Starmate 50/50 (part-serrated) or plain...

Flood

Flood

Joined
Jul 31, 2000
Messages
274
This topic-posting thing is getting to be quite addictive. I swear I'll stop soon...

Alright, you people have proven to be quite helpful. However, some of your comments in the recent Calypso Jr. v. Native post I originated previously have presented another interesting issue.

I for one was 100% sure that I would get a Starmate with a 50/50 edge. It looks super-cool and useful. HOWEVER, some of you have argued passionately in favor of a plain edge, and many of you seem to have regretted getting a 50/50 and feel frustrated with your choice. I certainly wouldn't want that to happen to me! So, let's have one more discussion. All you Starmate owners, I encourage you to let me know your edge preference and why. I would like to hear from both those that were happy or unhappy with their purchase.

Thanks again!

-Flood

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-It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.
 
Am happy with my plainedge but if it was my only work knife I'd go part serr for rope.
 
Most of my Spydies are 50/50 or fully serrated. I think it's personal preference and what tasks the knife will be used for the most.
John Row
colobbfan

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I've had more paper cuts than cuts from knives, but the knives are QUICKLY gaining!
 
I don't own a Starmate, but as a general rule, I prefer to keep my serrations on a separate blade. I don't mind carrying two or three knives at a time, so for me it doesn't make sense to give up the best part of a perfectly good plain edge. If I had to carry just one blade, I might consider a combo-edge, although my experience tells me the serrations would be a hassle more often than not. The question is, would I ever need the serrations badly enough to put up with the hassle all those other times.

Let me ask you this: Do you know how to sharpen a knife? Some folks like serrations because they allow you to saw through things long after the plain edge has lost its bite. If you're one of those people who NEVER sharpen a knife, then you'll love the serrations.

Serrations really shine when cutting wire, hard plastic, tough plant vines and runners, and rope that is *under tension*. I emphasize "under tension" because people often say, "if you're going to cut rope, get serrations", which, in my experience is not completely true--the serations often snag on lose rope.

I hope this helps.

David Rock



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AKTI Member # A000846
Stop when you get to bone.
 
I had started with serrated patterns many years back partially due to the cool factor of toothies. But what are you planning to use the knife for? Toothys work well for fibrous stuff as already mentioned. It could also be a lifesaver if you are caught in an emergency situation where you may literally have to "saw" away material(s). Also part serrated requires a slightly different sharpening technique. If you have experience in sharpening and a Sharpmaker on hand, then there is little to be concerned about.

Also consider the laws in your local or where you plan to travel. Toothy blades are shunned by the politically correct/ sheeple and any one else who is knife "ignorant". If you have different pieces to rotate with, then you can "dress" accordingly.

Again, it boils down to what are your intended uses for the particular piece. On the other hand if you are an admirer (nothing wrong with that) then go with what you desire.
smile.gif


L8r,
Nakano
 
Get both!
biggrin.gif


Sam

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have spydies
will travel...
 
I did. I don't like 50/50 edges, but on the Starmate it works. I carry the plain edge Starmate generally, but it's nice to know I have a backup just in case the PE gets misplaced.


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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu
 
As I said once before in another post on this subject, why f**k up a wonderful knife by getting a blade that is nsither one or the other but the worst combination of both? My first Spyderco Terzuola was a C-15 Clipit that was 60/40 and I came to detest those damned serrations! While they may be useful for some people, they weren't for me, and having them on my knife just got in the way of using it for real work. If i needed a serrated knife now and then, I would buy a serrated Endura and have done with it. I can't think of enough uses foerme to put it to to buy the thing in 440V, and if I did, I'd buy a Lightweight Native.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Thanks everyone for your comments. Although I like the aesthetics of a 50/50 Starmate, I am really sold on FullerH's comment that the serrations would get in the way. Might as well buy a completely serrated rather than a partially serrated blade. When I get the Starmate, it will definitely be plain. I was impressed by several scans of the plain-edged model.
Only problem is...I also want a Military plain, and my pockets don't go deep enough right now. Argh! Maybe someday soon I will possess both
wink.gif


Thanks again,

-Flood

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-It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.
 
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