The more Hinderer owner/fan input the better!

**masp3392** · 06-18-2012, 04:52 AM

I work in LE, and I will be purchasing a Hinderer soon in the coming months. Of course with extreme excitement comes indecisiveness on which one to obtain because they are just gorgeous knives with so many options to make them POP. Im extremely thankful to have to opportunity to obtain one.

Im set on getting a flipper, and I dont want a 3".

Here's the dilemma:
1) I'm currently deciding on either the 3.5" or the 4"
2) Unsure wether to get the spanto blade or the slicer
3) Deciding between a digi cam, orange, or translucent green scale (so far

)
4) Stonewash or beadblast TI side (tend to gravitate towards black/greyish knives)

Just want to here from some of your guys input on your experiences with the sizes, blade styles, and just all around feel of the blades in different forms.

Pictures are great too!

Thanks guys, looking forward to being part of the Hinderer obsession.

**DrOpPoInT1110** · 06-18-2012, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by masp3392

I work in LE, and I will be purchasing a Hinderer soon in the coming months. Of course with extreme excitement comes indecisiveness on which one to obtain because they are just gorgeous knives with so many options to make them POP. Im extremely thankful to have to opportunity to obtain one.

Im set on getting a flipper, and I dont want a 3".

Here's the dilemma:
1) I'm currently deciding on either the 3.5" or the 4"
2) Unsure wether to get the spanto blade or the slicer
3) Deciding between a digi cam, orange, or translucent green scale (so far

)
4) Stonewash or beadblast TI side (tend to gravitate towards black/greyish knives)

Just want to here from some of your guys input on your experiences with the sizes, blade styles, and just all around feel of the blades in different forms.

Pictures are great too!

Thanks guys, looking forward to being part of the Hinderer obsession.

1.) Really all about what fits your hand better and how much blade you need/want. Personally, I prefer the 3.5" XM-18 over the 24. It's a bit more pocket friendly but is still a good size knife.

2.) As far as cutting performance, the slicer will slice better (who would have thunk!

) but the Spanto is no slouch and is certainly a fine cutter. It also retains a bit more thickness towards the tip which could be an important factor to consider if you may need to use it for some light prying. The Spanto is also Rick's sort of "signature" grind in that nobody else really does it (and Rick did it first).

3.) One of the many great things about XM's is that they are modular. You can always change out the scale (and clips, and standoffs) to your tastes. Out of the three you mentioned, I'd go for the translucent green to start. Looks neat in person.

4.) If you prefer a darker knife, I think sandblasted ti would be your best bet. It is the darkest of the three ti finishes offered. Beadblast is a little lighter and stonewashed is the lightest. Bear in mind though that the sand/bead blasted finishes will show wear more easily than the stonewash finish.

Whatever you end up with, I'm sure you will be satisfied with it. The XM series (IMO) are the best modern/tactical style folders out there and are backed by an awesome group of people.

And some pics of course: (3.5" XM-18)

**emel** · 06-18-2012, 07:08 AM

For starters I would get a XM-18 3.5" with a stone wash lockside, spanto or slicer flipper blade, with whatever scale color you find, you can always change that afterwards.

Slicer is the most usable grind for most people, but the spanto is more suited for heavy duty work and prying if needed, so if you never intent to use you knife to pry get the slicer.

**masp3392** · 06-18-2012, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by emel

For starters I would get a XM-18 3.5" with a stone wash lockside, spanto or slicer flipper blade, with whatever scale color you find, you can always change that afterwards.

Slicer is the most usable grind for most people, but the spanto is more suited for heavy duty work and prying if needed, so if you never intent to use you knife to pry get the slicer.

emel, i sent you a message with my email address, i just saw your pictures of all 3 of your xm's, have a couple of questions if you dont mind

Originally Posted by DrOpPoInT1110

1.) Really all about what fits your hand better and how much blade you need/want. Personally, I prefer the 3.5" XM-18 over the 24. It's a bit more pocket friendly but is still a good size knife.

2.) As far as cutting performance, the slicer will slice better (who would have thunk!

) but the Spanto is no slouch and is certainly a fine cutter. It also retains a bit more thickness towards the tip which could be an important factor to consider if you may need to use it for some light prying. The Spanto is also Rick's sort of "signature" grind in that nobody else really does it (and Rick did it first).

3.) One of the many great things about XM's is that they are modular. You can always change out the scale (and clips, and standoffs) to your tastes. Out of the three you mentioned, I'd go for the translucent green to start. Looks neat in person.

4.) If you prefer a darker knife, I think sandblasted ti would be your best bet. It is the darkest of the three ti finishes offered. Beadblast is a little lighter and stonewashed is the lightest. Bear in mind though that the sand/bead blasted finishes will show wear more easily than the stonewash finish.

Whatever you end up with, I'm sure you will be satisfied with it. The XM series (IMO) are the best modern/tactical style folders out there and are backed by an awesome group of people.

And some pics of course: (3.5" XM-18)

great insight and great pics! definitely helps

**Need2Know** · 06-18-2012, 07:55 AM

Whichever you decide, you will want another. Buy a Slicer, you'll seek a Spanto, etc.
I have handled many and feel the best place to start for a user is the 3.5" Spanto. I'm flipper biased, so flipper recommended.
As for the finish, you may not have a lot of flexibility. I am aware of direct buyers not having an option as some batches are offered only in stonewash finish, etc. If you look to the open market or score something at a show, and sky's the limit on permutations.
As for pics, the photo thread has many. Folks here are tiring of seeing my EDCs over and over.

