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Spyderco Shaman
The Shaman takes everything that made the Native series successful and scales it into a larger, more substantial platform. Introduced in 2017, it quickly earned a devoted following among users who wanted Native-style ergonomics with more blade and handle to work with. The result is one of Spyderco's most capable hard-use folders—a knife built to handle demanding tasks without compromise.
Manufactured in Golden, Colorado, the Shaman benefits from Spyderco's direct quality control and reflects their commitment to American production. It has become one of the most popular platforms for sprint runs and dealer exclusives, with collectors pursuing limited variants featuring premium steels and unique handle materials.
Blade and Ergonomics
The Shaman's 3.58" blade features a distinctive leaf-shaped profile with a slightly more aggressive curve than the Native. The full-flat grind creates thin cutting geometry that slices efficiently through tough materials, while the acute tip handles detail work and piercing tasks. Blade stock thickness provides the strength needed for demanding use without sacrificing cutting performance.
The handle design sets the Shaman apart. Sculpted G-10 scales follow the natural contours of the hand, with subtle curves that lock the knife in place during use. A textured thumb ramp and finger choil provide multiple grip options—choke up for precision work or grip back for power cuts. The ergonomics accommodate larger hands comfortably while remaining manageable for average-sized users.
Spyderco's signature Round Hole enables fast, ambidextrous one-handed deployment. The hole diameter and blade weight combine to allow smooth, confident opening with minimal effort.
Compression Lock
The Shaman employs Spyderco's patented Compression Lock, the same mechanism found on the Paramilitary 2 and Para 3. A leaf-like spring wedges between the blade tang and stop pin when the knife is open, creating exceptional lock strength. To close, press down on the lock from the spine side—this keeps fingers clear of the blade path and allows fully ambidextrous operation.
The Compression Lock has proven itself across millions of knives and handles the increased stress of a larger blade without issue. Users report the lock breaks in smoothly over time while maintaining solid engagement.
Why the Shaman
The Shaman fills a specific niche in Spyderco's lineup: users who want a larger working knife with the refined ergonomics and proven mechanisms found in smaller models. The blade provides enough length and mass to handle tasks that would strain compact EDC knives, while the handle geometry maintains comfort during extended use.
This is a knife that rewards users who actually put their tools to work. The cutting geometry excels at slicing tasks, the Compression Lock inspires confidence during hard use, and the sculpted handle prevents fatigue during long cutting sessions. Despite its larger size, the Shaman carries reasonably well thanks to its slim profile and four-position pocket clip.
The Shaman has also become a favorite platform for customization. The aftermarket offers replacement scales, hardware, and accessories that allow users to personalize their knives. Shop Spyderco Shaman scales by Ripp's Garage Tech.
Sprint Runs and Exclusives
The Shaman's popularity has made it a frequent host for limited-production variants featuring premium blade steels and unique handle configurations. These sprint runs and dealer exclusives sell quickly—sign up for notifications to catch the next release.
Shaman Specs
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 3.58" |
| Cutting Edge | 3.15" |
| Overall Length | 8.35" |
| Closed Length | 4.78" |
| Blade Thickness | 0.150" |
| Weight | 5.2 oz |
| Handle Material | G-10 (standard); variants include Micarta, carbon fiber |
| Lock Type | Compression Lock |
| Pocket Clip | Four-position, tip-up/tip-down, left/right |
| Made in USA | Golden, Colorado |