Starmate vs. Military

WadeF

WadeF

Joined
Apr 12, 2000
Messages
2,116
I have a Terzuola Starmate and I was wondering how the lock compares to the lock in the s30v Military? From the way people describe the Military's lock it sounds the same as the liner lock on my Starmate. Is it the same? :)
 
It is the same.The only differance would be that the Starmate has the ecentric pivot and the S30V Military does not.
 
Thanks for the response. I think I'll pass on purcashing a Military for now then since it would be more of the same. :)
 
I have a Military and a Starmate and the locks are the same but these are two different knives. They have similar overall construction but the blade shapes and grinds are not =. The Military is worth trying if you like your Starmate. You should have no problem selling it if you are not pleased...Ed.
 
If it's basically like a Starmate, but with a different blade style, I think I'll wait. I do have a s30v Native on the way. :) The ATR is tempting me, but I'm going to wait for more feedback. So far the Spyderco I carry the most, and like the most, is my little SS Cricket PE. :)
 
I VERY much prefer the StarMate to the Military. I cannot say for sure why, but i think that it is the saber grind on the StarMate giving it a thicker spine almost all of the way to the tip, making it stronger IMO. Plus, I like the aesthetics of the StarMate rather more than I do the Military. But, then, I am favorably disposed towards Bob Terzuola's products anyway.

Question, how can doing away with the eccentric pivot on the new Military be an improvement? I always liked the idea of the eccentric pivot because it allowed the blade tang/liner interface to be adjusted for maximum efficiency.
 
Originally posted by FullerH
I VERY much prefer the StarMate to the Military.
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I agree. Even though I haven't handled a Military yet, the blade doesn't do much for me looks wise, although I'm sure it performs great. Now if only the Starmate had s30v. :) As little as I use my Starmate though the 440V is just fine. :)
 
Actually I found that what gets me is the curved handle on the Military that doesn't appeal to me.
I like the blade shape on the Military, and it's also mighty efficient (just like my Starmate), but it's just the handle that didn't quite make it for me.
They both have same type of lock, but the locking liner is less exposed on the Military, and serrated/scalloped for a bit better purchase when you're trying to close it.
I haven't got around to getting a Military but I think I'll go for the Para.
 
I have to say the Military is Spyderco's best large production folder IMO. And is the best large production folder in the $100 - $150 as well (IMO).

The 440v Military has an eccentric pivot pin, the s30v model doesn't but has better steel and a better lock.

I've never handled a Starmate, but I would have to recommend the Military.

BTW: You probably all do know, but the Para-Millie has a compression lock, not a liner lock.
 
It would, for me be like trying to choose between beloved children.

I do think that the Military is likely a more versatile design, lending itself to many, varied tasks. But they are both wonderful!

Jeff/1911.
 
Both are great knives. But the Starmate is now a rather collectable item, while you may use the Millie as a beater knife. There's always another (usually improved) available.
 
Having used my StarMate as my out of Washington, DC, EDC for several years, now, I think that I'll continue to do so as I prefer it to almost anything that I have ever come across in that general size, including the CRK Sebenza.
 
Has the print disappeared off the blade on yours? I have a new-in-box Starmate and the text looks weakly applied. Doesn't appear to be laser engraving.
 
Originally posted by J-man_the_jet
I have to say the Military is Spyderco's best large production folder IMO. And is the best large production folder in the $100 - $150 as well (IMO).
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Not looking to start a war here, as I love Spyderco, but have you ever handled a Benchmade 710HS or 806D2 (AFCK)? If so I was wondering how you'd compare them.
 
Mr. Callahan, the print wore off my starmate pretty quickly. It's not engraved.
 
Originally posted by WadeF
Not looking to start a war here, as I love Spyderco, but have you ever handled a Benchmade 710HS or 806D2 (AFCK)? If so I was wondering how you'd compare them.
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Thats why I said "IMO" :) ... I've handeled an 806D2 AFCK, and would put them in the same league. But the Millie would be the winner (IMO again): More belly, better thumbhole, thumb choil, thumb ramp, it carries better despite the tipdown clip (I prefer tip-up though). Once Benchmade makes a finish other then Black-T coating for it I'll buy one. But I won't start my short list :D

The 710 is not as high up on that list because it's a thumbstud opener.

My opinion does change though when it comes to knives.
 
Thanks for confirming my suspicion. I guess its a user now, as it can no longer be honestly described as NIB.:grumpy:
 
My StarMate is a very early model, sereial number in the 700s, IIRC, and it has good etching on it. It still has all of its letteering quite plainly showing.
 
Originally posted by J-man_the_jet

The 710 is not as high up on that list because it's a thumbstud opener.
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I never use the thumb studs. Have you ever opened an Axis lock by releasing the lock? They can open opened quicker and with less movement than a Spyderco I hate to say. :) You can get your finger on the lock as you're pulling it from your pocket, disengage it and the blade is out by the time your hand is up. It takes some pratice as you have to let go of the lock at the right time to catch and lock the blade in place.

I'll probably end up with a Military some day, but the blade design and steel would be the main selling points for me.
 
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