Discussion on Hinderer Knives

[Voodew]

I understand that this is a popular topic, and there are multiple other threads discussing this. But I wanted to ask a few specific questions and get your overall opinion.

The ALMIGHTY HINDERER! These knives have always interested me, but I have never pulled the trigger on one. I mean absolutely no disrespect to the company or to any owners of their knives. But I want you guys to talk me into buying an XM 18.

What are it's strong points? What are its weak points? Price tag? Where to buy? Blade grind?

I guess I'm just asking for your general recommendation on Hinderer knives, likes and dislikes, experiences, justification of price, pride of ownership, that sort of thing.

Let's get a good discussion going, discussion NOT ARGUMENT. What are your thoughts?

 

[Silvanus]

I've owned a lot of different production folders ranging from $25 Gerbers to my most recent and most expensive knife ever, Hinderer Eklipse. Now, I only own Hinderer and Emerson folders. Hinderer knives are great folders if you are looking for a beefy and well finished piece of cutlery. If you want a super light scalpel of a blade, you need to look elsewhere. These are tough folders and aren't as light as others in the same class.

Strong points: They are tough, easy to disassemble and maintain, smooth opening/closing, easily customizable.
Weak points: Most flip poorly, relatively thick stock so they don't slice as easily as other thinner knives, secondary market price is way too much.
Price: Direct price for 3" and 3.5" models is $385. They are worth every penny of that price hands down. When you see a production S35VN Spanto with a stock G10 scale and standard hardware selling for $650-$700, that is overpriced (does not include Wharncliffe grinds). Unfortunately, that's what the secondary market is.
Where to buy: If you aren't able to direct buy, the exchange here is the best place I know of. You will pay a premium but if you are patient there are a few that are somewhat reasonably priced. Just keep an eye out.
Blade grind: I like the Spanto grind personally. It doesn't slice as well as the slicer grinds but I just like it. The decision on that is really up to you.

I'm a Hinderer fanboy, but I'll give my honest opinion. They are great knives and that really can't be disputed when looking at it objectively. They aren't for everyone though. They are absolutely worth the direct pricing and compete very well in their class. I say buy one and try it out, you can always resell it here with little or no loss. The company has treated me well so far, excellent in fact. I believe they are great knives and every knife collector should at least experience one even if they end up letting it go.

 

[timdgsr]

I agree with Silvanus' points.

I purchased mine from a friend for around $425. I'd say the knife is worth $400 all day long.

Pros: Tough, relatively simple, flipping action is nice and smooth (does require a little "tuning" to get it to flip just like I wanted), the lockbar tension is perfect (very easy to depress, probably why he came up with the LBS), you can actually use the thumb studs to deploy the blade (unlike most other flippers I've handled)

Cons: overpriced secondary market prices, thicker/heavier than 99% of the population "needs" in a knife, lockbar deformation worries me (I've never read of anyone with this issue, but most titanium framelocks tend to run into this eventually it seems), not really a fan of the choil.

The knife is awesome, and I also prefer the Spanto. If you want a better slicer, buy another knife. If you like the look of the "slicer" grind, then go for it. I personally think the wharncliffe blades are gross.

 

[uofaengr]

I only have one, a 3" slicer but have a decent bit of up close and personal time with a 3" spanto and 3.5" slicer.

I had cooled on buying one, but when I had an opportunity in the most recent flash sale, I couldn't pass it up. I've always felt like the 3.5" was just way too much to EDC and still feel that way. So I really only wanted the 3" but have always felt that I'd only buy one at factory pricing as I refuse the insane secondary pricing.

Price: I feel the 3.5" is a lot more worth the money than the 3". It's the same price, and one is just a lot more knife than the other. On the other hand, if the 3.5 is too much and you'll actually carry the 3" everyday, then maybe it's more worth it to you.

F/F: They're not Sebenza level, but still very nice. Mine has machining marks in the lockbar cutout that my fingernail can dig into, and the most noticeable I've seen on any XM I've handled or seen in pictures, and I feel for $400 a knife pretty much needs to be perfect. I carry tip up so the clip covers it and I don't notice it. My LBS screw also sticks through the frame, something I've seen other companies ripped for.

Cool factor and misc: If you appreciate fine pieces of engineering in similar knives, the XM is great. It's very smooth operating and extremely robust. Particularly the 3.5, you know you're holding a tank that can withstand some abuse. I can't imagine how massive an XM-24 feels in hand. The 3" is very well built also but IMO more EDC friendly. I prefer the slicer because I like to use my knives to cut and not to pry. Customizing options are vast with the XM also, something the Sebenza can't do.

If you're into high end knives, I think you owe it to yourself to try an XM at least once, mainly the 3.5" as I don't feel the 3" conveys how tank-like these knives are obviously as well as the bigger knives. It's not perfect, but a well crafted, fine piece of engineering and production that can take about anything you throw at it, and I think the 3.5" at factory pricing is an amazing deal for what you get.