I have been obsessing over these two knives for a long time. For now at least, I can only get one or the other. I have had great luck with both Benchmade and Spyderco. I realize the M4 steel is better but the Shaman seems like such a nicely balanced knife. Opinions?
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Recommendation? Benchmade Super Freek vs Spyderco Shaman
- Thread starter John99
- Start date
Wasatch11253
Will work for knives.
- Joined
- Jan 31, 2020
- Messages
- 779
Super Freek feels better in hand.
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2019
- Messages
- 159
shaman...and u can get a shaman in Rex 45, cruwear, s90v and I think there's a few other options including the zwear that's coming out soon
Honestly, you won't know until you try both. We're all different, which is why you see answers going all over the board. And there is really no wrong answer. Both are excellent and similar knives from excellent brands.
For me, I'd choose the Super Freek for three reasons: I like the Axis lock a lot better than the compression lock; I like M4 steel at 62-64 Rc a lot better than S30V at who knows what hardness; and I think the thinner blade on the Super Freek makes a better slicer on a relatively small EDC.
SteelPanther points out that you can get different steels for the Shaman, so that's a consideration. I still prefer M4 steel at that hardness to any of the offerings mentioned.
For me, I'd choose the Super Freek for three reasons: I like the Axis lock a lot better than the compression lock; I like M4 steel at 62-64 Rc a lot better than S30V at who knows what hardness; and I think the thinner blade on the Super Freek makes a better slicer on a relatively small EDC.
SteelPanther points out that you can get different steels for the Shaman, so that's a consideration. I still prefer M4 steel at that hardness to any of the offerings mentioned.
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2012
- Messages
- 3,579
Have them both and I’ll go with the Super Freek . In my opinion it’s a better edc knife , The only thing the shaman has is the ergo but the g10 is slippery and the inside of the G-10 are sharp it dig into the had . I do have a small issue with Benchmade. The Freek is basically a modified Benchmade Ritter .
Well that brings up a point I wasn’t even considering. Although I’m fine with the compression lock, the Axis lock is just more natural for me. It’s nice when you are comfortable with a knife. At least for me, it makes me more likely to carry it.
King of the Cheese
Stillborn!
- Joined
- May 25, 2016
- Messages
- 76,186
I’ve owned them all, and the shaman blade is just too much of a chunkster for me.
The freek is a great value for the $. I didn’t care for the gray and black stripey look so I RIT dyed the scales black, made for a nice contrast with the red standoffs.
The freek is a great value for the $. I didn’t care for the gray and black stripey look so I RIT dyed the scales black, made for a nice contrast with the red standoffs.
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2009
- Messages
- 2,205
I have both, I prefer the Shaman- ergos, beefier blade, compression lock.
- Joined
- Apr 5, 2019
- Messages
- 1,878
Two of my favorite knives from my 2 favorite manufacturers. I actually have both on me right now. It's really tough to choose between the two, so you have to decide if you want a better slicer or more of a bruiser. Both of them will handle whatever you can throw at them (watch Dutch bushcraft knives video with the Super Freek... Its ridiculously tough, and the Shaman is at least, if not more so).
I think the Shaman ergos are slightly better, it just melts into my hand while the Freek is a little more square feeling. The Freek is more fidgety thanks to a lighter blade.
I don't even worry about S30v vs m4. I love m4, but if you've seen what S30v can do it's pretty much a wash. Do you want stainless or not?
They both carry great. The Shaman is a little wider in the pocket but it's not obtrusive. It is heavier, but you can't tell when it's in your pocket.
So yea... More slicey or more brute force. The correct answer is to get both, you won't regret it. But if you can only get one then toss a coin.
I think the Shaman ergos are slightly better, it just melts into my hand while the Freek is a little more square feeling. The Freek is more fidgety thanks to a lighter blade.
I don't even worry about S30v vs m4. I love m4, but if you've seen what S30v can do it's pretty much a wash. Do you want stainless or not?
They both carry great. The Shaman is a little wider in the pocket but it's not obtrusive. It is heavier, but you can't tell when it's in your pocket.
So yea... More slicey or more brute force. The correct answer is to get both, you won't regret it. But if you can only get one then toss a coin.
Kmikaz3
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2019
- Messages
- 1,663
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2000
- Messages
- 4,798
This is one of those choices that requires grabbing ahold of both in person. That's pretty much the only way.
If you want input anyways, I'd prefer the Axis Lock, M4 Steel, thumbstud opener and ounce-lighter weight of the Benchmade.
That's just me, of course. Some folks like the Spydie-Hole and that's okay. Just letting you know what I consider for myself.
If you want input anyways, I'd prefer the Axis Lock, M4 Steel, thumbstud opener and ounce-lighter weight of the Benchmade.
That's just me, of course. Some folks like the Spydie-Hole and that's okay. Just letting you know what I consider for myself.
They are both great. I think it comes down to your preferred lock and steel. I own both and I think the super freek is uglier but it feels better in the hand. I prefer CPM M4, but you have to understand you could have corrosion issues depending on your habits. Overall, I think the shaman is a better knife, but I'm more likely to put the super freek in my pocket. Don't stress about the decision, either is a good choice.
