Comparison Console
Benchmade Model 42 vs Spyderco Starmate
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Spyderco Starmate stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 7% gap from the closest alternative. Spyderco Starmate stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 64% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Spyderco Starmate stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 64% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 178% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Starmate stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 7% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 8% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Starmate stands out as the shortest option for closed length, with about a 9% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for closed length, with about a 10% gap from the closest alternative.
Spyderco Starmate stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 9% gap from the closest alternative.
Benchmade Model 42 stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 10% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$1250Most expensive
US$450Cheapest
Weight
121.62 g (4.29 oz)Heaviest
113 g (3.99 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
104.775 mm (4.13 in)Longest
95 mm (3.74 in)Shortest
Overall length
241.3 mm (9.50 in)Longest
221 mm (8.70 in)Shortest
Closed length
139.7 mm (5.50 in)Longest
127 mm (5.00 in)Shortest
Blade thickness
3.18 mm (0.13 in)Thinnest
3.7 mm (0.15 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
440C Stainless Steel
CPM 20CV stainless steel
Handle material
Titanium
G-10 Laminate
Finish
Anodized titanium handles with satin finished blade
Satin
Lock type
Batangas-style Lock
LinerLock
Opening method
Manual Opening by Flipping
One-handed opening
Clip type
None
Ambidextrous 4-position pocket clip
Use case profile
Best for
Flying tricks, aerial maneuversLightweight balanced manipulationUsers wanting strong lock-up folding balisong
Everyday CarryCollectorsTactical Use
Not best for
Keeping anodized finish perfect without wearUsers preferring heavier knives
Unknown
Common praise
Very light compared to older stainless steel models (approx. 4.25 oz / 121.6 g)Smooth, wobble-free jointsStrong and stable Batangas-style latch lock openAnodized titanium handles give attractive, iridescent colorsExcellent balance for flipping and aerial tricks
High-quality CPM 20CV steel with excellent edge retentionVersatile ambidextrous pocket clip with multiple carry optionsOne-handed opening with Spyderco's Trademark Round HoleSturdy liner lock mechanism
Common complaints
Anodized finish can wear off with handling and needs periodic re-anodizingLatch can strike opposite handle causing scratches (not the blade)Sheath is slightly short for full insertion
Unknown