Starmate or Vallotton

racegunner

racegunner

Joined
Aug 28, 2000
Messages
454
I'm really interested in either the Starmate or Vallotton.
Anyone have both who wants to share their opinion?
thanks
 
I've been interested in both as well, mostly for the size and blade shape. I've read a few reviews and watched a few youtube vids but haven't found any direct comparisons yet.

The Starmate matches the characteristics of my other knives with liners and rough finish G10 scales, but a lot of reviews are not very favorable. Most reviewers feel that the knife is overpriced for what you get, and comparing it with other knives such as the Para 2 and Military would support that. In photos that I've seen the scales appear to be very thin and that concerns me.

The Vallotton didn't attract me at first, mostly because of the bolsters. I like the polished micarta. While it might be less functional due to less grippiness, it looks classier. I don't have any interest in bolsters but if the other characteristics of the knife fit me then I wouldn't mind the bolsters. This knife is similar in price to the Starmate but seems to be a classier and more substantial knife with better blade steel. After this little bit of research I've put the Vallotton on my wish list.
 
I haven't handled the Starmate yet but i can vouch for the Vallotton's awesomeness. It's also not micarta, it's polished G10 and despite being smooth, the ergonomics and thickness of the handle provide a very secure grip unless you're working with greasy hands.
 
I enjoy admiring my Vallotton. It's a beautiful knife. It's not a knife I want to carry often because it's heavy and thick with a thick blade and a clip that leaves too much handle sticking up.
I would guess (because I don't have one) that the Starmate is more utilitarian. I agree that it seems overpriced.
 
The Starmate is a little more utilitarian, it's a heavy duty knife. It's big and the weight on it isn't very much for the size. So it evens out. The blade shape is awesome. While the knife is thick, it is not as thick in the hand or pocket. It's sure to be a great EDC.

I do not own one, but I have handled one and put one in my pocket to check it out.
 
AF said:
I enjoy admiring my Vallotton. It's a beautiful knife. It's not a knife I want to carry often because it's heavy and thick with a thick blade and a clip that leaves too much handle sticking up.
I would guess (because I don't have one) that the Starmate is more utilitarian. I agree that it seems overpriced.
Click to expand...

My experience with the vallotton, also. I'm looking at getting rid of it. Better knives out there.

YMMV
 
I have a Vallotton and it is, quite honestly, a work of art. Fit and finish are impeccable. It has the nicest sounding "thwack" when I open it too. Beefy for sure.

The Starmate, ehh. I eagerly awaited its return after hearing the glowing praise the original had. But after looking at the specs, I'm not too excited about it. VG-10, black G10 scales.... Mmm, k.
 
I have both sitting in front of me now. They share many similarities. The Vallotton is gorgeous. Fit, finish, - impeccable. Action and lockup are perfect.
The Starmate is functionally stunning. Action and lockup are perfect. While nothing about this knife would impair the function of this knife, the fit and finish is not to the standard I am used to with Spyderco. There is the rattly lanyard hole, that little unfinished ricasso area. Big deal. Mine also came very dull but I purchased it off the exchange. I hit it with the 40 deg. on the Sharpmaker and nothing. Got out my loop and I was only touching the sides of the bevel, it looked to have been about 50-55 deg. and had not been sharpened since leaving the factory. Twenty minutes and I have a proper primary and secondary bevel and it is shaving sharp.
The liners are the same thickness on both, as is the blade length, handle length, overall length and blade thickness. The Vallotton is about 1/3 thicker, which is all in the G10, as the liners and blade are the same thickness. The shape of the cutting edge is fairly similar also. I shall enjoy owning both for many years to come.
If I were going to pick one to carry daily, it would be the Starmate. It is so much thinner with a fantastic blade. I find the Vallotton just takes up to much room and accessing my wallet while navigating past my tools on my belt is a pain in the hand.
 
Yeah, the factory edge on these tanto style blades is quite steep. My Vallotton checked in somewhere North of 60 degrees inclusive. It's now down to 30.
 
I only have the Starmate but I do like it, and the closed blade spine throws great sparks with a firesteel.
 
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