Glad you asked because I'm carrying mine today and full of hot air
I had been waiting for the no choil Shaman since Sal mentioned it around the time the Shaman came out.
I had the M2XL years ago but didn't like how much room it took up in the pocket (blade plus handle height). Bought the REC Shaman when that released, but I don't carry it much just for how little useable edge there is.
I laughed at the Bodcious's original price. The current price is still bad. But, I bought a dlc one last MAP sale for $164 shipped, and at least one dealer has them for $165.
It is close to my perfect knife. Planned to skinny it like I do all Spydies with liners that support that because I like a neutral handle, but as it comes already feels neutral. Feels good naturally gripped, choked up, held back on the handle, edge up, just every way. You can put your fingers on the hump in the middle, and it actually feels good. For anyone with an Inkosi, the handle is sort of an Inkosi but with a two finger with up front instead of two individual finger spots:
Again, unlike the M2XL, it doesn't take up a ton of pocket room, but it still has a very tall blade and good amount of usable edge (a bit more than the M2XL actually). Makes for an awesome cutter
The only mod I ended up making is taking the nub off the g10 near the pivot so it can be front flipped easier, which is something I liked about the Shaman. Doesn't take much and feels the same in hand:
I've seen people mention the g10 texture. This is my first smooth g10 from Spyderco. To me it feels like any other g10 Spydie that has been carried awhile, like after they get smooth from use. It's neither a selling point not detraction.
I have too many knives to have a favorite...but it would be in the running if I had to pick.
Edit: couple more pics for comparison