Converting XM-18 to the IKBS

T

Tymah123

Joined
Oct 26, 2012
Messages
133
I tried searching for this but it seems nobody has done this before. As we all know XM is a flipper that doesn't really flip, or doesn't flip very well unless you're using your wrist. After searching a bit online I found out that Rick did produce several XM-18s with the IKBS setup, I haven't ever seen or handled one so don't really know how they flip, but at least it is possible to achieve it seems. Does it make sense to try and convert my XM-18 to the IKBS setup to improve the flipping action? If anybody has or handled one of the Rick's IKBS XMs? Any input is appreciated, thanks!
 
I wouldn't mess with it. It flips just fine if your purpose is to open the knife. If your purpose is to flip the knife alot and admire the flipping action, then yeah you could have IKBS added. Your warranty would be voided though. I would think though that putting IKBS in the knife would take away from the design which is to be a tough, low maintenance, hard-use knife. IKBS just seems so "high maintenance" to me.... We all have out own preferences though....
 
Once your XM gets broken in flipping is no issue at all without wrist action - that is my experience. As for adding IKBS I think you'll find most of us here will advise not to mess with Ricks intended design/functionality. Just my .02
 
^^^ Yeah, take some time to break it in and also watch some videos on flipping it. It's not your standard push down on the flipper. The one in this video is brand new and might seem stiff if pushing down to flip it, but it's not at all when you flip it from the end / bottom edge of the flipper...

[video=youtube;nFaL7bmK_SY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFaL7bmK_SY[/video]
 
Bearings will undoubtedly make it a better flipper, but as some have noted, bearings are a bit higher maintenance than regular washers and will require significantly sophisticated machining (expensive) that will void your warranty.

Unless you must have an XM-18 with bearings, I would get a flipper that comes stock with bearings.
 
Thanks guys, appreciate everybody's responses. Seems like you guys are right, it's probably better to keep the XM stock and just break it in, especially since there's heavy machining involved. As far as bearings being high maintenance - not sure it would have any real effects on my own knife, I have other flippers with bearings and I don't really maintain them non-stop. Maybe polishing the washers will be as far as I go.
 
Last edited:
Tymah123 said:
Thanks guys, appreciate everybody's responses. Seems like you guys are right, it's probably better to keep the XM stock and just break it in, especially since there's heavy machining involved. As far as bearings being high maintenance - not sure it would have any real effects on my own knife, I have other flippers with bearings and I don't really maintain them non-stop. Maybe polishing the washers will be as far as go.
Click to expand...

I believe the washers are Teflon/Nylatron so polishing is unneeded.
 
RDA said:
I am fairly certain Hinderer Knives never produced an XM with IKBS.
Click to expand...

Ah, it seems like you may be right. The OP might be confusing the few XM-18s modified by Todd Begg to have IKBS.
I have no doubt that Todd Begg did a great job and I'm sure those IKBS XMs flip like no other.
 
I have experimented with adding bearings to my knives. If you haven't done it before, don't do it to a Hinderer.
 
I have the 0560 as well, it will be going up for sale, can't really compete with the real XM in terms of quality and overall feel. And I was probably looking at the Todd Begg modified XMs with IKBS. Ok, looks like the decision has been made - no IKBS mod, no polishing. Thanks!
 
Or you can increase the detent on it so there is more preload tension so when it breaks it has enough momentum to carry the blade open all the way without needing wrist.
 
Yeah, I saw your youtube videos on your detent modification for the XMs and saw what difference it made for the smokeeater908's 3" XM, that's an awesome mod. I will be breaking it in for another couple of months and if the flipping action isn't satisfactory I think I will be contacting you for some detent tuning. Thanks!
 
I have a Custom Bowie converted to ceramic bearings and it flips super smooth and fast. You can even hold it straight up and flip with NO wrist action at all....very easily.......hardly no maintenance either/./...just keep it clean
 
Check out Fernando Medina at Lionwerks. He does pretty amazing work. If you find him on Facebook he has several videos of XM18s where he added bearings and they look like they came out great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top