Brand new XM-18 how do I flip it?

Shadow449

Shadow449

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Mar 2, 2013
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Hey, just joined the hinderer herd today. Got a 3.5 in. slicer grind direct from Hinderer. Beautiful knife. I'm very impressed but I can't flip it for the life of me!! Any tips or suggestions from those who have experience with Hinderers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
3 basic "beginners" options...


--Start the motion w/ a tap to the flipper and wrist-flick a bit to open. These knives have no issues associated with "wrist-flick" like some other brands.

--pre-load the flipper by pressing forward, then under that little bit of pressure built up under your finger tip on the flipper, press to open.

--break the pivot loose, then gently retighten.
 
First off, congrats on your new XM-18... these are amazingly good knives.

Secondly, there is a bit of a technique to flipping an XM-18. It doesn't flip like some other flippers that have really strong detents and/or ball bearing systems... so how you are probably trying to flip it isn't how the XM works. First thing you want to do is make sure the pivot is well lubed. Any light oil will do. I use Daiwa Reel Oil (comes with a groovy needle point applicator tip and costs all of $4). Secondly, I have found that new XMs tend to come with kind of tight pivots from The Ranch. Go ahead and back it off some until you find the "sweet spot" where the pivot is a bit looser but you haven't affected either blade centering or blade play. Thirdly (and this is the technique part)... take note of the flipper itself. Notice where the jimping is on the flipper. It's NOT on the front/concave side (ie, like a pull flipper would have), but its on the back/convex side. This is because XMs are designed to have the flipper pressed forward and down (using the index finger) into the pivot. The "preloads" energy into the pivot, then when you snap your index finger back it released that energy and it fires the flipper (you can use some wrist flick action here if you want, but if done correctly you won't need to). It's more of an "old school" approach to flippers than a lot of the new fancy IKBS/KVT/Caged ball bearing systems... I personally like it. Anyway, the technique does take a bit of initial practice but in no time you will be an ace! :)

Enjoy your knife!
 
Something you're going to have to play with and break in. I picked up my first keeper XM this past Blade show. From dropping a couple friends off at ATL international to the way back to Indiana, my 8 hour haul, I was breaking mine in and trying to wear it a bit and trying to figure it out. After that, it was still stiff but you get the motion down and it becomes easier.

One night a couple weeks ago I got bored and put Slip2000 knife lube in it, now it flies open :D
 
Thanks guys. I actually cut my index finger on the handle gimping from trying so hard. Hahaha... I can flip it now with some wrist action. Maybe I'll try loosening the pivot a tad.
 
I've gotten a few that were pretty tight. Back the pivot screw off ever so slightly and keep an eye on the centering. If you don't have a tool for your hinderer it's a nice investment. Especially if you are planning on getting more than one. Just the smallest turn like N2K and Jon suggested can make it a different knife. I disassemble, wipe them down and oil them up as soon as I get them. Congrats on your new tool. They are amazing knives.
 
I think I am gonna do a YouTube vid on how to flip an XM (at least how I flip it) yet this weekend and post it to my YT channel. I will come back to this post and edit it with the link once I get it filmed and uploaded to YT (as long as it's ok to post YT vid links, Rubi?). Hopefully this will help.

EDIT: All right, here's my vid explaining how I flip an XM-18
[video=youtube;L6DQcv7KpmA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6DQcv7KpmA[/video]
 
Last edited:
jon1all said:
I think I am gonna do a YouTube vid on how to flip an XM (at least how I flip it) yet this weekend and post it to my YT channel. I will come back to this post and edit it with the link once I get it filmed and uploaded to YT (as long as it's ok to post YT vid links, Rubi?). Hopefully this will help.
Click to expand...

You could do something like that or...

..go on the Tube now, hit your mute button and watch others open XMs. Watch about 20 videos and see who gets it right by comparing/contrasting what one sees.
 
Okay played around with it a little. Works better for me pushing in. Wrist flick works with either but without it, pushing into the knife versus down works better.

[video=youtube_share;99r4AyaAUiw]http://youtu.be/99r4AyaAUiw[/video]
 
I can get it to flip open with a downward motion as well, but need to almost flip it with my finger versus push it down. Still way more consistent with pushing into the knife for me.
 
DPRICHARD said:
Okay played around with it a little. Works better for me pushing in. Wrist flick works with either but without it, pushing into the knife versus down works better.

[video=youtube_share;99r4AyaAUiw]http://youtu.be/99r4AyaAUiw[/video]
Click to expand...

This was helpful. I'm having the same issue as your first few flips but when I try to push IN I stil have the same issue. I think I need to loosen the pivot as this is a brand spankin new knife. Thanks for the vid!!
 
"Loosening" I prefer calling it adjusting the pivot is the last thing someone new to the XM should do, but one of the first things I do. If one can maintain basic gear to assure reliability, that person should be able to maintain a knife.

They will "break in" with some playtime. They will flip smoother if clean and lubricated. They will fire open reliably once you learn the techniques outlined in earlier posts or develop what works for you.

These things do not ride on bearings, are not spring assisted.

And like I said awhile ago...the Hinderer with a flipper is called that because it has a flipper...just like a Dolphin from an old television series.
 
Well done with the videos guys.

Jon, it went a tad long...I'm playing...covered several key bullet points.:thumbup:
 
Agreed. Well done, loved the flow. Must have because I watched them, takes a lot to get me to sit through most videos -usually about half way through I am calling my Dentist asking if he has any openings for a cosmetic root canal but not this time.
I too happen to Love my XM's, the way they flip, the detents - the Whole magilla .

Funny how "these days" IF you love everything about something You are somehow seen as defective or a "fanboy" or whatever.
Couldn't possibly be the Object of your admiration is just simply - that good.
Glad Many on this site seem to agree - the XM is just that good.
So, Happy "Flipping". Get so flippin' happy flipping that you flippin run outside and do a flip (just don't have your knife open when you do):)
 
Need2Know said:
"Loosening" I prefer calling it adjusting the pivot
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's crazy how LITTLE adjustment it takes to change the flip dramatically. The video I posted was just cleaned, oiled and reassembled. Bought this bad by "Unused". It's amazing how much gunk and pocket lint it had in it for "Unused". Cleaned it up though and it's shiny and mint and flips like a dream. Love how easy these things are to work on. The definitely get smoother with some play though :)
 
6 MINUTES... For the love of all things good... :D Just kidding... Watching now. Love the Sam Adams, shot glass and stack of Hinderers in the pic for the vid... :D
 
I am Just wondering how close in design the zt 550 and 560s are to the xm knives. I know I had a tough time getting used to opening my 550 with the thumb stud. If you push out like with most knives, it won't budge. It you push straight up it flies open. Some day I hope to own a shiny new xm series knife, but for now I will just keep waiting for you guys to post pictures of yours. ;)
 
I almost sold my zt0550 day one but kept playing with it and got some great advice on opening it and it became my favorite ZT. Loved handing it to people and watching them try to open it.
 
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