First XM-18 3.5 spanto

+1 ^......

Need2Know said:
Thread feels done to me...thanks to those who posted for the sake of education.

The XMs have design features Rick thought up while using knives. The flipper comes in handy when one is wearing gloves or the knife is very dirty.
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diracismyhero said:
Haha this thread is absurd. I love how people are arguing for a design that is clearly inferior. A flipper is supposed to flip the knife open, when it doesn't do that well, it isn't a good flipper.
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I don't love how people join a forum with a common passion but have nothing positive to contribute and go out of their way to fling poop about, thanks for your "design that is clearly inferior" comment, sure to go down well amongst a fan base.
 
How you open an XM-18 is up to you, roll it or flick it open with the thumbstud, use flipper if it has one, inertia, there are lots of options for getting the blade out of the frame. Are they all perfect for everyone, nope. From ergonomics, to hardware strength, solid lock up, plenty of custom upgrade options, great cutters, the XM series have a lot to offer, but that certainly does not mean we can please everyone. That's why the knife industry has thousands and thousands of models to chose from, from $5 - $50,000, every style, lock mechanism, flipper and non-flipper, traditional to tactical, simple to technological marvels. Rick designs and builds knives with every intention of making the best possible product he can, but it is impossible to please everyone's personal preferences, but with thousands of XM's out there since 2005 I think we have a pretty good track record of happy customers, and high quality knives. If you are looking for a great utility/tactical knife for a wide range of cutting chores that won't let you down, we have the knife for you, if you are looking for the best "flipper" out there, we may not satisfy your need.

It looks like by post #11 the OP has worked things out, thanks for all of the feedback.
 
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diracismyhero said:
Haha this thread is absurd. I love how people are arguing for a design that is clearly inferior. A flipper is supposed to flip the knife open, when it doesn't do that well, it isn't a good flipper.
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Yes, if your definition of a good flipper is that it flies open with just one flick of the finger in one fluid motion and is very easy. If your definition of a good flipper is a knife that can be opened, if needed, one handed and without using the thumbstuds then RHKs are good flippers. What's absurd to me is that the quality of the "flipping" is an issue. The XM is not a toy that's made to satisfy a knife enthusiasts enjoyment of flipping. It's made to be another way to open the knife if needed. A gentle flick of the wrist is the "technique" that you may need to use. This has no bearing on the quality of the knife or the absurd "quality" of the flipping. Saying a design is clearly inferior because it doesn't flip open according to your criteria of "ease" or smoothness is ridiculous. Does the flipper work? Was your question. Yes, it works well!
 
Sorry, mine does what it was designed to do. Assist in opening, not open the knife. Just what I expect. Safety and security. It is a hard use tool. The best I have found.
 
Several great posts summing it all up, as Rob said - Op's issue addressed early on the first page.

I have always found my flipper to do everything I need it to do. It assists in Both opening AND closing my EDC. It protects my finger(s) It opens with or without a flick (how I choose to deploy is what determines that, not the design or function of the tool)
Anyway...... for those who enjoy and appreciate the design and presence of the "flipper" on their knife - keep on keepin' on.
 
Maprik said:
The XM is not a toy that's made to satisfy a knife enthusiasts enjoyment of flipping. It's made to be another way to open the knife if needed. A gentle flick of the wrist is the "technique" that you may need to use.
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I received my first Hinderer today. I was well aware from a little research that the XM 18 Flipper 3.5" would not "fly open" like the ZT 0350. I watched Rick's interview and I am aware that he designed it that way. It took me two tries to learn that a slight hand movement (I wouldn't call it a flick) while pressing the flipper opens the knife reliably every time.

The 0350 flies open with a press, but there is no way I consider it better in design or execution than the XM 18.

The hate posts about "inferior design" seem to just be trolls not worthy of response. Just Say No.

I am not a fanboy rabidly defending my brand, and I see the XM 18 doing exactly what Mr. Hinderer intended it to do based on his interviews.
 
I can testify to the fact that technique and proper pivot adjustment and proper pivot lubrication are the keys. When I got my first XM-18 I couldn't make it flip without wrist because I was trying to do it with the technique common to many flipper knives (which does not make it *wrong*... just different). I asked on here what I was doing wrong as I had seen others flipping it easily. I received very helpful info that explained to me the proper technique and viola... it worked. With just a bit of practice (and lubing and setting the pivot--btw, XMs tend to be a bit tight pivot-wise when brand new, go ahead and loosen a bit) and after talking to both Rick and Rob at the Monkey Muster (and having each demo for me)... flipping an XM is now a breeze. An "inferior design"???? Hardly!!! In fact, I prefer the XM's flipper set up to other more "active" flippers that spring out like an AO knife (I don't much care for AO knives, btw) because it also allows me to use the flipper to casually open knife with the flipper as well without having to worry that it will fly open if I touch the flipper. A REALLY nice aspect to have around NKP.

