Has the ZT Hinderer 0550 affected your desire for an XM-18?

Kaizen1

Kaizen1

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I'm interested in how production models affect, if at all, the interest in their higher end versions or knives they're similar to. The ZT 0550/1s seem to have great reviews so far and there appears to be just as much anticipation for the upcoming flipper model. My question is, with the 0550 being readily available (as will the flipper model soon enough), has that affected your interest in XM-18s/24s either way? Has it made you want an XM more? Less? This can apply to either the knives with the outsourced grinds or the full customs.

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Personally, I'd rather save up and buy a xm 18 then spend money on the less expensive versions. That being said, I'd go for the Sebenza first.
 
bigmo66 said:
Still gotta have the real thing if you need to stab car doors!
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I hear ya - bad part is then you scratch the finish on a perfectly good XM-18. I'd say to leave the car stabbing to Cold Steel, they excel at it. :D
 
cziv said:
I hear ya - bad part is then you scratch the finish on a perfectly good XM-18. I'd say to leave the car stabbing to Cold Steel, they excel at it. :D
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That stonewash finish on the XM-18 is exemplary. It hides scratches, mars, rubs, and the like fantastically.
 
I'd love to have a XM-18 3.5" flipper, but I can't find them new, and I am not paying the crazy 2nd hand price. The ZT models, for me, is the next best thing.

And you just had to post a pic of the all black prototype. I love that look, but as far as I know, they aren't making it. :(
 
Being a true knife nut, I bought both:thumbup:. Hard to say which one I like better. The XM-18 has a more refined fit and finish and more exotic materials(titanium liner, CNC machined pivot and standoffs), but I like the properties of the Elmax steel in my 0551 over the aggressive toothy edge of CTS-XHP in my XM-18.

Though ultimately, I end up carrying the XM-18 more.
 
I have owned a few XM18's and now own 2 of the ZT Hinderers. I feel that for me and my needs the ZT model is every bit as good as the XM18 and maybe even better.

But I wasn't going to look for another XM18 when I sold all mine off, so I wouldn't say the 551 killed my XM desires. I just enjoy the 551 more because I can actually use it fearlessly the way Rick intended his knives to be used without having financial repercussions echoing in the back of my head. Also I find the blade geometry and handle shape more to my liking and preferences.

I am really glad the ZT Hinderer collaboration came along!
 
I'll be taking delivery of a 551 in the next day or so. Seems like it will be a great knife and I'm looking forward to using it. I just hope it quells the cravings long enough that I can wait until an XM-18 at the retail price is available. I have not held either, but I think I like the XM-18 blade and handle profiles a bit more. We'll see.
 
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It hasn't affected my desire per say, but it certainly has affected my choice of which knife I would be more willing to engage in full blown abuse. The ZT is half the price, therefore, less to lose.
 
Noctis3880 said:
Being a true knife nut, I bought both:thumbup:. Hard to say which one I like better. The XM-18 has a more refined fit and finish and more exotic materials(titanium liner, CNC machined pivot and standoffs), but I like the properties of the Elmax steel in my 0551 over the aggressive toothy edge of CTS-XHP in my XM-18.

Though ultimately, I end up carrying the XM-18 more.
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Ultimately the same exact story for me. I have three 551's, is customized now. And I unfortunately only have one xm-18 3.5 flipper. But I will be getting on the job in a few short months so I can place a couple orders.
And I know I will have a few of the production zt flipper models too.
 
Hell I can't even get my hands on a 0551 that I put a preorder on over two months ago.
 
I wasn't planning on buying an XM-18 either way. I think it's great that Hinderer has made his work more available by teaming up with a production company, and it can only benefit him. He can't keep up with the demand for XM-18's anyway.
 
As it stands right now, we haven't even seen a prototype yet, nothing tangible to be exact. I'm sure some may consider it a "poor man's" XM-18, but it's a totally different knife. I already have a couple XM-18s (Duratech 20CV and CTS-XHP). I am interested in getting the 0550 as well. Short answer, no it will not affect my decision to purchase another XM-18 or an XM-24.
 
to be honest, the 055x is so different from the xm18 that I don't see them as competitors. The new flipper model might be though.
 
Drudge said:
Hell I can't even get my hands on a 0551 that I put a preorder on over two months ago.
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gpknives and kershawguy both have 0551s in stock right now. There are dozens of these knives out there that are not spoken for.

I'm fortunate to own an XM-18 and it is so dependable that I don't think there is a need for me to get the 0551 as a second or back up knife. But for those who are in the market for a Hinderer-design folders (and still waiting for an XM-18 to come their way), I would strongly recommend the ZT 0551. (I had one before but gave it to my brother who is new to folding knives)

cheers.
 
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