**masp3392** · 06-18-2012, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by Need2Know

Whichever you decide, you will want another. Buy a Slicer, you'll seek a Spanto, etc.
I have handled many and feel the best place to start for a user is the 3.5" Spanto. I'm flipper biased, so flipper recommended.
As for the finish, you may not have a lot of flexibility. I am aware of direct buyers not having an option as some batches are offered only in stonewash finish, etc. If you look to the open market or score something at a show, and sky's the limit on permutations.
As for pics, the photo thread has many. Folks here are tiring of seeing my EDCs over and over.

the scale you have looks awesome, which one is that one?

**Need2Know** · 06-18-2012, 08:12 AM

Thanks, I like it a lot. Keep swapping it, but always go back to the pond, aka "pond scum".

http://www.rickhindererknives.com/ri...3-5-scale.html

I know it is available on 3.5", but not sure if for 3" or the 24.

**김원진** · 06-18-2012, 08:20 AM

Don't kid yourself N2K, no one tires of seeing your pics. i vote for spanto first, like others have said. It's what rick brought first and he's known for too. i haven't had much time with the flippers, but i enjoy my non-flipper, i don't need fast deployment, though i will eventually get a flipper just so i can have both of each flavor. Now if only i could find a store around these parts that sell o-rings.

**Tjc591** · 06-18-2012, 08:24 AM

As Need2Know says, the question would be better, which one first? I'm an leo also and I would think a spanto tip would be slightly better in the field - that is you probably will have more piece of mind if you need to pry with the tip. The 4" is a beast! Absolutely great if you don't mind carrying a large folder. The 3.5 is terrific all around "edc" carry knife. Small enough to forget its there but substantial enough to get the job done. I sometimes put an orange scale on mine - if I drop it on the property or in the field, easier to spot. Cool thing about it is you can quickly change the scale to match your mood. Lastly, XM's are amazing at showing very little wear. I have the stonewash and still looks as if new. I'm almost embarrased to post a pic in this thread cause I might be accused of harboring a safe-queen. I'm sure you'll love whichever you decide on.

**meanoldbobber** · 06-18-2012, 08:25 AM

......and don't rule out the 3 inch xm!
I have a 3" with a black scale for general pants wearing, and also a 3.5 in the above viewed pond scum scale for when I am wearing jeans or whatever it is I wear.
you can't go wrong here really, and as prior stated, you will want another one!

**Need2Know** · 06-18-2012, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by 김원진

Don't kid yourself N2K, no one tires of seeing your pics. i vote for spanto first, like others have said. It's what rick brought first and he's known for too. i haven't had much time with the flippers, but i enjoy my non-flipper, i don't need fast deployment, though i will eventually get a flipper just so i can have both of each flavor. Now if only i could find a store around these parts that sell o-rings.

Thanks to all for supporting my basic info.

As to the quoted text, you are kidding about finding o-rings, right? Every home improvement, big box retailer, plumbing supply store and the Internet all have a plethora of the little guys.
And, I'll keep posting pics, mostly in threads as response to questions and on topic. Thanks for the encouragement.

**Need2Know** · 06-18-2012, 08:57 AM

Here's a pic I had in the bucket that may be helpful. The 2 (left and bottom) are stonewashed (tumbled), upper right is bead blasted, matte.
Obviously, I like the stonewash. Takes a beating and shows very minimal wear, as most everyone has stated.

**Capbyrd** · 06-18-2012, 09:02 AM

I didn't like the stonewash in pictures in what not. But I purchased one anyways. Its actually a really cool finish and I'm glad I got it. Its incredibly durable too.

**akubra** · 06-18-2012, 09:34 AM

As for scale colors-not a big problem as you can always get a different color later on, should you end up not liking your intitial choice or in case that you want to try something else.
My personal favorites there are the textured carbonfiber and the orange scales.

In terms of blade/lock side finish I really like the stonewash. It`s very durable and cool IMHO. Only downside to it is that it is a slightly less grippy than the blasted finish.

**GIZMOMAN** · 06-18-2012, 01:03 PM

MORE>>>>MORE>>>>>>Im addicted and YOU WILL BE AS WELL>.......You doubt me huh...............

**av8or2** · 06-18-2012, 03:08 PM

First off I want one...
OK...so what are you guys thoughts on Flippers vs Non-Flippers? Having never owned a Flipper style knife, don't know if I would like it or not...have a brand X that I can open with my thumb as fast as an assit opening knife ... also just wondering if the extra bit of metal hanging out of the side will get hung up of pants pocket ect..?
Thoughs...

**Capbyrd** · 06-18-2012, 03:18 PM

For me, the downside to flippers is that you can't carry them tip down because it wants to open on the draw. I prefer tip down carry (don't know why) but I carry my XM tip up to avoid that issue. The flipper is fast and fun to play with. I also like that it doubles as a finger guard.

However, if I was going for a smaller knife, I might go for a non flipper.

**av8or2** · 06-18-2012, 04:47 PM

Originally Posted by Capbyrd

For me, the downside to flippers is that you can't carry them tip down because it wants to open on the draw. I prefer tip down carry (don't know why) but I carry my XM tip up to avoid that issue. The flipper is fast and fun to play with. I also like that it doubles as a finger guard.

However, if I was going for a smaller knife, I might go for a non flipper.

Thanks for your input ... Good to hear others thoughts ... just have never played with a Flipper before...
Yep, I'm with you 100% on the "Tip Down" carry thing (having split my finger with tip up carry once).

**Birdhunter1220** · 06-18-2012, 09:50 PM

I love my 3.5 spanto with smooth CF. Stonewashed blade and lock side. I tend to use mine hard so I like the spanto...no worries about doing what I should not (prying). The stonewash never show the hard use. 3.5 is easy to carry and plenty of knife for what I need. I like the flipper for one hand opening and a more secure grip. That being said, really want a 3" and a 4" just to add to the variety of carry use. You will love what ever you get and want more.....I think that has been said already. Enjoy my friend.