Is the Starmate worth the price?

FTR-14c

FTR-14c

Joined
Jul 24, 2011
Messages
1,974
I've been looking at a Starmate and like what I see but I'm having a hard time justifying the price.
The VG-10 blade with a G-10 handle and a liner lock just doesn't seem to add up to $160.
Am I missing something?
 
FTR-14c said:
I've been looking at a Starmate and like what I see but I'm having a hard time justifying the price.
The VG-10 blade with a G-10 handle and a liner lock just doesn't seem to add up to $160.
Am I missing something?
Click to expand...

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=784
Actually, yes you are. It has a lot of nice features! all of the extra holes that need to be drilled, parts that need to be rounded and polished, etc. etc. adds up.
Spydercos like this are usually at custom quality. $160 could even be considered a bargain for a knife like this.
 
LesserBeing said:
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=784
Actually, yes you are. It has a lot of nice features! all of the extra holes that need to be drilled, parts that need to be rounded and polished, etc. etc. adds up.
Spydercos like this are usually at custom quality. $160 could even be considered a bargain for a knife like this.
Click to expand...
The original designer also needs to get paid, that also adds to the cost, as with all "collaborations".
 
I'm a big fan of the looks of the Starmate. Although I have no experience with either, I remember reading that the original Starmate was 'better' than the new one (based on several opinions). Don't remember why. I like VG-10 steel though, and in my opinion, Bob Terzuola created a beautiful design with this one.
 
If you plan on using it, the GB is an amazing cutter. Maybe not the prettiest knife out there, but the build quality is hard to beat. Outstanding knife for the $
 
I'm a huge Terzuola fan and have all of his collaborations with Spyderco. The 1995-era original collaboration (C-15) was the best, IMO. The Starmate is a very nice knife and the blade grind is absolutely wonderful - but it is just a tad too big for my daily carry. While I really like mine - I leave them in the drawer more than I should...

If you are looking for something in that size range - I highly recommend the Gayle Bradley. It is one of the best folders every made. CF scales, M4 steel, and solid as a tank without being too heavy and bulky for EDC.

TedP
 
FTR-14c said:
Im also looking at a Gayle Bradley but I like the size of the Starmate.
Click to expand...

If the new Starmate and the Bradley were combined with the best qualities of both.... Not to say they aren't both great knives...
Love them both and I like the M4 steel although the Starmate gets a great edge with the VG-10 saber grind. I prefer the thicker Starmate blade size and the no hassle VG-10. Haven't had an issue with M4 myself.
The ergos of the Bradley are nicer but the liners are a bit on the heavy side and with no cutout for the liner lock it can be difficult for large handed folk.
Thicker carbon scales like the Bradley would be more comfortable on the Starmate. It's a little rough on the hands.
 
I have one and like it/carry it quite a bit. I think it is a decent design and for the most part well put together. I like the blade profile quite a bit also. I think it was at bit expensive at the $175 I paid for it especially with really, really unfinished ricasso that they showed up with. Others were also bothered by the rattling lanyard hole. I cleaned up the ricasso myself (I know this voids the warranty). As said, I do like the knife, carry it frequently, and don't regret the purchase though think it could have cost a bit less. I'm sure Spyderco's production costs were what caused the price to be what it was/is. Having said all of that, Howe's has a couple in stock for a bit less than the original dealer prices. Mike
 
Last edited:
The Spyderco Starmate (C55G) is an extremely well-balanced folder with a blade length of 3.75" that's a beefy 0.157" thick and weighing only 4.9 ounces.

C55G_L.jpg
 
I have the new version. It is very smooth and it feels good in hand. I personally never carry it because i like my para 2 and others but I'm glad i bought it. I can tell you that I really really like my Domino!!!
 
RevDevil said:
Do you speak from experience or are you quoting an ad?
Click to expand...

I have one and it's from experience. Here's a picture of mine next to Chinook II and Tuff and all have a blade length of 3.7"-3.75". The Starmate is the lightest by over an ounce but most importantly a good center of gravity makes it well-balanced in the hand.

7d8e1de6-1bde-4ca6-b3f6-5614fb74c451_zps692c157a.jpg
 
The Starmate is absolutely gorgeous in terms of aesthetics. But given the price I'd go for other options first. I feel the Gayle Bradley is pretty similar overall, and costs about $20 less and has a pretty primo steel (even though I love Spyderco's VG10).
Honestly, for a large folder I would take a Manix XL over the Starmate any day.
 
I decided to grab one of the Gayle Bradleys for $136 shipped.
I have a Manix 2 G-10 that I haven't fallen in love with yet so the Manix XL is probably not in the cards for me.
Seeing the Starmate next to the Tuff, which I have, really helps with the overall size. It is definitely larger than I thought it would be.
Does anybody have a photo of a Military next to a Starmate?
 
FTR-14c said:
I decided to grab one of the Gayle Bradleys for $136 shipped.
I have a Manix 2 G-10 that I haven't fallen in love with yet so the Manix XL is probably not in the cards for me.
Seeing the Starmate next to the Tuff, which I have, really helps with the overall size. It is definitely larger than I thought it would be.
Does anybody have a photo of a Military next to a Starmate?
Click to expand...

From top to bottom (blade lengths in parentheses): Military (4.00"), Starmate (3.75"), Tuff (3.70"), Manix 2 XL (3.85"), Bradley (3.44"):

bf80a309-3e1d-4207-b438-20ccfeb75c9b_zps7b10ad29.jpg
 
Last edited:
Damn you RamZar!
It looks like I will be getting a Starmate along with the Bradley.
Nice photo
Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top