3" XM-18 alternative

mattz357

mattz357

Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
873
I am seriously considering getting a Hinderer xm-18 for my brother to use on duty as a fireman and wondered if there are any other knives in a 3" - 3 1/4" blade size that should also be considered. I'd like to get a titanium framelock because he has looked at some of mine and seems to like them. I know there is the Sage 2, Strider PT, and the ZT0550/1. Am I overlooking anything or are those the only others in this category? If that's it, none of them seems to really hold a candle to the Hinderer. My wallet hurts already but he's worth it. Thanks in advance for any info.
 
A Strider PT would get lost faster than he can pull it out of his pocket. Aside from that, try opening it with gloves. It just ain't happening. My vote goes to a Ti Military or a ZT 0551. You are a good brother, I wish my brother was as cool as you. ;)
 
The military framelocks seem pretty hard to come by. I had two 0551s and had to sell them to pay some bills, but I'm already preordered for the 0550. I like the ZT version a lot but it just doesn't look as finished as the XM (stonewashed slab, cleaner lines, nicer clip). I won't be disappointed if the 0550 is the next best that's out there, but I don't know when to expect to see them for sure. Thanks for the info!
 
IMO a knife for a Fireman would be best suited if it had a semi-serrated blade for cutting seat belts etc.
Also I'm not sure if a high dollar XM-18 is a great choice because of the nature of the job , I would think something a tad more 'disposable' and replaceable would be appropriate.
Imagine losing your $500+ custom in a raging house fire... Just a scenario I hope he or nobody else ever has to go thru.

Tostig
 
mattz357 said:
Not that those aren't hard use knives, but the XM seems tougher.
Click to expand...

Any knife can be tough, I have many friends that are firefighters in Arizona, California, Texas, etc. They all seem to have a multitude of tools with them to do their job with. Something versatile would be a much better gift. I own 2 XM-18s, and I will not argue that those knives are not tough because they are about as tough as they come. I will say that "hard use" and "tough" are defined differently be all kinds of people.
 
This will provide as much usefulness and utility at home and away from work as it will at work. He has many other tools as well, he's just never had a good knife. I've bought him the crappy knives before with firefighter logos and glass breakers and seatbelt cutters on them, but he shouldn't have to rely on a crappy knife.
 
Seems like the Benchmade MPR would fit your criteria. It has a great steel, too. I'm not sure that he needs a titanium framelock for his purposes, though.
 
The MPR is one I forgot to consider. He doesn't need a titanium framelock, he commented that he liked some of mine so I know that is something he will like.
 
I've handled both the 3" and 3.5" XM-18 and would recommend the 3.5" XM for a fire fighter. It is just bigger and easier to manipulate with gloved hands. Also the thicker blade will be better suited for the different situations fire fighters can be up against. The 3" XM-18 is also a sweet folder but IMHO a small Sebe is just as tough, and would be harder to manipulate with gloved hands. Since your brother is a Firefighter, first responders can get a 3.5" XM for $395 shipped which is a best buy price! Hinderer also pushes these through pretty quick with a 2-3weeks turn around.

As for alternates to a 3" XM..I'd recommend a small Sebenza, BM/HK 14210 (this is one tough little folder), BM small Bone Collector...There are lots of options with that blade length.

Dave
 
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How about some of the benchmade ritter griptilians? s30v steel and what not? What about the new hest folder if you can find one?
 
IMHO, as much as the sebs and the zt s along with the striders and umnumzaans are great blades and i have owned all of these they just dont stand up to the hinderer. the CRK s get points for maintenece but the xm-18 still stands above all of them, other s might work but if you want the best the xm is the way to go for what use your describing. you can always buy a cheaper blade and it may work just fine, but if what you use your knife for involves you HAVING to RELY on it to function without fail 100% of the time , then the $$$ is worth it. the umnumzaan is just as reliable imo but the blade is not as thick as the hinderer and wouldnt hold up as good to prying, and the tang sits on a ceramic ball instead of the actual frame vs the almost full tang lock up of the XM, i never had a problem , but why worry your mind if you dont have too :) !!!!!!
 
Its bigger than you're looking for, but the ZT 03xx series is as tough as they come. Framelock, stabilizer, A/O flipper suitable for gloved hands, and a nice sharp S30V blade.
 
Tony, I've wanted to try a 0300 (I wish they had a satin, or better yet stonewashed, blade version) for quite a while but I think it's way too big for my tastes. I really like the ZT0350, and I really wish it had been a framelock. The liner in it is very thick, it's just not the same. One of the reasons I stay with a 3" blade, and a reason he'll want to for sure, is the IL knife law. It mentions a 3" blade restriction and he's in a Chicago suburb where everything is more restrictive than it needs to be. I don't want to take even a small chance he could get in trouble or have it taken away. Thanks for all the info and suggesstions!
 
One thing I learned about buying expensive things for others--ask them first. You are already making one mistake by buying something you cant afford, but it would be flat out stupid to buy it and find out he doesn't want it.

Also, there are better ways to show love for your brother than through money.
 
After reading this thread, perhaps the best knife suited for your brother's purposes is the ZT 0300ST, which is the all-black 0300, with the addition of blade serrations. It is a quality frame-lock knife. Given the use of gloves, the way in which the ZT 030x series opens is useful, and if you went with the more expensive XM-18, you'd also want the flipper feature for the same reason.

Also keep in mind that a flipper version of the ZT 0550/0551 is in the works, which should also be considered if the gift is not intended for right away.
 
Two issues to think about:

-- Considering what your brother does for a living, he might be better off with a blade that's made for corrosion resistance.

-- And some of the folders mentioned here are pretty darn bulky, especially for someone whose job already involves carrying lots of heavy gear.
 
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