Spyderco Starmate: It's My Dream!

[kevingreenbskg]

I won’t say too much about this Spyderco Starmate. Just simple like this: it’s my dream! It’s not the best folding knife on global. But who care? I love it!

I found there was something named Spyderco Starmate on BladeHQ in June 2014. That’s time I was looking for a new folding knife for my pocket as a gift for myself. I didn’t have any idea that time and tried searching for “folding knives” keyword on Google. Remembered I kept an eye on destop while SMS with my business partner. Then my two eyes stoped on a picture like this:

The first time I saw it, I knew I have to get it for my use. I didn’t know why, it was that way. I tried to find more informations about this Spyderco Starmate knife on the internet. Let’s see one of them:

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Widely recognized as the father of handmade tactical folding knives, Bob Terzuola is one of the most influential figures in custom knifemaking. He was also the first custom knifemaker to work with Spyderco on production versions of his handmade designs and helped pioneer the concept of factory-made custom collaborations.

Spyderco is proud to announce the return—and evolution—of one of Terzuola’s most popular designs: the C55 Starmate. Originally released 1999, the Starmate captures all the critical qualities of Bob’s most coveted handmade knives in an affordable, accessible package. The new version of the Starmate features a saber-ground blade made from VG-10 stainless steel. Its improved handle construction includes full skeletonized stainless steel liners that provide the ideal balance of light weight and superior strength and textured G-10 scales for a secure grip.

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Hey, it sounded great! I found more information about this knife and realized it was usually compared to Spyderco ParaMilitary knife. And everyone said that the ParaMilitary is better. I confused and wonder whether or not I should buy it?

20 days later the Spyderco Starmate arrived to my home. Sharp out of the box! Once I hold it in hand, I felt a connection with this toy. It’s a very beautiful toy. It’s awesome to me. Who care about ParaMilitary or event Military? I love it!

The Starmate has a thick VG-10 steel blade that locks up with the liner lock tab. The knife feels superb in my hand, with the textured G-10 for grip along with the notches along the thumb ramp. This new iteration of the classic features a 4-way reversible clip and is made in Japan.

The good: the lock is considerably more substantial. Additionally, it feels exactly the same, other than being slightly heavier. It’s a fine representation of the design, and I've been using it as my EDC since I got it.

And, I also realized some disadvantages. They were:

The Steel used: I have no issue with VG-10 but for the price of this knife it should be S30V, or S35VN is best! The Paramilitary, Gayle Bradley, Manix and other Spydercos are all around this price or cheaper and they use better materials. For example, let’s have a look on one of the best fixed – EDC blade knife: Kabar Snoody Big Boss. S35VN Steel with a very acceptable price. Extra ordinary blade’s material. Having said that this knife is great otherwise. VG10 performs admirably. Wonder how better if it was made by S35VN steel?

I would have liked a hollow grind; I've never been much of a fan of the saber grind, but it’s not enough to stop me from using this knife daily. I also would have chamfered the edges of the G10 scales. The G10 is thinner due to the full liner. There wasn't enough material to work with to radius that corner, but again it’s not a deal breaker. Build quality is typical Spyderco: this thing just plain works.

As I said: It arrived sharp enough to cut through paper, but not smoothly because the blade is very thick and strong. One of the distinguishing characteristics of a Bob Terzuola design is his improved Walker LinerLock mechanism, which features a concave ramp on the blade’s lock face. This lock geometry, pioneered by Terzuola in his custom knives, provides greater strength and security than conventional flat lock ramps and is proudly featured in the new Starmate.

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To ensure convenient, versatile carry, the Starmate also features a new four-position clip with a broad triangular base for security and extreme strength. The new clip can be easily configured for tip-up or tip-down carry on either side of the body, allowing you to tune your carry to meet personal needs and preferences.

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Okay, this is all I want to tell you about my Spyderco Starmate. It is a great knife. This is my favorite folding knife. The ergonomics, blade geometry, and appearance are fantastic. The fit and finish are top notch. I heartily recommend this knife to you.

Thanks for reading. The full story is here
You can also find more interesting articles from me at Best Survival Knife Guide. Welcome!

 

[spyken]

you should try and get the original Starmate with CPM420V. It's quite a bit different - think one can still find them for about $300-400, depending on condition and whether PE/CE. That had an inset lock, no liners and a slightly different swedge (which makes a difference, IMO). Oh, and hollow grind too

 

[gosuto]

It's a gorgeous knife, if they ever do a sprint or a mini I think I'd pick one up. I honestly like the way spyderco does their liner locks a bit more than the lockbacks 90 percent of the time.

 

[kevingreenbskg]

you should try and get the original Starmate with CPM420V. It's quite a bit different - think one can still find them for about $300-400, depending on condition and whether PE/CE. That had an inset lock, no liners and a slightly different swedge (which makes a difference, IMO). Oh, and hollow grind too

Wow! What a price for a folding knife! 300USD enough for a big survival knife
However I'm rich. Going to try next time.
Thank you Spyken

 

[brownshoe]

It is a great knife. Better cutter than the custom ACTF; personally I believe it is due to the flat grind on such a thick blade being a better cutter than a hollow grind.

 

[jamal_spelling91]

I haven't handled the original, but $300 - $400 is way more than I'd be willing to spend on it, especially when I can get the new version which is almost the same knife for around $150.

 

[Cobalt]

I haven't handled the original, but $300 - $400 is way more than I'd be willing to spend on it, especially when I can get the new version which is almost the same knife for around $150.

Where can you get it for $150. The best price I have seen is closer to $190

 

[jamal_spelling91]

Where can you get it for $150. The best price I have seen is closer to $190

supremesolution or unitedoutdoors on ebay usually has them in stock, their prices fluctuate frequently. I don't usually buy knives on ebay, but when I do it's mostly from one of them as they have been reliable and have treated me well. I got a new starmate recently from unitedoutdoors for $158 and I'm very pleased with it.