help! Military, Starmate, Wegner ergonomics?

S

Stocky

Joined
Nov 9, 1999
Messages
16
Don't laugh, I'm having a difficult time deciding which one to buy...first.

I've tried a military and have found it to open like a dream, I like the liner lock too...(closing is smooth and effortless)

Do the Starmate & Wegner open as easily? What about the lock?

I carry a knife all the time, in my waistband in front under my belt buckle, and most always use just one hand. (if you own one of these you might try it and report back how this carry actually felt).

Thanks
 
Stocky,
I have a large Wegner, and I think it's great. However, it is a bit large to tuck in front. I usually keep it clipped in my front pocket, sometimes the rear pocket.
That action is smooth. The lock up is very solid. The handle is comfortable. I say it's a must have.

That's just my opinion,
Mitch
 
Stocky, Wegner is mot likely the most ergonomic of the 3. Slick opening, but not quite like the Military. Depending on your build, you shouldn't find the Wegner a problem to carry as you describe. The way the clip is attatched, the knife sits high in a pocket or waistband. Personally, it is my favorite of the 3.

------------------
Paranoia is only smart thinking
when everyone is out to get you.


 
I can't comment on the Starmate 'cuz I haven't seen one yet. The Wegner and the Military are both great, smooth strong knives. I tried that carry position under the buckle and found I don't like it regardless which knife it is.

Personally, I favor the Wegner because of it's size and the way it fits my own hand.

Ben
 
As for the front carry position, the clip is (as you look down) just to the right of the button, or snap with the knife inside.

I'm not really a very big man but I really like that front carry (knife always readily available, and pretty much unseen).

Sounds like I've got a few votes for the Wegner. Is it a particulary THICK knife?

Any comments on the other two? (ergonomics and the front carry?)

Regards,
Stocky
 
Chalk up another vote for the Wegner. The Wegner is not only the most ergonomic Spyderco, its one of the most ergonomic knives out there period.

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Dennis Bible
Knoxville, Tennessee


 
I can't comment on the Starmate, but betweeen the Wegner and the Military, my vote goes to the Military. As much as I like the Wegner, (great ergonomics, solid feel), the Military wins for it's flat grind and finger choil. I have become very used to using the choil on my BF Native and find that I miss being able to choke up on the blade of my other knives. The flat grind is much more useful for deep cuts, the Military is my favourite kitchen knife. Also the light weight and slim profile of the Military make it more suitable for daily carry.

My AUS$0.0312989 (today's exchange rate).

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Take care,
Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.

 
chalk up another one for the wenger. i don't have experience with a starmate, but my military was not very size efficient. nice knife, and i love the forward choil, but the handle was WAY TOO BIG for the blade.

as for you r carry method, i tried it. i'm much more comfortable carrying mine a little off center. clip it to the outside of the fisrt belt loop on most jeans and thats about right. in the crease between your abdomen and your leg. they don't interfere with any motion and are less likely to cause bruises if you fall face first. i carry one on left and right side this way and never had a problem. anyone else do it like that?
 
I have owned all three - my favorite is the Wegner in PLAIN blade.
smile.gif
Great comfortable handle that can do it ALL. My top choice in the production class knives.

If you get a chance to handle all three of them side to side, that may help you decide on whick one you like. The lock up on the Military and the Wegner are SOLID, the Starmate liner style is 'newer' - looks like an oversized Cricket lock .....LOL. Some had some lock up problems, but the never ones have that problem solved.

You can't go wrong with either 3!
smile.gif


Ray 'md2020'
 
I' ve no experience with the Starmate. The Military is a bit big for most medium size hands and front pocket carry. But keep in mind it was designed for field use where a fix blade is not at hand. In extreme cold weather where thick gloves are to be worn the Militarys' handle size will fill this role quite well.

The Wegner is my favorite linerlock Spydie. I especially like the heavier weight due to the full length solid steel rear spacer. At picnics/ barbecues it has served me well as a pommel for both breaking frozen solid ice cubes from the bag and the back of greedy hands of those who think they will get a well done burger before I do!
smile.gif


L8r,
Nakano
 
I'd say to go with the StarMate. The knife is a bit smaller than a Military and it fits my hand better, as well as my pocket.

------------------
Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
Arlington, Virginia

 
The pictures don't show the clip arrangement, and I'm not sure if they're reversible, but the Spydie catalog shows the Military and Starmate as tip-down and the Wegner as tip up.

