Deciding on next folder....having trouble deciding.

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nedflow

Joined
Jan 24, 2014
Messages
274
Greetings,

Hope all is well.

Starting to do some research on my next folder.

I did the ZT thing and love the product. Love my ZT for a ton of reasons. So....I was contemplating taking the next step and purchasing an Emerson or a Hinderer. After looking through multiple posts and youtube vids I'm starting to lose some of that excitement. I understand there are fanboys and haters of each brand but I keep coming across certain issues that trouble me. Seems like a lot of Hinderer owners feel as though you really aren't missing anything if you decide not to purchase one. I have heard multiple times, why spend double the money when you can just purchase a ZT Hinderer, that for half the price is just as good if not better. On to Emerson...Seems to be some serious concerns with attention to detail. Not cleaning the fine particles of the components before assembly, surfaces not aligning, etc.

I usually like to test a product for myself before forming an opinion but these blades are a significant investment for me. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Have been thinking of looking at Medford and Strider Knives as well.
 
I feel you. I'm straddling the fence on a Hinderer myself. The XM-24 is yelling my name. I can speak to Medfords personally.... Great solid knives but you need to handle a few before buying one to see what fits best. TFF-1 for me is perfect, looking at a Praetorian T or a Marauder next. Never had an Emerson.
 
HOKIE_FAN said:
I feel you. I'm straddling the fence on a Hinderer myself. The XM-24 is yelling my name. I can speak to Medfords personally.... Great solid knives but you need to handle a few before buying one to see what fits best. TFF-1 for me is perfect, looking at a Praetorian T or a Marauder next. Never had an Emerson.
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Def appreciate the feedback. Glad to see some one else is feeling the same. Really want a Pratorian as well.
 
Go for the Hinderer. Prices have come down since Rick built a new shop (bigger supply). The current crop are spot on - my XM-18 Bowie flips fantastic and is an awesome knife. Don't get me wrong, I love my Emersons too, but I think you'll be more impressed with an XM. Also you may consider a Chris Reeve, all knife enthusiasts need to experience a Sebenza (although I much prefer the Umnumzaan). Resale is so good on CRK's that there is no real risk trying one (other than seeing them start to accumulate ;)). As for Medfords, I have had a Medford Viper in my pocket ever since freeing it from its USPS Priority Mail crypt several weeks ago - LOVE that knife to death.
 
@ Officer's Match. Thanks man. Can't make up my f'ing mind, LOL! I hear you about the Chris Reeve blades. I simply prefer the others over CRK right now, but I will def own one at some point. Now you have me looking at Hinderers again and Medfords. If you had to choose between your Hinderer and Medford, which would you go with and why? Also, what authorized dealer are you using for Rick's blades? Thanks again man!!!
 
To start off we are an authorized Hinderer Dealer. We have only been a dealer for about the past 6 months so my old thoughts to my thoughts now are still very fresh.

Before ever selling knives I thought about a Hinderer. A few years later when they came out with the ZT0562CF I thought, heck that is just as good, made by ZT and it is perfect for me. Then I got the itch again but decided I would never carry one until I was officially selling them. When we got our first batch in I remember being very apprehensive about putting one in my pocket. For 1 it is revenue and 2 I did not think it was that much better than a ZT. I decided if I am going to sell it I have to see what it is all about. I put it in my pocket and made a commitment to carry it for at least 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks I was sold hook line and sinker. I finally got it! Don't get me wrong, ZT makes a fantastic knife, but if you are a true lover of knives and tools you will truly appreciate a Hinderer. The way it feels in your hand, the way it loosens up after the first couple of days, the way it glides open, the way it cuts and definitely the way it looks. I still carry other knives from time to time but my XM-18 Spanto or XM-24 Skinner are my absolute primary carries and for very good reason.

Most of the people telling you a Hinderer is not worth it are usually those who walked in a store or knife show, held one, and made a quick judgement based on 5 minutes with the knife. If that is all the time you have spent with one, then I certainly understand the reason for your opinions. I will tell you the true knife folks who come in our shop that I have told my history about Hinderer, and they went ahead and bought one, they have had zero regrets. Most have come back and bought another. I agree it is a big investment for a knife but if you are that true knife nut, it is so very worth it!
 
I had the same thoughts myself. Get a Hinderer. There is a substantial noticeable difference between them and ZT. My XM remains my favorite and sees more pocket time than all others combined.
 
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blades&wrenches said:
I had the same thoughts myself. Get a Hinderer. There is a substantial noticeable difference between them and ZT. My XM remains my favorite and sees more pocket time than all others combined.
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Thanks for the feedback! May have to start looking at Hinderer again.
 
I'm really drawn to the ZT 0562CF. What Hinderer is that based off of? I'm guessing the slicer variant but I don't see too many of those available.
 
nedflow said:
I'm really drawn to the ZT 0562CF. What Hinderer is that based off of? I'm guessing the slicer variant but I don't see too many of those available.
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It would most closely resemble a 3.5" XM18 with a slicer grind. But if you want to experience Hinderer to the fullest, purest then look hard at the 3.5" XM18 Spanto its Hinderer's signature blade.
 
Biginboca said:
It would most closely resemble a 3.5" XM18 with a slicer grind. But if you want to experience Hinderer to the fullest, purest then look hard at the 3.5" XM18 Spanto its Hinderer's signature blade.
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I did not know that. Thanks for the knowledge. Hmmm, that Spanto is kind of growing on me the more I look at it.
 
Right now nothing, and I mean NOTHING, even compares to my Medford Viper for me right now. But it is winter and heavy clothing supports heavy knives pretty well. That said, 2/3's of those I've handed my Viper to were surprised that it isn't as heavy as it looks. I just took a video of it's flipping action, but can't figure out how to post it.
 
Officer's Match said:
Right now nothing, and I mean NOTHING, even compares to my Medford Viper for me right now. But it is winter and heavy clothing supports heavy knives pretty well. That said, 2/3's of those I've handed my Viper to were surprised that it isn't as heavy as it looks. I just took a video of it's flipping action, but can't figure out how to post it.
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Weight is never an issue for me. I'm a relatively big dude and actually prefer heavier blades, believe it or not. Damn you guys are making this difficult. Love Medford's, price is a serious concern though. Would have to save for a while. Did you buy direct or use a dealer? Thanks again, and get that vid posted!!!
 
I cannot add much to what Whitty said, but they are truly a knife collector and users dream, the quality, hard use and attention to detail are wonderful in Rick's knives!!
 
nedflow said:
Weight is never an issue for me. I'm a relatively big dude and actually prefer heavier blades, believe it or not. Damn you guys are making this difficult. Love Medford's, price is a serious concern though. Would have to save for a while. Did you buy direct or use a dealer? Thanks again, and get that vid posted!!!
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I bought mine in the Exchange here. No vid, but here's some pics:













 
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