Question on the starmate.

red mag · #1

Hi!

I carry a starmate on a daily basis. When I inspected it some days ago I found that the small ball-dedent on the liner shows some wear. I checked with a NIB starmate and found the small ball beeing round, where the small ball on my C-55 has a flatt top. It looks like a piece of the ball has been cut off. (Now one thing is for sure, I did not cut it of. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>)

So here comes my question: Is it possible, that the blade did cut it off?

It looks like every time I closed the knife I took a small amount off the ball.

What is the ball made of ? (steel I guess)

Is the CPM 440 V too hard for the ball?

I checked my C-15 and the ball also showed some wear, but much less after several years!!!

The ball still does it's work. Do I have to worry.

Thanks for answering my, well I have to admit more than one question.

Greetings

red

#2

Hi Red. The ball bearing must be a hard bearing in order to work. CPM440V is very abrasive stuff and can wear the bearing. Some bearing wear right on the point of contact could be observed, but should stop as the point of contact increases in size.

It shouldn't get to where the detent doesn't work. Let us know if the problem gets to that point.

sal

red mag · #3

Thanks for the prompt answer.
So far it is no prob.
I'll keep you posted!
Greetings
red