Starmate vs. AFCK

shootist16

shootist16

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I have found several threads about the military vs. AFCK. I am curious as to the opinions of the Starmate vs. AFCK. This may be a better comparison as both are marketed as tacticals.

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Dennis Bible
 
Between the Starmate and AFCK, the Starmate is more refined, and a better design. No large pivot washers, superior steel, better grinds and edge geometry, no handle flex, excellent lock-up, etc..

--dan
 
Good luck finding a Starmate
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I guess I was lucky finding a Starmate- (in fact, #515 purchased from the Spyderco table at one of the shows)

I like the Starmate for it's great handle shape and overall good looks. And the crazy sharp CPM 440V blade is a huge plus too. But I prefer to actually carry my 800 AFCK, though, as it rides lower in my pocket. The Terzuola locks up nicer with a solid 'pop' every time, whereas on my AFCK, the lock kind of stutters and scratches it's way over to the base of the blade. To the BM's credit- it does lock solidly every time, just not as smoothly.

The linerless G-10 handle on the Starmate is light, while still being plenty strong I'm sure. I think I like the comparative heft of the AFCK a little better. One thing that for me gives the 'edge' (HA!) to the AFCK is the pocket clip. On the Spydie there's the Military (new) style clip, all big and shiny. And it leaves a lot of knife sticking up over the pocket edge.

Not to say either of these wouldn't tear the living *&%! out of anything you needed them to when properly implemented- just these kinds of considerations are important to the cubical warrior like myself.

On the blades: Tie. Both have opened tons of mail and dispatched many fruits and vegetables with nary a wimper. Rigorous yes, I know, I use my knives hard.
wink.gif


Handles: Advantage AFCK. The curve fits my hand well. Feels sturdy. Terzuola holds well, feels basically rectangular though.

Lock-up: Advantage Starmate. Way smoother and makes a slick popping noise when you open it, even if you slowly open it- every time.

In-pocket-carry: Advantage AFCK. Rides lower. Starmate clip says "look at me, I'm a knife, and I'm going to hurt you".

Overall looks: Advantage Starmate. Has that Bob T. flavor about it. Very nice.

Since I don't (usually) have uses for my knives that would actually make me worry about handle flex, edge geometry, and steel superiority, I probably can't judge them as 'tacticals' persay. I'm sure they'd both fare well. If I had to pick, I'd get the AFCK again because it's darn nice for the price.

To borrow a phrase, I'm just not a super secret recon seal ninja. Both are great knives. They separate household matter with aplomb.

clip

 
I have both and like both.

The AFCK lockup is superior. Perfect fit and no lateral or fore/aft.

I have had 2 Starmates and the first one had to be sent back for easily failing the "spine
wack" test. The second one is better, but the blade moves quite a bit in the closed direction when open, but fortunatly the lock does not release.

Prefer the ergonomics of the Starmate and the straight blade/handle configuration.

Both are good cutters, and a pleasure to carry and use.
 
Generally agree with Clip Point and want to add my $0,03 only.
Both knives are my favorite folders for everyday carry; I can't say I would like one over another. I carry AFCK more usually due to non-shiny pocket clip and more comfortable grip in forefinger area. If Starmate would have a bit larger cutout in back scale (with liner) this would improve grip comfort and would make opening hole fully ambidextrous. I shared this impression with SPYDERCO testing Starmate about half year ago.
On the other hand AFCK really has blade longer than 99 mm (3,9 ") declared in catalog, mine has 102 mm (4,02 ") what can make problems if 100 mm (or 4 ") is limit for legal concealed carry. We haven't this limitation in Poland but I considerably choose Starmate traveling around Europe to avoid problems in several areas.
Subjectively I like Starmate's visual appearance more. Maybe it sounds curiously but BM AFCK with curved handle looks more SPYDERCO-like than SPYDERCO Starmate with straight blade-handle line (just my opinion) :-))
OK, resuming in short.
AFCK:
+ more comfortable grip in forefinger area;
+ black non-glare pocket clip;
+ seats deeper in pocket;
+ can be used as non-lethal weapon striking enemy's sensitive points with closed knife butt;
- handle more flexible in blade plan then single-liner Starmate handle;
- blade is longer than 100 mm what may generate problems in some jurisdictions;
- I would like at least a small hump above opening hole for more comfortable thumb placement;
- I would like if opening hole would be made without conical notches on both sides.

STARMATE:
+ superior edge retention;
+ more comfortable grip in thumb area;
+ cool visual appearance;
+ lightweight but non-flexible handle;
+ knife package in pocket is minimally thinner than AFCK;
- not truly ambidextrous opening hole;
- I would like if locking liner would be a bit less exposed to avoid unintentional release.


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Sergiusz Mitin
gunwriter
Lodz, Poland
 
Well, I'm sold! I want a Starmate!! When do you think the supply will catch up with demand?
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If clip point hadn't beat me to it I probably would have written the same thing, nearly word-for-word. The only thing I can add is, having both knives, I find that the AFCK fits my hand more comfortably and more "reassuringly" than ANY knife I have ever held. In short, I have confidence in it.
smile.gif
 
AFCK is my choice for a work knife.Fits my hand and feels more comfortable.Starmate feels awkward.IMHO

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have a"knife"day
 
Jumbi nailed it, the AFCK does for some reason inspire confidence. I don't know why it is- I just keep coming back to it again and again. Totally solid package, even if it's not the 'head turner' the Starmate is.

clip
 
AFCK for me! Fits my hand better than the Starmate. I like the blade design better as well. I have been able to correct all of my blade rub problems with out great effort.

Steels? Yes the Starmate has a better steel. I think however that for the average knife user, we will never push any of the current steels to their limits. 440c will get the job done as well as others. So I don't fret too much over steel type anymore.

There is quite a bit of flex in both knives. There equal there.

Looks? Close call. Starmate has the fresher look for a factory knife. AFCK has been around for a while, so people might be getting board with the look.

Price and availability. AFCK wins both of these.

Lock up? Both are great. No clear "cut" winner here.

Carry? AFCK carries better for me. It is low in the pocket and doesn't "print". Starmate sits high and is wide enough to "print" nicely in your pocket. That is, if you are built like I am.

You won't go wrong with either one. I say AFCK.



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If you can't dazzle them with your brilliance,
baffle them with your BS.
 
AFCK. (M2 versions, large and small.)

Never did care for the feel of the Starmate in my hand.

I think the Wegner has superior ergonomics with a similar blade if you like the Starmate, though I prefer the Military overall amongst Spyderco's offerings.

Blues

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Live Free or Die

Some Knife Pix
 
Duh, what's a Starmate and where can I see a picture of one?
 
c55_bob_terzuola.gif


This is the starmate. Designed by Bob Terzuola and produced by Spyderco. The handles are g-10 and the blade is 440-V. It is also available in comboedge. Constuction is similar to the Spyderco Military. It has a single nested steel liner.

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Dennis Bible
 
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