3 Inch XM-18

pkdmslf

pkdmslf

Joined
Jun 16, 2006
Messages
1,411
Well I finally got my hands on one the elusive Rick Hinderer XM-18's. This particular one is the 3 inch model. Orange G-10 handle, flipper and has the tumbled metal framelock. I must say that this thing is built like a tank! Thick blade, centered perfectly, no blade movement at all that I can detect. The hardware screws, spacers and pocket clip are definitely heavy duty. I think it will be pretty hard to have this knife fail unless you are intentionally trying to break it and even then I think you would have a hard time doing it. This particular knife has the titanium liner on the inside of the G-10 slab for added strength (which I definitely prefer with the G-10 scale). The earlier versions did not have this liner. The size is perfect for "round town" EDC and even for the weekend. I occasionally carry a large Regular Seb on the weekends and have found it to be a bit too large for urban carry. For the heavier uses outdoors, i.e., hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, etc., it's perfectly fine. This 3 inch XM-18 would fit the bill for both because of the HD build. There is one thing that I would like to see changed and I may do it myself (egads!, modify and XM-18? !) and that is the flipper has very sharp edges. When I put my finger into the choil area and choke up on the blade, the edges of the flipper cut into my finger. If I slide my finger back a little it isn't so bad but you would have to consciously slide your finger back. So, after I've had for awhile I may go ahead and round off the edges of the flipper slightly to ease the discomfort. I don't know why but I was expecting somewhat of a little bit larger handle and a wider blade. It looked small when I opened it but after handling it and comparing the size to a small Sebenza it looks and feels fine. I guess if I wanted something bigger I should of shot for the 3 1/2 incher. But like I said earlier, sometimes the larger Seb is bit too much and I felt the same about a large XM-18, so I went with the smaller version. I am very happy with this knife, worth every penny and will no doubt outlast me. I've included some pics for size comparison. Oh, happy me!

MY-XM18-Front.jpg
MY-XM18-Back.jpg


MY-XM18-Blade-Centering.jpg
XM18-Size-Compare.jpg


Top to Bottom: Large Classic Sebenza, Small Regular Sebenza, Spyderco Native III, Rick Hinderer 3 Inch XM-18
MY-XM18-ComparisonII.jpg
 
Nice! Awesome looking knife!

I'm looking at ordering a 3.5 but am unsure on the flipper-- yea or nay?

B
 
Actually because of the finger/choil issue that "I" have, I could do without it. It opens and closes super smooth and I don't have any problem flicking it open with just the thumbstud. As for the "spanto" blade, I like it very much. I like the looks and it looks like it will be a lot stronger and put up with some HD cutting without having to worry about the tip breaking off. Overall an excellent built knife. Money well spent.
 
Congratulations on the XM-18. Boy I've been wanting one of these too. It seems they are always out of stock at blueline.com.

That's a great looking knife. I'm happy for you.
:)
 
Some don't, but I really like the G-10 scales on one side, and the titanium on the other. Not only does it look good, but the G-10 gives it some grip.

My large Bradley Alias is fine, but I'm saving up for one of the LE's with the black blade and the black G-10 and standard gray titanium scales.
 
personally, id get the orange g10. I normally dont like bright colors on knives, but it fits the XM-18.
 
jaislandboy; that's kind of like asking someone the question, of all of your children, which one is your favorite. I love em all the same by the way. I would have to say if I could only have one, it would be the XM-18 because it's "beefier" and appears that it would take a little more abuse than a Seb. But I still like my Sebs.
 
pkdmslf said:
jaislandboy; that's kind of like asking someone the question, of all of your children, which one is your favorite. I love em all the same by the way. I would have to say if I could only have one, it would be the XM-18 because it's "beefier" and appears that it would take a little more abuse than a Seb. But I still like my Sebs.
Click to expand...


I agree 100% with his statement about if I could only have one.:thumbup:
 
pkdmslf said:
jaislandboy; that's kind of like asking someone the question, of all of your children, which one is your favorite. I love em all the same by the way. I would have to say if I could only have one, it would be the XM-18 because it's "beefier" and appears that it would take a little more abuse than a Seb. But I still like my Sebs.
Click to expand...

thanks for the reply pkdmslf (and TKC), i've not handled nor purchased either brand, I was just curious ... ;) :)
 
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