Custom Blade for XM-18 3.5 inch "Flipper"?

[Noctis3880]

I apologize if this is in the wrong place, but no other section of the forums seemed appropriate.

I wanted to ask around to see if there is a knifemaker both capable and interested in making a custom blade for a Rick Hinderer XM-18 3.5 inch Spanto Flipper. I'm mostly interested in the third generation powder metal stainless steels, and I would want to preserve the flipper action and smooth opening and closing as well as the spanto grind, so it would have to essentially be an exact duplicate of the blade.

Also curious as to the timeframe to make such a thing and the final cost.

 

[JTR357]

Did you ask Rick?

 

[spyken]

this may be tricky. To reproduce an exact copy of the blade, it must be marked as such (since the original 3rd gens do not have any markings, and this may cause uncertainty as to to the actual maker of the blade)...you or the maker probably needs to get Rick's ok to proceed, and there must be some sort of mark.

incidentally, the CTS-XHP and 20CV blades are already powdered steels, what is the reason for this project (just curious)?

 

[Noctis3880]

this may be tricky. To reproduce an exact copy of the blade, it must be marked as such (since the original 3rd gens do not have any markings, and this may cause uncertainty as to to the actual maker of the blade)...you or the maker probably needs to get Rick's ok to proceed, and there must be some sort of mark.

incidentally, the CTS-XHP and 20CV blades are already powdered steels, what is the reason for this project (just curious)?

Well for the most part, I find that 440C level of corrosion resistance(I have CTS-XHP in my current blade) simply didn't suit my needs very well given that I live in Hawaii and the humidity ultimately means that water won't dry from the pivot area. A problem easily resolved with a Marine Tuf Cloth, but call this a burning desire to have "the best"(which is relative sure, but still).

I also find that through my own use, M390 had very similar edge holding ability to CPM-M4.

I realize 20CV has a similar composition, but I don't believe that's a third generation powdered steel. And from what's been said, the third generation powdered metals are a good step up in terms of toughness and the ability to take a fine edge.

I would ask Rick but I'm not sure he would have the time for it, and I'm also more than sure that he wouldn't want to work with unfamiliar steels. As well, I've never heard of his recent folders using steels other than CTS-XHP, 20CV, and S35VN.

Still, this is more just to see if it can be done, to see if the option is available. The edge holding of CTS-XHP might make up for the lack of corrosion resistance, but it's not like it's unheard of for a person to want to make his car go faster when his car already breaks the sound barrier.

P.S.
I also didn't want to go through the hassle of selling my knife and buying another in 20CV.

 

[Los Angeles]

I think you should go directly to the maker. I doubt you'll find anyone that will do this for less money. And what you're asking for sets up a lot of red flags for other makers (meaning it's requests like yours that many times result in an unsatisfied customer no matter what the result is.)

 

[Noctis3880]

I think you should go directly to the maker. I doubt you'll find anyone that will do this for less money. And what you're asking for sets up a lot of red flags for other makers (meaning it's requests like yours that many times result in an unsatisfied customer no matter what the result is.)

I could give that a shot, but I get the feeling that it wouldn't happen. Not that I'm saying the steel is bad by any means, just that it doesn't suit my specific needs.

But again, I just want to see if this is something doable.

I'd have to actually USE the knife extensively before I make a final decision. Once I get it back from Rick anyways. I sent the knife to him because I thought the corrosion resistance was abnormally low due to potential issues with the steel(metal dust on the blade, damaged heat treat), though he said there was nothing wrong with it.