May make a difference depending on your preference for opening the blade. I know this is a tip-up/tip-down debate thing ... I just wasn't sure if Stocky knew the models differed in this respect (or cared).

But for ergonomic discussions, if one-handed use is important, it seems the tip-up carry for the Wegner puts the handle firmly in your hands as you draw the knife, whereas the tip-down carries require rotating the knife in your hands, or otherwise shifting it in order to put it firmly in your palm. This may be a concern if you use your knife one-handed in places where you don't want to fumble it away (like on a roof at a construction site).

Of course the down-side to tip-up (pun intended) is the possibility of accidents reaching for a partially opened blade.

I carry my Wegner Jr in my pocket (clipless), so I'm not a participant in those wars
smile.gif


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Longden Loo - Ventura, CA
Technology's the answer, what's the question?

 
People, people, people,
If you have not handled a Starmate yet, you really need to do yourselves a favor and get out and find one. These are great working knives.
I've done rope cutting tests with all three and here, in order, are the most comfy for extended periods of work (IMHO of course):
1. Wegner
2. Starmate
3. Military

The Starmate nearly edged out the Wegner in the comfy handle dept. but those smooooth curves on the WEGNER came through when all was said and done. The Starmate is a lot more comfortable to handle than it appears.
At least for me anyway.
Oh BTW, if edge holding is a concern, definately go for the 440V.
wink.gif


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If a man says something in the woods and there are no women there to correct him, is he still wrong?

 
Longden, I used to feel the same about tip-up knives and preferred the Wegner for that very reason. However, since I've been carrying the Military, I've started using the Spydie "drop" and am beginning to prefer tip-down because the hole is "right there" under your thumb when you draw the knife.

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Clay
Sydney, Australia

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....here it's tomorrow already.


 
Yeah, I've no doubt that the "drop" works well and is well-suited for tip-down carry.

The issue for Stocky may be whether he's concerned about the ergonomics of opening or holding the knife.

Drop leaves you with the blade in your hand ... good enough if you're using the knife in a fight (I guess), till you shift your grip to the handle.

As I said, it depends on your primary intended use. Most of mine is just cutting open boxes, rope and hoses, usually with the other hand occupied, and sometimes in awkward positions (how easy is it to draw your knife and drop open the blade while lying flat under your car?)

This is mostly a non-issue for anyone who already has one knife or the other, since we've learned to cope (or avoid) with problem situations ... I just wanted to point this out to Stocky in case it might be a concern.
 
1st- I want to thank Ewok for the rapid posting of the pictures. This really helped. Perhaps Spyderco might show knives open and also closed in their next catalog? That would be neat. (hint hint)

Anyway, Thank you Ewok for the pics!

2nd- Thanks Clay and Longdon for the discussion concerning tip UP/DOWN.

I fiddled around with a Gerber EZ-Out (It has a Spyderco licensed hole type thing-a-ma-jig if I'm not mistaken) and I find that since I carry in the front of my pants, I draw with my fingers facing straight to the left (over the front of knife), thumb behind with a straight wrist, palm facing my body. Slip your thumb in the "hole" and this allows for a proper opening of a tip down knife without doing the "drop." Tip up would probably be OK too.

3rd- Thank you all for your opinions concerning the over all ergonomics of the knives; opening, closing, carry, and overall feel.

OK, now for the next question....

PLAIN or SERRATED?

The knife is for everyday wear; I hunt, travel, work as a chiropractor (human, equine, and cainine), and do everything else around the house.
What is your opinion in relation to these three knives? PLAIN or SERRATED?

-Stocky

P.S. I'm pretty excited, my BF Native should be here tomorrow...
 
Definately plain edge, especially if you hunt. All the more reason for the Wegner. I think the plain edge is more versatile, especially if you can sharpen a knife. I would read Joe Talmadges serrated vs. plainedge FAQ. http://www.bladeforums.com/features/faqser-plain.html

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Dennis Bible
Knoxville, Tennessee




[This message has been edited by shootist16 (edited 23 November 1999).]
 
I carry my Military every day, and am still totally enamored of it. I've handled a Starmate and owned a Wegner Jr., and I personally like the Military best. It has great steel and the flat grind and CPM440V steel are almost without equal. I love it!! I think the Starmate is also great, but if you have medium to large sized hands, go with the Military. It is truly wonderful, and one of the best purchases I have made.

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Chris Turner
Arkansas

"We Don't Rent Pigs" --Augustus McCrae

"I won't abide rude behavior in a man." -- Woodrow Call

 
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