Are the New Hinderer XM-18's worth the wait?

not able to post pics, but I will say that as someone who uses his knife daily at work, the 3rd gen XM-18 is an awesome tool. I work at a commercial fishing company where a solid hardworking folder is a must to be able to cut different types of ropes, hoses, and all sorts of materials, odds and ends. On the job I have used a large Sebenza, Lightfoot Surpressor, Benchmade Dejavoo, Spyderco Delica, Microtech LCC, all great knives in their own respects, but the XM-18 is my favorite so far. A hollow grind looks sweet, but if your going to put a knife to work, I do think a flat grind is better.
 
I got my XM-18 today. Wow!!!! :thumbup: Fit and finish are superb. The first thing you notice is the heft and solid feel of the knife. The knife opens very smoothly and locks up with a secure thud. This knife really instills confidence. I haven't had the pleasure of handling an earlier generation. I can't imagine they would be much better than this. Would I have preferred a hand ground version from Rick? Yes, but this is one heck of a knife and I am very pleased with it.
 
Some really crappy photos
 

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One more crappy pic of a great knife
 

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Congrats Shootist on the score. I just received my Gen 3 a couple of days ago (Flipper with Red G-10). I'm very happy with it. The first thing I was looking for in getting my first custom and spending the most I've spent before on a knife was that it had to be tough. And this is definitely what I got. The Hollow grind and the satin finish would've been nice, but I'm definitely not complaining.

I originally thought that the tumble finish wasn't too aesthetically appealing, however the finish matches the finish on the on the frame lock and I like the way they blend together. It looks tougher in my opinion. Overall, the Hinderer XM-18 is still a Hinderer XM-18, it's a freakin tank of a knife. I got what I was looking for in this knife.

The Gen 1s & 2s are definitely going to get a higher premium than the Gen 3s for a couple of factors, but that doesn't change the fact that these knives were made for use. From a strictly utilitarian perspective, the Gen 3s are in no way inferior to the previous gens and the flat grind may in fact allow it to stand great abuse than the older ones.
 
Kaizen1: Do you have any pix of your new XM-18? Rick makes an awesome knife, and I am happy to here that you AND shootist16 are BOTH happy.
 
The more I handle this knife the more I like it. The attention to detail is amazing. This knife proves that you don't have to sacrifice ergonomics or finish to get a tough knife. Loving my XM-18 so much I want to order another.
 
T.K.C. said:
Kaizen1: Do you have any pix of your new XM-18? Rick makes an awesome knife, and I am happy to here that you AND shootist16 are BOTH happy.
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TKC,

Unfortunately I currently don't have the ability to post pictures. If at some point in the future I can, I'll make sure to post it in the review section.
 
Kaizen1: Is you XM-18 red, red or is more of a cranberry color?I understand about not having the ability of taking pix. No worries my friend.
 
T.K.C. said:
Kaizen1: Is you XM-18 red, red or is more of a cranberry color?I understand about not having the ability of taking pix. No worries my friend.
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TKC:

Here's a picture of someone else's XM-18. Mine has the same color scale:

XM-18.jpg


However, my XM-18 has a "tumble finish" rather than the bead blast. The finish of the blade and lock side on mine looks like this:

TS2.jpg


Hope that helps.
 
I got an orange flipper one and a black scale non-flipper :) Rick is an awesome guy ... first time meeting him :) :) the lottery was full pack of people :) Another news, I got his old skool too, an auto :) :)
 
Not sure if its Gen 1 or 2 but got to tell you this is an awesome knife. Never had handled one before and the opening is smooth, locks up with a snap and the blade is centered 100%.

Now I am after the flipper version of this one. Anyone care to PM me if you can provide one?

:D

dscn0249_edited.jpg
 
Does it have a full titanium liner? If so, then it is a second generation XM-18. CONGRATS on scoring an XM-18!!
 
Congrats antonanton & RNST. The XM-18s are incredible pieces of work.
 
I was just wondering if anyone notice the difference in the backspacers fasteners in Gen I,II,III. In Gen I the backspacers are bolted in buy nut & bolt and seem more heavy duty. In Gen II if you notice the bolt head is rounded and Gen III the bolt is flate. I'm just wondering if Rick compromised quality for somthing cheaper and mass produced.
 
loveknives22 said:
I was just wondering if anyone notice the difference in the backspacers fasteners in Gen I,II,III. In Gen I the backspacers are bolted in buy nut & bolt and seem more heavy duty. In Gen II if you notice the bolt head is rounded and Gen III the bolt is flate. I'm just wondering if Rick compromised quality for somthing cheaper and mass produced.
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I assure you that Rick DOES NOT compromise on quality!! He makes all his own parts for the XM-18. The only difference with Gen III's is the blade.
 
T.K.C. said:
I assure you that Rick DOES NOT compromise on quality!! He makes all his own parts for the XM-18. The only difference with Gen III's is the blade.
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I agree with TKC. And it's not simply the blade, it's only the primary grind. He still does the HT.
 
Just received my XM-18 today. The fit and finish are excellent. Here is a pic of the XM-18 with my Strider SMF (both stonewashed).
xm18smf0022copywq9.jpg
 
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