, the 2.9 oz, and wire clip. Still, I'll probably get the DLC one, because........I have a knife problem. Thx for the review Nick.
If the clip is switched to left side carry the compression lock is actually pretty easy to disengage with the thumb of the left hand while holding onto the knife by the clip. Awesome vid as always. Merry Christmas knife bro!!!
I prefer the manix...better slicer and thinner blade...so.. better edc option. For hard use, I prefer Triad lock. The Shaman is still very interesting but for edc I prefer a para2 or manix.
No lie I bought the stonewash first at a local store for mark up, but ended up returning it and getting the DLC online for a bit cheaper.... Black on black is badass, but every video I watch... makes me miss the stonewash.
I must have missed something about Spyderco growing up as I honestly thought they were cheap, lower tier knives. I still feel that way as I don't see the appeal. I will stick to my ZT's and my Kershaw.
I have and use the pm2 s30v and it’s plenty good for my use. I do think the police,pm,manix,shaman are all on must have list for diff reasons of use and that say everything
Love the review as always Nick! Not sure if you’re aware - but Spyderco released a 2017-version of the Manix2, with slightly-thicker blade stock reminiscent of the original Manix (but only 22/1000ths behind the edge), thicker G10 to offset the removal of the steel liners to help reduce the weight (4.4oz), a new G10 ultra-fine-ply handle texturing to aid in hand comfort with repeated long-term cutting tasks (the first Spydie with this), and most importantly - with a very smooth drop-free blade BackLock that also allows for deep-carry, tip-down draw in the absence of the BB-lock! Crazy you did this video because I just bought this 2017 Manix2 version yesterday, having just discovered it and NOT being a big fan of the Ball-bearing lock... It originally dropped in spring of this year. Thanks Nick, -Sid
Great review here, however, the Manix 2 is not an ambidextrous operation knife as it requires an even pull from both sides at once using your thumb and forefinger.
