3" xm-18 VS. 3.5" xm-18 (a pictorial comparison)

Amslerknives

Amslerknives

Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
69
So after much searching I finally have got my hands on a 3" and a 3.5 inch XM18. Even though it is only a half inch difference in size These two knives serve completely different purposes in my opinion. I'll start this thread out with a large comparison shot between the two sizes and a few more well know knives.
xm13.jpg

By apphoto, shot with Canon EOS 5D at 2009-06-08
xm14.jpg

By apphoto, shot with Canon EOS 5D at 2009-06-08
xm15e.jpg

By apphoto, shot with Canon EOS 5D at 2009-06-08
As you can see the 3.5 can most closely be related to the size of an strider SNG and the 3 inch compares to a small sebenza. Now lets have a few direct comparisons.
xm1.jpg

By apphoto, shot with Canon EOS 5D at 2009-06-08
xm2.jpg

By apphoto, shot with Canon EOS 5D at 2009-06-08
xm3.jpg

By apphoto, shot with Canon EOS 5D at 2009-06-08
 
Now for some in the hand. I have small hands compared to some of the people in this forum. The first picture is a 3.5 inch and the second is the 3 inch
xm4.jpg

By apphoto, shot with Canon EOS 5D at 2009-06-08
xm5.jpg

By apphoto at 2009-06-08
xm10.jpg

By apphoto at 2009-06-08
xm9.jpg

By apphoto at 2009-06-08
This is the picture that I feel truly represents the size difference between these two knives.
xm11t.jpg

By apphoto at 2009-06-08
Now on to the issue that I have been troubled over from the beginning. I couldn't decide what would fill my needs more a flipper or non flipper. From pocket carrying the flipper for a few weeks I noticed that the size of the flipper causes problems as well as benefits. I will start with the problems. First off it is quite large and sticks out very far from the knife. I had on multiple acassions found it to be very annoying sticking out from the knife in my pocket. I also came across an issue were I realized that the flipper gets very much in the way when trying to close the knife. As you can see from the two pictures below the flipper catches the thumb when going to close the knife. I could also see this as possibly being a good thing and helping to keep your thumb from getting caught when closeing the knife. It's up for discussion.

NON Flipper

As for the benifits of the flipper. It is definitely makes it easier to work the knife open in an emergency situation. I don't see myself always running to it when opening the knife but more then one way to open the knife in an emergency is a good thing. Another thing I noticed was that the flipper in the open position makes an amazing slip guard for you fingers. It helps hug your hand in to the handle and feels quite comfortable in the open positon.

Now back to the 3inch vs. 3.5 inch debate. In a tactical no holds bar situation I'm always going to lean tword the larger knife. The 3 inch is an amazing EDC and thats what I see it's use as. Just by the wieght and the shear size as well as the non slip hold of the flipper I think the 3.5 inch Is best suited on the battle field. I hope you enjoy the images. If there is something I didn't touch on or there is an image comparison you would like to see don't feel shy to ask. Yes I bite the crap out of my nails by the way.
 
Thank you for the helpful review. Now to find a 3" version which are hard to find it seems.
 
First of all...............sweet pics! Very nice comparisons! :thumbup: :thumbup:

I have two 3.5" flippers. No 3" and no non-flipper. Though I would love to have a 3" XM-18!!

Here are my thoughts on your comments on the flipper.

1.) I only notice the "flipper knob" in my pocket from time to time when I reach to get something else out. I kind of feel it with my hand when reaching past it to grab keys or something.........hasn't got caught on anything yet. It has never bothered me though. Hardly noticeable IMO.

2.) The flipper being in the way when closing took me a couple days to get used to. Now I really like it being there. I close it til it hits my thumb then move my thumb and flip it closed. It comes naturally without thinking now. I feel like I'd probably cut my finger off if someone switched it out for a non-flipper when I wasn't looking. :D

3.) It is easier to open like you said and maybe more so in an emergency situation. I still open my flipper using the thumbstud half the time.

4.) My favorite part of the flipper seems to be yours too. ? The added protection/leverage provided by the flipper as a finger guard. This is so beneficial IMO that, when I do find and purchase a 3" XM, it too will be a flipper.

Once again, nice post and I'm glad to see Rick and the gang here on BF!! :D :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
Great write up and comparison shots of your hinderers,striders,and sebs. Thanks for sharing, :cool: And i think the dogs like your hinderers too. :thumbup: Who let the Dogs Out! :D
 
Great pictorial and review!!

Personaly I would prefer the 3.5" model with the flipper. However that is just due to the fact that I prefer larger knives.

I would love to pick up one of the 3.5" XM-18's (not in orange though), But have not found one available anywhere. So I'm EDC'ing a ZT 0300 instead.
 
I rock the orange for the sheaple. Thanks rob for the complement I though I'd bring this thread over from my other Usual suspected nighttime hangout to help out the people here.
 
I EDC a Strider SNG and a Hinderer XM-18...both are perfect size for it. I would still enjoy the shorter Hinderer though. Oh well...time to order...
 
Awesome pictures.
Don't have the flippers because I do not like flippers on knives in general. Do have a 3.5 and 3" xm-18.
I prefer the 3" over the 3.5", but that is because it fits more in my usage pattern.

And I LOOOVe orange ;)
attachment.php
 
All I have to add is: :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:


Nice review, and nice collection. I was just on the cusp of getting a Strider SnG, but after seeing your photos, I think I'll hold out for the XM.

Thanks for sharing!!! :)
 
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