3" XM-18 alternative

[flipe8]

For a short time,I carried both a 3.5" and 3" XM on duty(owned them at different times) and they're nice knives. But in all honesty, I'd opt for a better cutter for general use while grabbing a Wilson Tactical CopTool(or something simlar) for the more abusive tasks. I just didn't find them to be better than the knives I used prior to owning them and sold them as result. As cool as it sounds to use a knife for prying open a door or something, only an ill-prepared firefighter would do that over using a better tool off the truck. FWIW, I actually liked the Umnumzaan far better(the TNK tanto version) for work, as it was plenty strong and had a glass breaker.

 

[TLR]

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!

If legality is one of your concerns just keep in mind that Chicago's municipal code states that your knife must be under 2.5" to be legal.
See- http://www.knifelawsonline.com/knifehome/CityOrdinancesContent/tabid/55/Default.aspx

 

[mattz357]

If the ZT0300 was available in a 3" blade, or even a 3.5" I'd gladly consider it. It's a lot cheaper and really pretty similar in all other respects. The problem is that the knife is huge. He is comfortably out of Chicago (I don't think anywhere is far enough from Chicago to be comfortable, personally), but still near it. Perhaps I'm getting carried away with the fact that the XM is somewhat more difficult to get than any of it's competition, which makes it more desirable. I'll take a step back and look at all the options again, but size/blade length is still an issue. Thanks again to all.

 

[RubiconSS]

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.

Seems to me that about sums it up. A gift of a knife for a Fireman designed and built by a Fireman. Can't think of a better formula, wish everything in life worked out that way.