My impression of the Starmate was that it was similar to the Military. I would like to see how people would compare those 2. (When I say similar I'm thinking about the flat G10 scales and the blade length).
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Starmate vs Gayle Bradley
- Thread starter Scurvy092
- Start date
My impression of the Starmate was that it was similar to the Military. I would like to see how people would compare those 2. (When I say similar I'm thinking about the flat G10 scales and the blade length).
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2005
- Messages
- 2,400
Well - I was wrong (seems to be a recurring theme in my life lately!).
The Gayle Bradley is one of the best designed and engineered knives that Spyderco has put out in recent memory. After handling both the updated Starmate and re-purchasing a NIB example of the Gayle Bradley, I have to say the Gayle Bradley wins hands down from a materials, ergonomics, and overall engineering standpoint.
There's nothing that the Gayle Bradley can't do better than the Starmate, and that's quite a accomplishment: Mr. Terzuola is a legend in the knife industry and pretty much set the standard for modern pocket knives.
To contrast with another 'hard-use' knife (Chinook I) that I posted earlier in the thread:
Balancing point:
Blade thickness:
Liner thickness:
The knife is not as butt-heavy as I initially though - it's actually very nicely balanced in the hand thanks to the amount of real estate on the handle for a full-hand grip. It's a very deceiving knife because it feels like a natural extension of your hand.... it's really one of those knives that you have to own for a few days to get the feel down. Once you get used to the obscured lock cutout (and you will - trust me), the knife really shines.
Do yourself a favor and pick one up. There's a very real reason why this knife has been so well-received (and subsequently hyped) both here and other knife/gear forums - it deserves every bit of praise.
The Gayle Bradley is one of the best designed and engineered knives that Spyderco has put out in recent memory. After handling both the updated Starmate and re-purchasing a NIB example of the Gayle Bradley, I have to say the Gayle Bradley wins hands down from a materials, ergonomics, and overall engineering standpoint.
There's nothing that the Gayle Bradley can't do better than the Starmate, and that's quite a accomplishment: Mr. Terzuola is a legend in the knife industry and pretty much set the standard for modern pocket knives.
To contrast with another 'hard-use' knife (Chinook I) that I posted earlier in the thread:
Balancing point:
Blade thickness:
Liner thickness:
The knife is not as butt-heavy as I initially though - it's actually very nicely balanced in the hand thanks to the amount of real estate on the handle for a full-hand grip. It's a very deceiving knife because it feels like a natural extension of your hand.... it's really one of those knives that you have to own for a few days to get the feel down. Once you get used to the obscured lock cutout (and you will - trust me), the knife really shines.
Do yourself a favor and pick one up. There's a very real reason why this knife has been so well-received (and subsequently hyped) both here and other knife/gear forums - it deserves every bit of praise.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2012
- Messages
- 668
I can't help but like em both.
I cant speak for the Starmate, but...
I picked up a G.B. a few weeks ago and have only left the house with something else in my pocket twice since, a PM 2 and a Military once each, started to leave with my ZT 801 this morning but didn't get out the door before swapping for the Bradley.
I'm really liking this knife, built like a tank with quality materials, locks up like a vault, sharpens up like a razor and personally, I like the weight, size, balance and lock release.
Everyone's preference's vary, good luck with your first choice!
I picked up a G.B. a few weeks ago and have only left the house with something else in my pocket twice since, a PM 2 and a Military once each, started to leave with my ZT 801 this morning but didn't get out the door before swapping for the Bradley.
I'm really liking this knife, built like a tank with quality materials, locks up like a vault, sharpens up like a razor and personally, I like the weight, size, balance and lock release.
Everyone's preference's vary, good luck with your first choice!
Seems that Elmax would be more appropriate to the character of the knife.
That's another possibility.
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- Jun 29, 2011
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- Joined
- Jan 14, 2000
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- 6,016
Gayle Bradley 2 might be coming later this year.
I have the Starmate and it's not in the same league. The Starmate has a thick, saber grind compared to the hollow grind on the Bradley. The Starmate is VG-10 compared to M4. The Starmate has a weak detent. The Starmate lock is sticky and does not seem to engage with the same precision. The Starmate is much lower quality!
I have the Starmate and it's not in the same league. The Starmate has a thick, saber grind compared to the hollow grind on the Bradley. The Starmate is VG-10 compared to M4. The Starmate has a weak detent. The Starmate lock is sticky and does not seem to engage with the same precision. The Starmate is much lower quality!
Wouldn't that be a significant downgrade from CPM M4?
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- Jan 18, 2015
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- 2,182
This is a 2+ year old thread bump in another language!
I have the same duo that Rycen posted a pic of. :thumbup: ...back in 2013, lol.
I enjoy both of mine. GB sees more pocket time though, but just because I don't submit my original Starmate to the same abuse as the GB.
Still considering getting one of the remake Starmates with full liners. I love my Double Bevel and kind of wish they'd do a Starmate in that size and use a fun new Japanese steel!
I have the same duo that Rycen posted a pic of. :thumbup: ...back in 2013, lol.
I enjoy both of mine. GB sees more pocket time though, but just because I don't submit my original Starmate to the same abuse as the GB.
Still considering getting one of the remake Starmates with full liners. I love my Double Bevel and kind of wish they'd do a Starmate in that size and use a fun new Japanese steel!
- Joined
- May 28, 2012
- Messages
- 3,189
GB is my recommendation.
Check out this YouTube video by Gayle Bradley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk0IxU-fuW4
Check out this YouTube video by Gayle Bradley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk0IxU-fuW4
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2010
- Messages
- 1,270
Starmate.
i agree the star is over priced a little. id rather a millie. I'm kinda afraid a non stainless steel. I'm land locked and a hard user but i like to be meticulous of my blades. i think ill try a GB i the next few months. if it was a flipper id have bought it twice over squared.