Spyder Classics: The Bob Terzuola Starmate

[JD Spydo]

Now the original, Late 90s Bob Terzuola STARMATE model is a Holy Grail Classic Spyder to many old school Spyderco fans. And it's fair to say that it's one of the most sought after collector pieces of recent years ( the original late 90s version). The Starmate was also another model that really gained a cult following over the years as well like few others I've seen over the years.

I've personally been curious as to what made the STARMATE as popular as it has become over the years. It never grabbed me like several of the other GOLDEN ERA ( 1998-2004) models did over the years. But it was certainly a huge fan favorite among many hard core Spyderco fans. Bob Terzuola also had two other great Spyderco models early on and those being the C-15 and C-19>> they were essentially the same knife design but different sizes. When I owned some of these Terzuola models it always amazed me at what people would offer in trade for any of his designs.

If Spyderco ever institutes a "Hall Of Fame" for their most well loved models this STARMATE model will certainly be a first ballot "shoe-in" for that list.

[Larry_Mott]

AFAIK Bob is still alive? Hope that's just a rumour, about his death!
That said i am glad i have most of his Spyderco designs, they are all dear to me!

[Larry_Mott]

[JD Spydo]

I guess I got that one confused :o But I could have swore that I seen an obituary on him on one of these Forums in the past year or so. Yeah I just checked and he's still kicking. I must just have him confused with another knife designer. I know I need to go to my room now and put on a dunce hat>> just like I used to have to do when I was a kid :o

Well being he is still alive I'm kind of wondering now why we haven't seen anything new from him in a while? :confused:

[benben]

Haven’t been there in awhile, but a very well known, huge gun shop in Charlotte still had an original Starmate in their knife case! Not sure if it’s still there today though?

[JD Spydo]

Haven’t been there in awhile, but a very well known, huge gun shop in Charlotte still had an original Starmate in their knife case! Not sure if it’s still there today though?

If I could grab that one for less than $150 I would jump on it immediately!!! Like I said earlier every time I had one of his Spyderco Terzuola model I was just mind blown at what people would offer me for trades. He sure has a huge cult following almost similar to what Bill Moran used to have.

[p_atrick]

Love the lines of the Starmate. I think it is still one of Spydetco’s best looking knives.

[yablanowitz]

The Starmate is the only one of Bob T's designs I have ever cared for. I love the original for its light weight and 440V steel. The rest have just left me cold.

[Mushroom]

Love the lines of the Starmate. I think it is still one of Spydetco’s best looking knives.

Oddly enough, I have the exact opposite opinion about the Starmate. To me, some of the curves on the back of the handle just seem awkward and abrupt. I still own one but it remains one of my least favorite designs I own, in terms of aesthetics.

I also think a number of people today would be turned off by the thickness of blade stock on the Starmate, considering it's thicker than a PM2's blade.

I love the Terzuola Slipit though. I do think the lines on that knife are very nice. It's a beautiful knife, in my opinion!

[p_atrick]

I also think a number of people today would be turned off by the thickness of blade stock on the Starmate, considering it's thicker than a PM2's blade.

For sure; I don't think I would use one all that often if I had one. But I think it is a cool piece of Spyderco history. The one from Golden wasn't as thick as the Seki version, was it?

[steelcity16]

I've always thought this would be a great one for 3V-carta treatment. A tough beefy hard use folder.

[wrdwrght]

Lots to like about the Starmate. Almost pulled the trigger a few times on the original, but eased off. The blade angle is just too neutral for me.

[GarageBoy]

I love that classic design and still want an atcf (though $1200 for a knife that used to sell at $5-600 is a hard pill);

Would love another sprint of it

[blues]

I still have one of the old "440V" versions:

[JuPaul]

It reminds me a bit of the GB2, which I love.

[James Y]

I almost bought a Starmate about 20 years ago, but ended up purchasing my first Military (440V version) instead. The Military was side by side with the Starmate in the B&M store’s knife case. For me, the Military felt better in hand, even though my original intention had been to buy the Starmate.

I still believe the Starmate was one of the most beautiful Spyderco knives ever made.

Jim

[dano]

The original, with its Eccentric Pivot was an awesome knife. The re-issue was blah...

[samdasnake]

I had the chance to pick up a Starmate about a year ago and passed it up. Been beating myself up about that decision ever since.