Starmate Quality (& Native III awesomeness)

[Paul Manning]

I have read some concerns regarding the quality of the newest iteration of the Starmate, well I finally took the plunge and it arrived today:

I. There is no issue with a rattling lanyard tube
II. The blade is without any suspect markings/grinds/discoloration etc...
III. In my opinion the G10 is not too thin - an increase in thickness would negatively affect ergonomics
IV. Blade centering and action is spot on

Overall I think the knife is awesome and I am very glad I picked one up before they become more difficult to own.

PS - today's mail call also contained what I consider to be the coolest Native in my collection (and I have more than a few). The ergos are spot on, the FRN feels solid, and last but not least..the forum markings have been removed by the factory. Typically I am not a fan of additional markings, I prefer to leave the blade as it's designer originally intended (although I am a sucker for maker's marks).

[SpyderNut]

Well done, Paul. The Starmate has long been an all-time favorite of mine. The Native III is a nice find too! :) Do you intend to use and carry these?

[Paul Manning]

Hey SpyderNut,

The Native III is a collector for me. To be honest, the 110V lightweight Manix2 is just about as perfect as a knife can be for me - and it would take an act of God to replace it. The Starmate is also going into the Spydy museum I call a collection.

[Qcrazy]

Nice knives. I have always wanted a Native III Forum knife. Good find.

[Liquid Cobra]

How's the ricasso and detent?

[Ashton]

I really like the Starmate, it has been one of my favorites and its still in the EDC rotation so it gets carried. I have an older/user one with a smooth ricasso, and a 2nd (NIB) one that has a rough ricasso and a tad sticky lock.

The LW Manix2 is a top user knife for most tasks, and my basic 'go to' knife when I'm not carrying a knife to 'just to carry a knife.'

I've tried to warm up to the Native, but with so many options available its not one that I carry.

[abbazaba]

Great combo. Never bought the Starmate because of the weight, but might still. I think it has more in common ergo wise with the GB2 than the GB1 does.

Love the wire clip on the 3. Really wish the Native5 LW had the wire...

[gusto5]

My starmate is just like yours, with all that you have listed. Maybe would have liked the Spyderhole to be a bit smoother on the inside and not as sharp on the thumb

[Larry_Mott]

Congrats Paul!
I have a slightly rough ricasso and weak-ish detent on mine. It must be said that detent on the first generation Starmate isn't the stiffest either though.

[Mad Mac]

I'm very pleased with my Starmate but why do they have a rough ricasso?

[Larry_Mott]

Do a search for Starmate, there's a thread with pictures and comparisons between gen. 1 and 2
EDIT: Here's the thread: viewtopic.php?t=59351" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[bdblue]

Does anybody know the hole diameter of the gen 2 Starmate? It looks smaller than for instance the Military.

[timlara]

The Native III is still the best Native.

[SpeedHoles]

Great to hear! Starmate is an awesome knife, and a highly overlooked design, even by many afi's for some reason.


That grind on the Native III looks beautiful! And the unique frn pattern.

[gusto5]

Does anybody know the hole diameter of the gen 2 Starmate? It looks smaller than for instance the Military.

About half an inch

[Mad Mac]

I don't have my micrometer with me but using a cheap plastic ruler graduated in 16ths of an inch my gen 2 Starmate looks to be 7/16ths. My other Spyders appear to be 1/2 inch.