Wegner vs Starmate vs Native

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Oct 3, 2001
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I'm trying to decide on which of these to get as a tactical knife. I originally considered the Al Mar SERE 2000, but I think I'd really rather stick with Spyderco.

I've got a lum chinese folder for EDC chores. I considered the Chinook long and hard, but the weight is a concern as I've got 13 rounds of .40 etc. on me at any given time.

I've seen many good comments about all three of these. ats-34/cpm440/vg10 preferences? Something else entirely I should consider? Any comments/opinions appreciated.

Thanks.
 
First off, the Native is smaller, and a lockback. If those things appeal to you, the Native is a great knife. The Starmate, with the open frame and nested liner is also lighter than the Wegner, but the Wegner's heft is very endearing.

As for steels, the Wegner is ATS-34, while the Native (lightweight or G-10 - I don't have any experience with the SS Native's AUS-10) and Starmate are 440V. The Native and Starmate will hold an edge a bit longer, but the Wegner will be easier to resharpen. If you're going to be using the knife constantly for hard work, I'd say that re-sharpenability will be a bigger plus than edge holding. If you're going to have occasional use, then you'll want the lighter maintenance of 440V. If you do go with 440V, be sure to keep it sharp, because re-profiling is a chore.

Regarding the Military, I find it too big, with too delicate a tip. Most of my general utility tasks are better served by the three you initially asked about.

Finally, my personal opinion is that the Wegner's handle and blade profile are amongst the most comfortable and useable out there. I like the handle's contours much better than the Starmate's. Unless you have a reason to choose otherwise, get the Wegner first, and see if you have need for another knife.
 
If you're OK with the tip-up carry on the Wegner, that's your knife right there.
 
If possible, you really need to handle all three. I can't stress this point enough when choosing between these three. These knives each have a very different "feel" when held in the hand.
You might very well find the one you least expected to be "the one", will turn out to be the one you love the most.
You've chosen three of the best to choose from for sure.;)
 
The three are radically different models, yet all work very well for tactical purposes. I can speak of the Native and Starmate from personal experience, but unfortunately do not possess a Wegner. I will base my comments on the Wegner from the material I've read.

The Starmate is the most elegant model, and really was designed for this purpose. After all, Bob Terzuola popularized the folding tactical, and this is a rock-solid liner-lock model. However, the handle does not feature an effective indentation for thumb purchase, so some people modify the handle to add this feature. Personally, I don't find the handle uncomfortable, and consider it's straight shape ideal for different handling positions. The blade is 3.75" which is legal in some jurisdictions (not in mine).

The Wegner was chiefly designed for hunting and dressing game. Still, it has been reported that it handles well as a defensive knife. It's grip is second to none in that it allows fine purchase of the index finger, and it really molds to your hand. Also, the blade shape has an excellent belly for slashing, and the hollow-ground helps to reinforce tip strength (also in the Starmate). This is the most tuggedly and solily constructed of the three, due to its heft and width. This is also a drawback in that it is not so easily concealable. Also sports a solid, thick linerlock.

As for the Native, it is my favorite overall Spydie knife (do a search under username Flood and subject Native) and you'll see my many positive comments). It is the perfect balance of a utility and defensive knife IMHO. Solidly constructed, blade-length is an LEO-friendly 3 1/8", spearpoint blade shape facilitated penetration and slashing capability also looks pretty good. The finger choil and handle indentation allow for good finger purchase. Its handle length, however, is pretty short, which limits reach. I have medium/short hands so it doesn't matter much.

There's much more to say, but I think I've covered the basics.

I personally prefer the Native for utility and defensive purposes, the Starmate strictly for defensive backup (although I'm sure it would make an excellent utility folder), and the Wegner for survival/outdoors use.

If I HAD to make one choice and it is chiefly for defensive purposes, then I would choose the Starmate.

Good luck with your decision. Please let us know!

-Flood
 
I've hadled all three of the knives that you mentioned, and for a while actually owned a Starmate. For a tactical/utility knife, I think the Starmate is your best bet. CPM-440V steel is great, and rarely needs sharpening. People often complain that it is hard to resharpen but, I strongly disagree. The Starmate has a great blade shape, and will probably out cut the others. The top of the blade has a sort of false edge, which should increase it's ability to stab. The Native also has this, but the blade is shorter. Some people like the straight handle, some don't. I thought it felt good in the hand, and aided in manipulation. My only reason for not choosing the Native is that the blade is slightly smaller that the Starmate, and as a defensive knife you would probably want as much blade as possible. I eliminated the Wegner because CMP-440V is a better steel than ATS-34, and I liked the Starmates blade shape better. All three are good choices, but, it really boils down to which one you like the best, and are more likely to carry. Go with your instinct, you can't go wrong with any of the three.
 
actually looked at a starmate and a wegner tue and personally, i like that starmate - thinking of getting one........


sifu
 
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