Starmate lock play?

mr44

mr44

Joined
Dec 16, 1999
Messages
383

Hey guys,

I just got a Starmate, and am really impressed with the looks, materials and construction of this knife. One thing that I am concerned with though, is the lockup. This really sucks, since I bought the knife in part after reading Anthony Lombardo's review in TK, RAVING about how strong the lock was. There is no side-to-side play, but when I hold the handle in one hand, grab the tip of the blade and wiggle it *up and down* I can definitely feel it rocking slightly.

Now, I know that folders aren't fixed blades, and a little play is to be expected, but here is a list of some of my other decent folders, and how they fared on this test:

1. Emerson CQC-7B: NO wobble in any direction.
2. Benchmade Mini-Stryker: Even better fit, finish and lockup than the CQC. Again zero play.
2. Spyderco Calypso Jr. Micarta: As solid, if not more so than the knives above. Someone please make more lockbacks in the tactical style!
3. 10 year old Endura: Less play than the Starmate, but then again there was a little "room for movement" when the knife was new. It hasn't got any worse in almost ten years though.
4. CRKT M16 and Mirage: Not quite as solid as the Emerson and Benchmade, but definitely better than the Starmate. I paid more for the C55 than both of these knives combined, BTW.

So, is this going to be a risky and hassle filled cross-border warranty return, or what? If anyone has their Starmate handy, I would appreciate it if they could perform this little test on theirs and post the results. If it turns out that it is "just the way it is," with regards to the lockup on this model well, I guess I'll leave it at that and just go to other manufacturers for my liner-lock folders in future... I'd really like to think I just got dud here though.

BTW, Why doesn't anyone make tactical LOCKBACKS anymore? (the Police is nice, but it's not a Starmate, CQC7 or Stryker!) I have serious concerns about both the lockup and longevity of Liner-Locks(tm). You see, I'm one of those people who likes to open and close my folders alot, in front of the TV, etc. My old Endura is none the worse for wear after almost ten years of countless openings and hard use, but then I read stories about people with three-year old, $200 titanium liner-locks having WORN OUT so much that the lock goes all the way over to the right side of blade tang. BOOOO!


 
Mr44 - Assuming no one has taken the knife apart, it sounds like the eccentric Pivot pin was not adjusted properly. There shouldn't be any play.

Call Angela in Customer Service and she will take care of you.

1-800-525-7770

sorry for the disappointment aned inconvenience.

BTW - Titanium liners are far more likely to wear out much faster than stainless liners.

I might also add that the new Spyderco "Chinook" designed by James Keating is a lock back.

sal

[This message has been edited by Sal Glesser (edited 04-09-2000).]
 
Sal,

Thanks for the quick response. No, I haven't disassembled the knife, or even used it to cut anything substantial that would torque the blade, or otherwise stress the lock either. I guess I'll have to call Angela tomorrow and put things in motion. Oh well.

 
FYI, my starmate's rock solid and makes a pleasantly loud click as the lock engages.
 
Yeah, you should send it back. It's not a big deal to have it fixed.
I read stories about people with three-year old, $200 titanium liner-locks having WORN OUT so much that the lock goes all the way over to the right side of blade tang. BOOOO!
Click to expand...
That's the beauty of the eccentric pivot, which is on Starmates and Militaries. It allows you to easily adjust the lock-up. If it gets to the point where the liner is going all the way over, you can send the knife in and get the lock-up back to normal.



------------------
Cerulean

"Just because some folks think you make great kydex sheaths doesn't make you into some sort of mind reading psychologist." -Paracelsus
 
My starmate is rock solid. The stainless liner is superior to a titanium one. Greater wear resistance. As a matter of fact, I believe that Spyderco (with the Military and Starmate) has perfected the liner lock.

Not to worry about yours though, Spyderco's customer service is second to none.
 
My Starmate's quite solid.

Talk to Angela. No muss, no fuss, and it'll be better than new in no time.

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AKTI Member #A000832

"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."
 
This just proves that they are made by real people. I have two rock solid Starmates and everyone I ever saw at a store or show was rock solid. I also agree that Spydercos liner locks are consistently the best made in the world; also stainless steel makes for better liners than titanium.
 
Mr44, I am so sorry that you have a problem with your StarMate. Both my StarMate and my Military lock up tight as drums, even after much snapping open.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
I just got mine a couple days ago ( new from a dealer) and I have the same issue, slight rocking up and down when locked. Also it didn't shave out of the box. Some fingerprints on the blade, and scratches on the terzuola emblem.
frown.gif


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A knife is by default a tool, it's only a weapon when a human chooses to make it so.

 
Kellster, from whom did you get your StarMate? It almost sounds as if you were sold a used knife.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
I won't say who I bought it from as it is not cool, especially when I haven't contacted them yet, and given them a chance to rectify. It is my first Spyderco, and I wasn't sure if I should address it with the dealer or the manufacturer. My instinct says call the dealer, to get another knife, but what about just having the factory fix it up? From what I've heard, Spyderco's service is excellent.

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A knife is by default a tool, it's only a weapon when a human chooses to make it so.

 
Spyderco may well repair it, probably will, but I suspect that you were sold a used knife as a new one. I may well be wrong here as I have not seen it, but from your description, it sounds like your knife had been used and returned to the dealer and they hadn't even taken the time to clean it up! Whoever the dealer is, I would try to exchange it with him first, looking for the Light in him. Who knows, you may even find it. If you don't, that dealer would be a good candidate for discussion in "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" forum as and Ugly.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Just got my Starmate today -
IT WOBBLES THE EXACT SAME WAY!

Hmmm...time to take a look at the QC on the Starmate assembly line eh?

I am asking the seller to send me a PostPaid Envelope/mailer so I can exchange it with them.

I would rather repair the knife myself - but only if I was told exactly how and had Mr. Glesser's blessing (ie - warranty still intact)

If not, I guess it is going to be another week before I enjoy my Starmate...

BTW - I have plain edge Starmate that is serial # (not a user piece) that locks up sooooo nice and tight!! (So I KNOW what wobble IS).

I am going to post this under it's own topic too...

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RKBA!
Click Here To Make $5with Paypal!
Pay ANYONE With Your Visa/MC Over the Internet!
 
Didn't want to leave people hanging, the dealer is making this right. Update on GBU later.

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A knife is by default a tool, it's only a weapon when a human chooses to make it so.

 
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