Anyway, take it from someone who was frustrated at first as well, but did a bit of research and *learned* how and why the RHK flipper setup is the way it is... once you figure it out it's EASY... preferred in fact. People who complain about weak detent, etc are just showing that they haven't yet learned how to do it correctly yet. Anyway, learning the proper technique is part of the fun of XM ownership too... kind of like a secret handshake among XM owners, ie, it takes some skill and some *knowledge* to do it.... so it shows you are a true fan of the knife not just a lookie-lou infatuated by the trend of a hard to find knife.

IMO the XM's flipper is the best in the biz!!!
 
Well said.

jon1all said:
I can testify to the fact that technique and proper pivot adjustment and proper pivot lubrication are the keys. When I got my first XM-18 I couldn't make it flip without wrist because I was trying to do it with the technique common to many flipper knives (which does not make it *wrong*... just different). I asked on here what I was doing wrong as I had seen others flipping it easily. I received very helpful info that explained to me the proper technique and viola... it worked. With just a bit of practice (and lubing and setting the pivot--btw, XMs tend to be a bit tight pivot-wise when brand new, go ahead and loosen a bit) and after talking to both Rick and Rob at the Monkey Muster (and having each demo for me)... flipping an XM is now a breeze. An "inferior design"???? Hardly!!! In fact, I prefer the XM's flipper set up to other more "active" flippers that spring out like an AO knife (I don't much care for AO knives, btw) because it also allows me to use the flipper to casually open knife with the flipper as well without having to worry that it will fly open if I touch the flipper. A REALLY nice aspect to have around NKP.

Anyway, take it from someone who was frustrated at first as well, but did a bit of research and *learned* how and why the RHK flipper setup is the way it is... once you figure it out it's EASY... preferred in fact. People who complain about weak detent, etc are just showing that they haven't yet learned how to do it correctly yet. Anyway, learning the proper technique is part of the fun of XM ownership too... kind of like a secret handshake among XM owners, ie, it takes some skill and some *knowledge* to do it.... so it shows you are a true fan of the knife not just a lookie-lou infatuated by the trend of a hard to find knife.

IMO the XM's flipper is the best in the biz!!!
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Here's a little thought nugget for some to consider...

The often mentioned "technique" exists only because users developed a way they like to open their XMs. By design it (the Flipper) is an assist for blade deployment. If you learn/develop/implement a technique---good on ya!

Mine flip great, sometimes w/ the "technique" (on the little 3"). I find they (XMs) only get a tad sluggish as debris builds up around the pivot area...but I use my XMs, so I can only speak from user experience and not just uneducated opinion.:)
 
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I use only a very light application of technique on my main spanto, it generally flips like a goodun.

However, I own a Gen 4 3.5" slicer which flips like it has a demon inside, I push down lightly (push button style) and the blade slams open with so much clout it makes my house shift a few mm to the side!!!
 
This is a point I should have made. I use the thumbstud to open my knives, because I prefer it. But the flipper design allows my finger to be protected as I close the knife. I own the flipper and non-flipper style, and I am more comfortable closing the flipper one handed.

RubiconSS said:
Several great posts summing it all up, as Rob said - Op's issue addressed early on the first page.

I have always found my flipper to do everything I need it to do. It assists in Both opening AND closing my EDC. It protects my finger(s) It opens with or without a flick (how I choose to deploy is what determines that, not the design or function of the tool)
Anyway...... for those who enjoy and appreciate the design and presence of the "flipper" on their knife - keep on keepin' on.
Click to expand...
 
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Locutus D'Borg said:
This is a point I should have made. I use the thumbstud to open my knives, because I prefer it. But the flipper design allows my finger to be protected as I close the knife. I own the flipper and non-flipper style, and I am more comfortable closing the flipper one handed.
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I have a non-flipper and the reason it gets little pocket time is because I have grown accustom to the flipper stopping on my thumb nail as I close the knife. Works for me on every size XM.

I do it without looking, at various angles, under a variety of stress, in the dark, and so on...I'm a flipper guy, and not just to open the blade. It protects the finger when open, and (as described) as you close the knife.
 
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