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History Of: The Spyderco Shaman
Published: February 25th, 2026
The Spyderco Shaman represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the folding knife, serving as a robust bridge between traditional pocket knives and heavy-duty tools. It was first introduced in the 2017 Spyderco Mid-Year catalog as a larger, more aggressive relative of the iconic Native 5. The design was centered around providing a substantial grip and a thick .15” blade stock that could handle demanding tasks while maintaining the refined ergonomics Spyderco is known for.
From its inception, the Shaman has been built in Golden, Colorado, and featured a 3.58-inch blade with a full-flat grind and signature round opening hole. Beneath the surface, the knife utilizes skeletonized stainless steel liners that provide structural rigidity while maintaining a manageable weight for its size. It initially featured a tumbled CPM S30V steel blade paired with black G-10 handles, all secured by the highly regarded compression lock. With an overall length of 8.27 inches and an ambidextrous four-way pocket clip, it offered a versatile platform that remained a staple for longtime fans of the brand.
Following its initial debut, the Shaman quickly became a favorite canvas for Spyderco to showcase high-performance materials through various specialized releases announced in the company’s periodic product catalogs. In 2018, the lineup expanded to include a black DLC finish for those seeking a more tactical look and increased surface protection. The following year, 2019, marked the launch of the highly sought-after Sprint Runs, limited-edition models featuring unique material combinations. The first of these appeared in the Reveal 2 catalog, introducing a premium CPM S90V blade with satin-finished carbon fiber scales. Shortly after, the Reveal 3 catalog debuted a version that paired a CPM Cru-Wear blade with brown Micarta scales, a combination that became legendary among collectors.
2020 saw a continuation of these Sprint Runs, as the Shaman adapted to even more advanced steels. The Reveal 4 catalog introduced the model with a CPM Rex 45 blade and burnt orange G-10 handles, followed by Reveal 5, which showcased the knife with Z-Wear PM steel and brown canvas Micarta. After these highly focused runs, Spyderco returned to expanding the core lineup in 2022 by making a stonewashed finish available for both PlainEdge and SpyderEdge configurations. Innovation continued in the Reveal 12 catalog of 2023, which featured a Spint Run Shaman in CPM 15V steel with brown G-10 handle scales. This particular release utilized custom knife maker Shawn Houston’s specialized heat-treatment protocol.
2019 Spyderco Shaman Sprint Run
2023 Spyderco Shaman Sprint Run
The most recent years have seen the Shaman adapt to specific environments and user needs with even greater precision. In the 2024 Reveal 16, the Shaman joined the cobalt-blue family with the introduction of CPM SPY27 steel, a proprietary alloy designed for a specific balance of toughness and edge retention. 2025 was particularly impactful for the design, seeing the release of the Shaman Lightweight. This version swaps the traditional G-10 for injection-molded FRN handles and uses CTS BD1N steel to create a more carry-friendly alternative. Shortly after, the Shaman Salt was announced in the 2025 Reveal 19 catalog, bringing the model into the rust-proof marine category with a CPM MagnaCut blade and Spyderco’s unique Caribbean bi-directional texture on the handles.
What began in 2017 as a larger, more hard-use counterpart to the Native 5 has become one of Spyderco’s most adaptable platforms, equally at home in standard production, limited Sprint Runs, lightweight configurations, and corrosion-resistant Salt variants. In less than a decade, the Shaman has proven that a thoughtfully engineered design can evolve without losing the characteristics that made it compelling in the first place.
What to Buy
The Spyderco Shaman is a hard-use folding knife built for serious everyday carry. It features a 3.58 inch CPM S30V stainless steel drop point blade with a stonewash finish and a PlainEdge and full-flat grind, delivering reliable edge retention and corrosion resistance in a broad, powerful cutting profile. The blade opens smoothly using Spyderco’s signature round thumb hole and locks securely in place with the Compression Lock mechanism. A 4.69-inch black G 10 handle provides a full, contoured grip that fills the hand and supports controlled cutting under load. Measuring 8.27 inches overall with a .15 inch blade thickness and weighing 5.2 ounces, the Shaman offers substantial strength without feeling unwieldy. A stainless steel ambidextrous four-position pocket clip and lanyard hole complete this fully ambidextrous manual folder. Made in the USA.
The Spyderco Shaman is a hard-use folding knife built around strength, edge retention, and everyday versatility. It features a 3.58 inch CPM SPY27 stainless steel drop point blade with a satin finish, full-flat grind, and a PlainEdge, offering a balanced profile suited for slicing, detail work, and heavier cutting tasks. The blade opens smoothly with Spyderco’s signature round thumb hole and locks securely in place with the Compression Lock mechanism. A 4.69-inch cobalt blue G-10 handle provides a contoured, high-traction grip that supports controlled use under load. Measuring 8.27 inches overall and weighing 5.2 ounces, the Shaman delivers a substantial feel without unnecessary bulk. A reversible tip-up pocket clip and lanyard hole complete this fully ambidextrous manual folder. Made in the USA.
The Spyderco Shaman Lightweight brings the platform’s proven cutting power into a lighter, carry-friendly format without sacrificing strength. It features a 3.58 inch CTS BD1N stainless steel leaf-shaped blade with a satin finish and a full flat grind, delivering balanced slicing performance and strong corrosion resistance for daily use. The blade opens smoothly with Spyderco’s signature round thumb hole and locks securely with the Compression Lock mechanism. A 4.69-inch black FRN handle with bi-directional texturing keeps weight down while providing a secure, ergonomic grip under load. Measuring 8.27 inches overall and weighing 4.8 ounces, it fills the hand without feeling bulky in the pocket. An ambidextrous four-position pocket clip and lanyard hole complete this fully ambidextrous manual folder. Made in the USA.
Written By
Drew Clifton
Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.