I also have a Shadow III and have carried it many many times. It was my even EDC for a long time. I can sum up my opinion of this knife very easily....

It lacks a little in it's ability to carve wood due to its thickness. The flip side of this is that it is thick enough to do more prying and chopping than other thinner knives its size. This is a trade-off I happily make and I have carved many fireboards and spindles with it with no problems (though it is admittedly easier with a thinner knife like my large classic Sebenza).

Everything else about this little knife gets two thumbs up from me. I love the spear point blade as it is extremely durable. I am notorious for breaking the tips off of knives and this little guy has held up to all my abuse. I am so happy with it that I have often considered getting (and probably eventually will get) the 5.5" Shadow as well, mainly so that I can get a few more things in the handle. I find much comfort and convenience in the fact that all I need is my knife and I have a blade, a tiny LED light, a sharpening stone, fire sparker, 2 types of tinder and a compass. With the 5.5" shadow I could add water purification implements also which would be a great addition.


I never step foot on to the trail without my Shadow III and sometimes still even carry it for EDC when my attire permits. Here is what I am currently storing in the handle.

3 Tinderquik Tabs
1 Red Fishing Bobber LED
1 1" Diamond Rod Hone
1 1" MFS w/ Ferrocerium Rod
1 10mm SAS Button Compass

If/when I get a 5.5" Shadow I would/will add a condom, a little duct tape and a couple of Katadyn MP1 water purification tabs.