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Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Weight
Cons: Handle Feel, Handle Material, Pocket Clip
Shamanic CQI
I got this because it seemed like the next evolution to improve the baseline Shaman. I like that it's S90V rather than the standard S30V, I don't use my knives too hard, so prefer edge retention to toughness, and the S110V PM2 I got is lethally sharp, as is the CPM15V Military 2. I much prefer not having the little nub finger guard in the open position that protrudes into the compression lock void that my S30V Shaman has. Came sharp, clean, but with a small white mark on clip side scale, and plenty of loc-tite in the pivot. I understand Spyderco has a scheme with sprint runs and blade steels corresponding to handles, but it'd be nice to see a nicer handle to correspond with the elevated price tag and presumed scarcity. Nothing wrong with it per se, but peel-ply carbon fiber doesn't feel like how CF presents in other brands - feels slightly scratchier, like a less weighty G10. Would prefer a Richlite or Kirinite, or something like the pakkawood. Carries well for a blade of its size, and in the vein of CQI I'd say this variety of Spydie clip is due for a refresh. I love their wire clips, but I know many don't. I thought the Kapara was going to be a perfect fit for me, but ultimately ended up selling mine due to it not fitting my slightly larger than slightly larger than average hands.