Need some help deciding on these Spydercos

Happy Holidays all-

I've been torn over these three knives and thought I'd ask you guys for some insight.

Terzuola Starmate
Bob Lum
Tim Zowada

I did some searching for past threads on the Terzuola and Lum, so I've got some idea of what they're like already. I dig the looks of the Terzuola, and I understand the 440V is a steel to be reckoned with. However, I don't care for the Military style clip, as I think it will stick out too far for me and it's too shiny. (Not that these 'nits' would stop me from getting one)

The Lum has always appealed to me as well. From what I've read it's totally well done and absolutely gorgeous. Maybe TOO nice to carry and use. Plus, it seems kind of large. Other Ti handled knives I have tend to be heavy in my pocket, but again, this wouldn't neccessarily stop me from ordering one.

The Zowada has just recently been vying for my affection. I like the blade shape, I like the Micarta(although a lustrous finish would be nicer), and the clip position/black color are perfect for me. The big 'however' though, is the blade steel. AUS8? Geez, not to be spoiled, but for the money...

I'd like something I could use rather than just add to the display boxes. My daily cutting chores are menial tasks for any knife, I guess. Just mail, some fruit, and cardboard now and again. But we all know too well that as knifenuts we're not always practical now are we. I wouldn't be opposed to hacking up an apple with the Lum if I thought it was the best value.

So I keep going round and round. Eventually I may have all three anyways, but for now I'd greatly appreciate whatever suggestions you all might have.

Thanks much-

clip

 
For a working folder, the Starmate would make much sense. The blade steel is superior, its blade shape is more versatile, the G10 handles are super strong and affords a more secure grip than the smoothly finished Zowada and the Lum. The Lum is a big folder but will scratch up rather easily with handling. The Zowada is much smaller OAL and appears to be designed for PP (Protective Purposes) and again smoothly finished scales are not conducive to hard use especially around areas where lubes and other chemicals may be present. Just one of my peeves.
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L8r,
Nakano
 
i dont have any experience with the Lum (I want one though!). I am sure it would be a great user, but the titanium handles would scratch very easily, no big deal for some but this would drive me nuts. I started to purchase a Tim Zowada at a local knife store and didn't. It was a nice knife, but to me it didn't have the quality of a Starmate (My Starmate and Military have me spoiled). The construction and materials of the Starmate were vastly superior. I would say go for the Starmate, great steel, excellently done linerlock, ergonomic handle, and as an added bonus it looks good. The Military and the Starmate are the best done Spyderco's to date (in my opinion of course). I don't think you could go wrong with it. Of course, if you are like me, you will eventually have all three anyway.

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Dennis Bible
 
L

lbwheat

Joined
Feb 24, 1999
Messages
216
I have two Starmates and would consider the Zowanda when it bcomes available in a smooth edge. I'm going to wait for the Lum Chinese folder because I like the design better than the current Lum.I just recently aquired a Shabaria and I like it as well as the Starmate, However I think the Starmate would stand up to more hard use because of the thick 440V blade.The Shabaria has a thin very very sharp VG-10 blade with a fine sharp point,which I find very useful for my needs.Besides it looks very different from the other styles of Tactical folders today.I try to collect different but well made knives as well as the more normal designs. I am particulary fond of Spyderco knives, I have over 60 Spydies and still going.I also like Microtech Kestrels because of their different look.

lbwheat
 
No matter which you choose, I'm sure you'll be more than satisfied. Personally, I like the looks of the Tim Zowada. I've never held any of them though, and don't remember which steel each is made of (Spyderco uses many different steels).

Howie
 
I own a Starmate and a Lum.

I've been carrying the Lum more and more lately. I've got another on the way, so I've been far more willing to put my first into service. On top of that, I think I'm just plain past the black G-10 tactical thing.

It is definitely big. So is the Starmate. It is definitely heavy. So is the Starmate (not as bad, though). I like the finish on the ATS-55 better than the CPM-440V - pure personal preference. I've had great luck with edge holding and sharpness on both.

WRT the handle scratches, mine have just never gotten that bad. Really. It would drive me nuts otherwise. I also have every faith that it is returnable to normal once it does get scratched up.

I like the Zowada design a lot, too. The micarta helps to distinguish it from the black G-10 crowd.

If you want something that will really turn heads, though, while separating matter on contact, the Lum's a great choice.
 
Thanks guys-

What's the pocket clip look like on the Lum? If anyone knows...

I'm still not sure, although I am on vacation this week, so I plan I doing some heavy 'research'. Seems like a good enough excuse, right? Ther's a shop at a mall by me, but he doesn't carry any of the three. I think if I could actually hold them I'd figure it out. I'm still so impressed with both my Spyderco Herbst and the Shabaria I got- really very high quality. And to agree with the above post, I'm tired of the tactical style of knives.

Oh, yeah- I started to look at the J.D. Smith. Looks cool, but I have yet to own a lockback, although I'm not sure why. Man, am I spoiled! Wouldn't it be cool if I (we) could say "Uh, yeah, gimme a 3"-4" blade folder, locking liner, polished black Micarta handles, make that CPM440V, and a side of fries please." If only Spyderco had a drive through.
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clip
 
Clip Point,
Did you think to add the large Calypso C54 to your list? For cutting chores you are mentioned flat ground blade (VG-10) would be very good choice, smooth black Micarta handle looks cool and the pocket clip is black. The most elegant SPYDERCO own design (just my opinion).
One "minor" problem - Sal discontinued this knife production... But maybe some retailers still have it in stock.
From your list I'm voting on the Starmate: impressive edge retention, very comfortable handle, excellent ratio between weight and strength. Blade shape is more versatile than spear-point Zowada or tanto Lum.


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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland
 
Sounds like you would like a larger carry tool. Have you looked at the Wegner?
It is not "beautiful" but a wonderful tool.
So are the above mentioned. I am possitive, Sal only makes as such. I have 2 of the above mentioned..
I do think you should consider the Wegner though.
An opinion.

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Bill
Salem, Virginia



[This message has been edited by highrent1 (edited 28 December 1999).]
 
Thanks for all the suggestions-

Through some interesting avenues, I've decided and ordered.

Not the Starmate, Lum, Zowada, Smith, Calypso, or even the Wegner. For the knife I went with, please see the topic entitled "Thanks Savman!!!" it picks up from here. And it has a happy ending!
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Happy New Year!

clip
 
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