First Hinderer Decision

A

allballs

Joined
Aug 13, 2009
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137
Hello, lt's time to get me a Hinderer and join the club. I'm looking at 3.5 XM Bowie or an Eklipse. The blade will be carried whenever my pants are on. I like both of the blade profiles for any SD situation in case I run out of bullets or need it for pistol retention. I don't think I can make a bad decision between the two options. Is the Eklipse more comfortable in the reverse grip? Is the hardware interchangeable between the two models? I don't have an option to handle either at the moment. Does the Eklipse have a different detent that allows better deployment using the flipper? Help me pick one or should I flip a coin :D
 
The Bowie is a 3.5 XM.....so any 3.5 hardware can be swapped out for any other.........the Eklipse has it's own hardware......existing XM hardware is not compatible......currently there are not too many hardware changes that can be made......but that will change when RHK gets the new facility online.......
Both Hinderers are very comfortable in the reverse grip.
The detent on both are good........blade deployment with a Hinderer is not an issue........
Since both are quite pointy I would think that perhaps you might prefer the Eklipse as, overall, I would think you could call the blade more robust......
But really, I'd just pick the one you like better.
Hopefully, you won't run out of bullets.......
Sometimes I do love Canada.
 
been reading on the forum and looking at pics, is there an ETA when the new facility will be running? if I go the Eklipse route I wanted a rough idea when replacement scales would be available
 
The best information I can give you is......it's coming.......
There have been posts in other threads that suggest that a lot of new equipment has already been delivered......but I understand there were a few delays due to the cold this winter.....
If I had to guess (so not real information) a couple more months until the facility is set up, equipment is tested and the facility is fully online and staffed.....(????)
Then RHK would have to schedule, do and distribute a run of Eklipse scales.......????

So the best guess answer (from me) is......probably summer.......

Although there are many others on the forum that are far more knowledgeable than me......if I were you I'd contact a Mod and see if you can get a better idea.......
 
^^^ This is reasonably accurate as far as the new facility. But, I certainly wouldn't wait to buy an Eklipse until replacement scales are available, who knows for certain when those will be made. Even if they did make some scales next month or five months from now, you might not be able to find an Eklipse at that point.
 
I see you have confined the choices to only two(2) blade profiles. IMO I would rethink that.
I would make my decision based on what knife I think I would like to carry everyday for the next # of years and use everyday.
I am not saying that either of your options would not satisfy that but you did state that your consideration was that of SD.
In the unlikely event that you should find yourself in that situation, I think it is even more unlikely that the outcome will be effected by the chosen blade grind.
I hope you never find yourself in a situation where your primary and secondary weapons are no longer serviceable and you are deploying an edged weapon for survival but IF that does ever happen no matter which RHK you have will serve you well.
Ok, obligatory dialogue out of the way....
It may (or may not) be as "sexy" as the new grinds but, the XM18 3.5" Spanto flipper SW w/G10 (color of choice) remains my go to favorite.
Original iconic Rick Hinderer grind, strong and EDC'able for the ages.
Kept sharp..... IF that doesn't gut a would be ne'er-do-well then I hope you made a good running shoe choice....too.

Now, IF it really does come down to the two(2) you mentioned - Flip a coin. Can't go wrong with either.
 
My choice is always a sterile, non-flipper spanto with a strong detent. The detents do vary knife to knife. I've owned over a dozen, and lube and adjustment helps, but not all are the same. I'm a purist, and prefer the gen 2 and gen 3's, as I can't stand logos on the blade. After owning many other true flippers, I find I prefer the deployment of the xm with the thumstuds. Better looks and ergos in my opinion. Check out an older model spanto....doesn't get any better. Cheers!
 
Me: So, I can't decide between whether to have eggs or cereal for breakfast?

You: Sandwich.

;)
 
I received my new Hinderer today! I'm sure you all know how awesome this thing is already. I love it, and I have a new favorite blade. Flawless fit and finish, smooth action, solid lockup, perfect centering, and dangerously sharp. Not sure what else I could want in a folding knife. I'm already looking for my next Hinderer. Do any dealers get models with the working finish? other than knife shows and the exchange what is the best way to possibly get a DLC model?
 
Congrats. I'd say enjoy this one for awhile but your a big boy.

To your question, DLC or WF or both?

Seeing both with greater frequency, finishes that were once rare as hens teeth. When the new facility comes online I imagine it will continue to trend
 
Last edited:
RubiconSS said:
Congrats. I'd say enjoy this one for awhile but your a big boy.

To your question, DLC or WF or both?
Click to expand...

I'm not certain which finish I would want to try next. I love the stonewash, but I thought maybe a different finish for the next one. I haven't seen any DLC finishes at any dealers, but I wasn't certain if they ever receive any models with the working finish. I prefer tip up carry and reversed my clip, but my new Eklipse really hasn't left my hand yet or seen much pocket time :D
 
They're both nice. I'd have to flip a coin. I used to lust after DLC and still have s soft spot for them. My first knife show and lottery win was 24 with FDE DLC.
I carry WF as EDC.
Exception being my current EDC is the SW Spearpoint.
You'll end up with both so as you search either/or.
You'll love either.
 
Another idea (If you find you end up liking it here) get a membership in BF that allows you to put a WTB in your Sig line.
There are a lot of good members that buy/sell to each other. That is a dependable way to know what you are getting.
 
RubiconSS said:
Another idea (If you find you end up liking it here) get a membership in BF that allows you to put a WTB in your Sig line.
There are a lot of good members that buy/sell to each other. That is a dependable way to know what you are getting.
Click to expand...

Hmm, didn't think about a WTB signature. Sounds a lot easier than refreshing the sale page throughout the day. Everyone has been great here and helpful, but I think I'm going to spend most of my forum time at the USN so I have access to some custom makers I'm interested in.
 
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