Spyderco Starmate,anyone has one

L

lonestar1979

Joined
Mar 2, 2014
Messages
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I handled this knife, and fit ,finish and design is superb in my opinion.How does this knife perform, and how does it compare to Emerson cqc7a models.(they both have linerlocks and similar blade)
 
I didn't particularly care for the fit in my hand (likewise with the equivalent Emerson models, just too brick-ish for me) but I do agree the fit & finish were excellent. I didn't use it much when I owned one but it seemed like it would get the job done.
 
I have the older USA made model. The ergos are stellar for me; it is a thin knife with a thick blade so the balance is a little forward. But the lockup and construction are very similar to the Military which is one of my favorite knives.
 
I have one. It has held up well. I think the current version with the flat grind makes it a better cutter than the first version of the starmate. It has a thick blade but cuts like it is thinner. I don't know the Emerson, but if you are looking for a full size knife, you can not go wrong with the starmate.
 
I have one and plan on getting another. Big knife imo that carries small as it is thin although the blade os pretty thick which i like. The liner lock is pretty hefty although not as much as my kershaw junkyard dog 2.2. all in all a favorite of kine from spyderco since the handle to bpade ratio is better than a lot of spydies
 
I just received mine three days ago from Amazon. My sample (made in 2013 - there must be a lot of old stock sitting idle) still has the oft reported quality control issues: (1) rough blade finish where the plunge grind transitions to full width blade stock and (2) an asymmetrical blade grind; the presentation side is much better done than the back side.

It's not at all comparable to the presently made Taichung (Taiwan) made Spydercos in terms of fit and finish.

That said, for $137 with free shipping and handling thrown in, it's not a bad knife intended for a "user." Also, like the original Starmate, this model is easy for small-handed lefty users to deploy and close (I'm right handed, but choose to carry on my "weak" side). Other pluses: lockup is a solid 25%, the swedge grind is well done (symmetrical) and blade centering is pretty fair.

All in all, not a bad Spyderco for the price I paid and not a bad understudy for my original 440V Starmate.
 
The small patch of rough blade finish is not really a "QC" issue. From what I've read that's the way it was made. Some people don't like it; some don't care.

A little bit of asymmetry in a grind could be a sign of a hand ground blade, by someone who is left or right handed. If it is a problem, the supplier should replace it for you.

In my mind, the perfect Starmate would include the nested liners and 440V of the original Starmate.
 
I understand the sentiment to give Spyderco a pass regarding the rough blade finish on this specific model. It is, however, disheartening to see this "feature" on a blade with an MSRP of $309.95 and on a Japanese-made Spyderco. Times change I guess, because the last 15 folders or assisted openers I've purchased this year that were made in the PRC have no such issues and all bear MSRPs of less than $100.00.

I still support Spyderco with my wallet and fully intend to keep this latest Starmate incarnation.
 
Deltadag said:
I understand the sentiment to give Spyderco a pass regarding the rough blade finish on this specific model...
Click to expand...

It is not a "rough blade finish". To say that does a disservice to the knife. The blade finish is excellent. On my knife, the area you object to is about 5mm at the end of the edge. There is a reason for it, that I can no longer recall.
 
I had a Starmate, I really like the design. Unfortunately, it seemed poorly executed.

I like the overall shape, the perfectly fitted steel liner lock, and the super extra thick (for a folder) blade in a thin knife that is easy to carry. What I didn't like were the voids in the steel at the base of the blade. Leaving any part of a blade so rough is inexcusable on a knife with an MSRP over $300. Bob Terzuola pioneered the use of inexpensive, slick and durable Nylatron washers in folding knives. To substitute regular white nylon makes no sense to me, and only takes away from the knife by making it feel farther from the Designer than necessary.

If the blade was clean, and the knife came with phosphor bronze or nylatron washers, I'd be wearing one right now.
 
Deltadag said:
I just received mine three days ago from Amazon. My sample (made in 2013 - there must be a lot of old stock sitting idle) still has the oft reported quality control issues: (1) rough blade finish where the plunge grind transitions to full width blade stock and (2) an asymmetrical blade grind; the presentation side is much better done than the back side.

It's not at all comparable to the presently made Taichung (Taiwan) made Spydercos in terms of fit and finish.

That said, for $137 with free shipping and handling thrown in, it's not a bad knife intended for a "user." Also, like the original Starmate, this model is easy for small-handed lefty users to deploy and close (I'm right handed, but choose to carry on my "weak" side). Other pluses: lockup is a solid 25%, the swedge grind is well done (symmetrical) and blade centering is pretty fair.

All in all, not a bad Spyderco for the price I paid and not a bad understudy for my original 440V Starmate.
Click to expand...

How is the detent? Weak ?
 
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