First Hinderer!

Hairlesstwinkie

Hairlesstwinkie

Joined
Feb 4, 2013
Messages
1,562
Well, I received something in the mail that I thought that I would not receive in at least another three months. Yup, it's my first Hinderer XM-18! I wasn't planning on getting a Hinderer until later since I wanted to experience some other intermediate knives(TAD Dauntless, Strider, Tilt, 560/561, etc) before climbing my way up to a Hinderer. Thanks to egally08 who spotted this Hinderer on the exchange that I was able to get it. It was a long process of trying to decide if I should get it since I was bidding on a TAD Dauntless on eBay at the same time. I could only afford one knife... When I decided on the Hinderer, I had posted "If it's still available, I'll take the Hinderer" someone else had posted within the same minute both at 8:16 PM, but I had beaten him by maybe a few seconds. I guess this Hinderer was destined to be mine.

Here's the thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1055706-Hinderer-xm-18-Benchmade-infidel


Because of the recent amount of threads about "blah blah blah is overrated" or "is blah blah blah worth it", I just want to say being able to handle these knives in person without having to speculate or rely on 3rd party opinions lead me to the answer of those threads which is: is how much is your happiness? I think that's all there is to it. Do whatever makes you happy. These knives make me very happy.

I want to say thank you Bladeforums and its very kind members. This forum has done nothing, but expand my knowledge on knives and getting me to spend extra money on this addictive hobby. To put things in perspective, I went from having a few common Kershaws (Leeks, Chill, and Ososweet) and Cold Steel (Prolite, Mini-AK 47, and Ti-Lite) to having Chris Reeve Knives, Microtech, Spyderco and Hinderer. Wow, what a difference right? Being that one guy who's "Spending $100+ on knives?! are they crazy?!" to "Holy cow! a Sebenza for $250?! I'll take it!" I'm just grateful that this community is so helpful and generous. Of all the knife forums that I've been on, this is my absolute favorite. Thank you!

Now enough about that, now onto the more interesting thing: Hinderer XM-18. This thing is a beauty and a beast. That's how I feel about it and that's how it'll stay. I really wanted a Spanto grind since I didn't need another slicer because my Southard Flipper is an excellent slicer. Fit and finish is superb, but I still think a Sebenza has a better fit and finish because when I had tighten the pivot all the way, the blade didn't want to deploy. I guess I'm a little spoiled by CRK's now... But then again, it may be designed by Mr. Hinderers to let the customer determine the amount of resistance(SOMEONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW). I think this is just a 3rd Gen problem, but the detent barely holds the blade in so the flipper tends to be inconsistent... I think those are my only two problems, but they're not really problems. Just minor things to pick at. This thing is just a beauty to look at and I know I can count on it if poop hits the fan.



Pics or it didn't happen right?


Untitled by Draco_00, on Flickr


Untitled by Draco_00, on Flickr


Untitled by Draco_00, on Flickr
 
Love that blue/black frag scale!

BTW, the pivot system is totally different on the Hinderer vs Sebenza, as you noted. You don't tighten a Seb to adjust tension—you just assemble the knife. The tension is what it is (and it's awesome). On the XM, like a lot of other knives, you can adjust the tension—and people don't all like the same amount of tension. That's not really a knock for either, just the way they are—unless you prefer one over the other. I've had both, and I only have the XM now. Wish I had both, heh, I just don't have a large collection. I have one nice one. All my other knives combined can't be worth more than $35 bucks total.

You can get some more info over on the Hinderer subforum.
 
My XM-18's are far more smooth than my Sebenzas. But both are great in their own way. Yes, adjust the pivot to suit your preference. Some use loctite (blue) to keep in in place; I don't, I just tighten with my thumbnail if it ever loosens (which rarely happens).
 
Heck, nobody in his right mind will say anything bad about a HInderer...other than they are overpriced if you're not medical or law enforcement. It is primarily a handle SIZE consideration which forms my opinions on many folders. However, many folks find the Hinderer to be their Grail, and I hope you will also. It's a very well-made folder.
 
BTW you have some great knives, but who drilled a big hole into the bottom knife's blade :)
 
That's so you can tie the knife onto a pole when you're fishing in a Survivor situation.
Somebody has to ask Sal on that one.
 
Congrats. I have an xm 18 custom 3". The detente is, from all I have read and seen on Hinderers, typical, meaning the blade will not stay securely in. I will not carry it in my pocket for this reason, you're bound to slice a finger open. Truth is, I have never carried it yet! I tightened mine up--and like yours--too tight. Had to loosen it--but then it opens too easily in the pocket. Just the way it is, based on every obsessive nugget of info I could get on Hinderer. I don't understand it myself, but then there's the knife WHEN IT IS OPEN, and that's when you know the thing is off the charts quality and a true overbuilt tool, maybe with no equal in this regard. The fit and finish, beyond-beyond. The detente 'issue' is just a Hinderer trait, and --can anyone explain why this is? I know it allows for fast deployment, but who wants a blade to open in their pocket? Anyway... I love mine and I know you'll love yours.
 
I've never ever had a Hinderer open in my pocket. But if you are concerned, change the clip to tip down. That way when you withdraw the knife from your pocket, it will actually push the blade inward.

mostel said:
Congrats. I have an xm 18 custom 3". The detente is, from all I have read and seen on Hinderers, typical, meaning the blade will not stay securely in. I will not carry it in my pocket for this reason, you're bound to slice a finger open. Truth is, I have never carried it yet! I tightened mine up--and like yours--too tight. Had to loosen it--but then it opens too easily in the pocket. Just the way it is, based on every obsessive nugget of info I could get on Hinderer. I don't understand it myself, but then there's the knife WHEN IT IS OPEN, and that's when you know the thing is off the charts quality and a true overbuilt tool, maybe with no equal in this regard. The fit and finish, beyond-beyond. The detente 'issue' is just a Hinderer trait, and --can anyone explain why this is? I know it allows for fast deployment, but who wants a blade to open in their pocket? Anyway... I love mine and I know you'll love yours.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you for the compliments everyone.

I had actually adjusted the pivot and oiled the detent some and that seem to have helped a bit. It has gotten about as smooth as my Sebenza, but it doesn't have that weird Sebenza smooth. If you know what I mean. Now the inertia and the smooth pivot just sends the blade flying out. It's very fun to fondle. :D
 
Thank you I will do that. I think I will just contact Rob. I've meant to do that from the start.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top