Starmate or Wegner

S

Soloman

Joined
Jun 20, 1999
Messages
358
Was set on ordering a full sized Tim Wegner, but a last minute thought brought into question the Starmate, now I have to decide between the two. I know they both are of great quality, but which one would you pick?
Any and all opinions would be appreciated.

P.S. I already have a Military, so all of you other Military fans out there don't have to reccommend it to me

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"If you come to a fork in the road, take it"
 
Both are typical Spyderco quality.....excellent.

The blade shape is similar, but the handles are curved on the Wegner and straighter on the Starmate. Advantage, Wegner

The Starmate has the eccentric pivot pin that allows for adjusting of the liner. Both lock up solid though. Advantage, Starmate.

Wegner has ATS-34 and Starmate has 440-V. Both good steels, but 440-V is supposed to be better. Advantage, Starmate.

The Wegners are less expensive than the Starmate and can be found easier. Advantage, Wegner.

All in all I would say they are pretty close. I like the construction and materials of the Starmate better, but the Wegner feels alot better and is still great quality. I would pick the Wegner. You will eventually have both anyway.

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Dennis Bible
 
I say throw the Starmate in the trash and kick Tim Wegner's a... Oh, I see you already mentioned the Military. So what law prevents you for buying another Military?

The first really high quality knife I ever bought was a serrated Military. I thought my next purchase would be another Military, this time in plain edge, but buying the same knife just felt too weird and I went on to other things. I am ready to finally admit that what I really need is another Military! Just buy the Military over and over again and you can never be disappointed!

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Cerulean

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain? - Blake
 
Every new knife I buy gets carried a lot. But I always come back to the Wegner. It's my just-plain-favorite general purpose carry knife.

Kind of like meat loaf or mac and cheese. It's a "comfort food" knife. Holding the Wegner, you always feel like you're at home.
 
As much as I like the looks of the Starmate, & I know if & when I ever get one in my hand, it will be tough to put down... I still have a soft spot for my Wegner- it does all I ask it to & is capable of more- great ergos, great blade geometry & locks up solid.

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Runs With Scissors
AKTI# A000107
 
I had one of those "last minute" thoughts before my first marraige. (I shoulda listened)
smile.gif
Luckily bigamy is legal with knives, and your monogamy is likely to be shortlived.

I can't comment on the Wegner(yet), butt my Starmate is sweet in all ways to me.
smile.gif



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><CHINOOK*>
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Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult
 
Good topic-

I just got my lg. Wegner last night, and my Starmate is on the way. I finally see what everyone meant about the Wegner, I've never heard a more positive lock up. "Thunnkk". Feels great to hold, and the blade is typical Spyderco sharp. (makes me wonder why I keep buying thickly ground dull knives from you know who) I'm anxious to compare the Starmate with the Wegner, as I've read so many great things about both.

The only nits I could pick with the Wegner is it's in-pocket concealability. (sp?) The chrome clip and 1/2" or so of handle sticking out of my pocket at work just doesn't fly. So I will have to relegate it to evening and weekend duty for now. Oh, well, I don't think it was quite designed for the cubical inhabitant, anyways...
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clip
 
I have had both for a while and they are excellent.The Wegner is the most underrated Spydie there is.What are you planning to use the knife for?That has a lot to do with which will be best.The Starmate rides a little better in the pocket,but the handle doesn`t lend itself to heavy work.If heavy work is a potential,the Wegner may be the best choice.
I agree with Shootist,get `em both!
David

AKTI#150
 
A plain-edge Wegner was my choice. Something about the Starmate didn't appeal to me. The Wegner is a very nice match with my serrated Military.
 
The combination of a serrated military in one pocket and a plainedged Wegner/Starmate in the other kinda defines "preparedness" to me.

(is that a word?)
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><CHINOOK*>
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Cleverly Disguised As A Responsible Adult
 
Here's another one for the Wegner. I think it's that KERCHUNK it makes when it locks in.
peace, rdog out.
p.s. the G10 feels good in the hand.

 
Wegner,hands down.
I am sitting here holding both.
Anybody want to buy a NIB Starmate #696?

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Bill
Salem, Virginia

 
I own two Tim Wegner Jr's. now as I sold the third one.
The only problem with the knife is the liner lock bar moves quickly across the face of the blade base.
The first knife started midway, but moved to rest aganst the opposite scale in less than 300 openings. This knife was sent to Spyderco for repair, but was returned a couple of months later with the message that "everything checks out safely".
In the meantime, Wegner #2 was brought into service. By the time #1 came home, #2's liner lock bar had transversed to 3/4 of the way to the opposite scale.
Anyone who is educated about liner locks knows they are worn out when the liner lock bar reaches the opposite scale. My knife buddies have also commented on the position of the liner lock bar upon inspection of the knife.
This scenario prompts concern for my fingers, regardless of what anyone says.
Accordingly, I have retired #1 to opening letters.
Also, I'm reluctant to play with #2 due to observed wear.
While I LOVE the knife, used it dressing game, agree with the ergonomics and have carried daily as a utility, I don't want another.
I ordered a Starmate this morning and hope it's linerlock lasts awhile.
Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill McWilliams (edited 01-06-2000).]
 
I haven' t really used a Starmate yet but I am extremely happy with the performance of my Wegners over the years. It is a very ergonomic, heavy duty folder. The thick blade spine provides extra strength and the thin hollow grind allows for a breathtaking edge!

Clip Point: if some cold bluing on the clip and screws fail, try outlining then affixing some fine grade black friction (skateboard) tape (3M) onto the clip. It will subdue the "flash" and will provide for a super secure grip on the draw if you need it in a pinch. But do keep an eye on any clothing material that may come into contact with it.

L8r,
Nakano
 
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