And This Is What Started It All - UPDATED

Rather than start a new thread I thought I’d post this here. As I’ve stated above I’m limiting myself to two more knives...and one of those is already on the way.

With that said, I want a Hinderer. Now, I’m not as rabid as some of you, :p, but I’m seriously considering the Hinderer XM-18 Slipjoint.

Any input on that knife would be appreciated. Specifically the three blade types, sheepsfoot, slicer, and spanto.

Thanks guys!
 
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I prefer the less obviously "tactical" designed Hinderers, (though they look cool). I have both the sheepsfoot and slicer patterns, (not in the slipjoint), and they, along with the skinner, (which arrives today), are my favorites from a utility point of view.

I don't need a knife to punch through car doors, (my days on a Special Response Team for my former agency are behind me now), but I do like the overbuilt nature of the frames, and practical design of those particular blades.

Obviously, opinions will vary.
 
OklahomaOutlaw said:
Hells bells! I just ordered a Chris Reeve Small Sebenza 31 drop point.

Of course I’ll post pics in this thread when it arrives.

I hope these last two have made me more discriminatory Blues Blues , because your advice sure is costly! :p
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Well, I now forbid any further purchases until you've spent some time enjoying your recent acquisitions.

(I had no idea anyone actually listened to me. :p)
 
I agree what they said about taking some time to evaluate knives. I have more than 50 knives from cheep to expensive.

I do have a couple more to suggest that have actions that hit much higher than their costs. The WE Mini Buster and the Tuya knives Envy 2. These two have actions that aren't much off custom and mid tech knives I have. The Mini Buster even has multi row caged bearings at the pivot. At the moment it's a bit hard to get, but there should be more made. The Envy 2 is easy to get from the US distributor. There is an Envy 3 but it's a liner lock and it might have as good of an action as the frame lock but I haven't handled one.

FYI If you ever get into the midtech/customs I love my Skiff Drifter and my Trever Burger (TBC) LEXK SFI front flipper, but there are many knives in that range that you might love.
 
The TOPS Mini Scandi Micarta just arrived. For a knife at this price I’m shocked. All of the reviews were pretty much spot on.

As promised, here’s the pics...

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Nice quick collection!

The knife that got me started was the Kizer Quicksilver. It's still my favorite action on any of my knives. Flipping it open or closed just has a really satisfying *THWACK* sound and feel. But since I got that Quicksilver, I ventured into other "small-batch" brands. I've always had your typical Swiss Army Knives, Kershaw Leeks, Buck Folders and Fixed Blades, and Ka-Bar fixed blades. Before the Kizer, my nicest knife (if you ignore the Spyderco Salt I got as a gift that found it's way to my wife's purse right away) was a SOG SOGZilla. I still have it, but it's been relegated to one of my car kits instead of my EDC collection. Now I'm trying to check out all the major brands. I've got Kizer, WE, Bestech, Hinderer, TwoSun, CH Knives, Benchmade, and probably a few others that I can't remember off the top of my head. I still need to add Brous, ZT, CRK, Hogue, Gavko, Rogers, Pena, Rike, and so many others to my collection.
 
Kyle Heinchon said:
I still need to add Brous, ZT, CRK, Hogue, Gavko, Rogers, Pena, Rike, and so many others to my collection.
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The Hogue Deka is a great knife. It’s one you should definitely check out. I simply can’t find anything not to like about it...and I’ve tried. Perhaps you’ll like it, perhaps you won’t. Most are selling around $150.00 but I picked mine up for $125.00 and felt like I stole it.

Good luck on the journey.
 
Blues said:
Oklahoma Outlaw Oklahoma Outlaw

You got the fever. We can relate.

If I can give one recommendation for the long run...don't outrun your headlights.

Enjoy all of the knives you've been adding to the collection, but begin to get more discriminating with each new pick.
Remember, Rome Boise City wasn't built in a day. :cool:
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I agree. This is great advice. Take some substantial time with your knives before bankrupting. Haha.

OklahomaOutlaw said:
I’m disabled, but this is fantastic advice.

I’ll have my wife start looking for a second job.
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Brilliant. And this made me laugh. Thank you.

You have a great collection, sir. Welcome to bladeforums.
I think we just found another enabler folks. He doesnt need any help from us, a hinderer and CRK in the first month...:cool:
 
So yesterday I called TOPS Knives concerning warranty registration since none came in the box with the knife.

I explained to him there IS conflicting information on the web concerning the Italian made TOPS, some indicating one year, others five years.

Now mind you, this isn’t that important to me personally.

I spoke with Giovanni. He told me the knife carries the same warranty as those made in Idaho, USA, Limited Lifetime. No need to register it.

The Leo Espinosa designed Mini Scandi Micarta is an unbelievable grab at $92.00. Does it have the best steel? No. Is it more than adequate? Absolutely. The action is absolutely flawless, blade centering is dead spot on.

TOPS stands behind their products, and it’s been awhile since I spoke with a more friendly customer service representative.
 
Tops is a great company. Their designs are hit or miss for me. Some really perform well, and others not so much. I can’t fault their workmanship, materials, or heat treatment.

Last time I called them was several years ago. Mike Fuller (who was their founder) answered the phone. I managed to break a sheath for a Tops knife I had at the time and he instantly had a new one shipped to me.

We spent a good half hour on the phone just talking knives. Sadly, he passed away in November of last year. I hope the company will continue to be run with the dedication he showed at the helm.
 
I had read quite a bit here and elsewhere, as well as watched YouTube videos on the purported “lock rock” and “blade play”. I’m happy to report that as of this posting mine suffers none of the above. Perhaps they got it sorted out or it was way overblown to begin with.

As the tag below shows...mine is two months old tomorrow.

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