Help with xm-18, xm-24 size

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Oct 15, 2010
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414
Hey guys. This is my first post here. I have been on the fence for a while but am finally in the market for a Hinderer folder. My problem now is deciding on the 3.5" or 4". I have the ZT 0551 and 0560 for comparison. I have been carrying the 0560 quite a bit lately and while its a big folder it isn't too big for me to EDC. I have been comparing the stats of the 0551/0560 to the XM-18/XM-24 and see that the xm-24 is larger/heavier than the 0561. I was hoping that you guys can give me some real world comparison between the 0551 & XM-18, 0560 & XM-24. Is the XM-24 that much heavier than the 0561? Is the 0551 basically the same size, weight, pocket print of the XM-18? Thanks in advance for the help. I would appreciate any help you could give me in wrapping my head around the stats of the 2 knives.
 
I have an xm-24, 0550, and 0560. I love my xm-24 more than any of course but if I had to pick one of the four you mentioned I would go with an xm-18 3.5. The 24 is just enormous, and I'm a big guy. That said you can't go wrong here and it just depends on your purposes/carry habits.
 
Here's some pics I have on hand hope they help a bit.

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24 is heavier than 0560.

The XM-18 3.5 is not chunky like the 0550 so I find it feels better and less bulky in the pocket.
 
If you have any doubts at all, the safest bet is to go with the 3.5". I've never held an xm24 before, but if it's bigger than the zt056x, it's pretty freakin big especially considering it's a lot bulkier in width.
 
wow. Thanks guys. That's exactly what I was looking for. I think I'll start with the 18 and go from there. I am so stoked to get my hands on one! I have been drooling over Hinderer folders for quite a while now.
 
wow. Thanks guys. That's exactly what I was looking for. I think I'll start with the 18 and go from there. I am so stoked to get my hands on one! I have been drooling over Hinderer folders for quite a while now.

Great choice man! I own ZT, have handled sebenzas and other customs - BUT - my hinderer crushes them all in quality when holding in hand!
 
Have you considered the 3" XM-18? I think that it is an excellent size for EDC.

The OP stated that a 0560 was not too big for his EDC need, so the 3" would be shocking smaller. It's a great sized knife, the love for it is valid. But someone wanting a larger XM, would find it very small.

Now as for overall sizes, notice how the 0560 has a blade just slightly longer than an XM 3.5, but that combined with it's handle length make it larger than the XM 3.5 overall. Best seen in the overhead group photo I posted above.
 
Have you considered the 3" XM-18? I think that it is an excellent size for EDC.

I'm sure the 3" is an awesome size for edc but I find myself leaning towards larger knives these days. It's funny how a person's tolerance for knife size evolves over time. 3 years ago I wouldn't carry anything larger than a delica or mini grip. Now I find myself carrying either a 0560 or Military most days that I'm not @ work. I think the 3.5" is the way to go for now. I'm afraid that after getting my hands on one I may have to get them all!
 
I'm sure the 3" is an awesome size for edc but I find myself leaning towards larger knives these days. It's funny how a person's tolerance for knife size evolves over time. 3 years ago I wouldn't carry anything larger than a delica or mini grip. Now I find myself carrying either a 0560 or Military most days that I'm not @ work. I think the 3.5" is the way to go for now. I'm afraid that after getting my hands on one I may have to get them all!

No just 2 - An XM-18 3.5 & XM-24.

Collaboration ZTs - Got 'em all, sold em all. I did really, (2 ZT 0561s, ZT0551 which are like toys compared to an XM-18 3.5 & XM-24 respectively) and I still have the XM-18s and XM-24s the rest have gone bye bye.

After EDC'in my XM-24 for a couple of weeks my XM-18 3.5" felt like a little guy. It's really perfect for edc though as the XM-24 is a beast of a knife and not for the faint of heart. :D

If you're unable to afford or obtain the Hinderers, or you just can't live with a choil, then I highly recommend the ZT collaborations but otherwise - why bother? I mean no offense, this was "my" experience. YMMV
 
To help explain my viewpoint on the collaborations.

I "bother" because an XM means a lot to me and they cannot go everywhere I go. I cannot trust the XMs out of my sight in my checked luggage. So, on the way to the airport I will pocket a 0560, 0561 or 0550. Leave it in the vehicle, grab my bag containing a Cryo and at least one other small folder, and proceed to the ticket counter.

In addition, I go out while away. I may find myself at a club or establishment that disallows knives and such. I'd rather leave a Cryo hidden in a bush or checked at the door than ever do that with an XM.

PLUS...they are Hinderer design, and I dig that. It's a great way for more folks to get a feel for the form and function of Rick's work. But I must admit, the real deal is in a class of its own and the ZTs are not XMs.
 
To help explain my viewpoint on the collaborations.

I "bother" because an XM means a lot to me and they cannot go everywhere I go. I cannot trust the XMs out of my sight in my checked luggage. So, on the way to the airport I will pocket a 0560, 0561 or 0550. Leave it in the vehicle, grab my bag containing a Cryo and at least one other small folder, and proceed to the ticket counter.

In addition, I go out while away. I may find myself at a club or establishment that disallows knives and such. I'd rather leave a Cryo hidden in a bush or checked at the door than ever do that with an XM.

PLUS...they are Hinderer design, and I dig that. It's a great way for more folks to get a feel for the form and function of Rick's work. But I must admit, the real deal is in a class of its own and the ZTs are not XMs.

Excellent points N2k. I don't fly or go to clubs but I hear you. I don't go anywhere that my XM's can't go. I live in a rural setting and can't think of anywhere that I can't carry one.

I do enjoy rotating to a lg Sebenza around the house, which I feel is on par with an XM-18 and shares the similar, excellent build quality, just lighter in both weight and usage potential.

I suppose w/o knocking KAI, that I never liked the collaborations that much. The ZT 0551 being the one I'd keep if I had to choose.
 
Having bought the 0560 & 0561 before getting the XM-18 3.5 & XM-24 I had the same question. I went with the XM-18 3.5" & is now my favorite EDC knife size. I do like the blade length of the XM-24 but it is an overbuilt overly huge knife for what I find myself cutting in EDC. If I had to go camping in the woods I'd take the XM-24 but for EDC IT'S THE 3.5". When I need more reach in a lighter thinner package I'll take the 0560. I wear size 9-10 in gloves & I can't reach my fingertips all the way around the 24's larger handle. I do wish the XM-24 just had the longer blade & handle but unfortunately for me the knife is scaled so the knife also gets larger everywhere, not just a longer blade.
 
Excellent points N2k. I don't fly or go to clubs but I hear you. I don't go anywhere that my XM's can't go. I live in a rural setting and can't think of anywhere that I can't carry one.

I do enjoy rotating to a lg Sebenza around the house, which I feel is on par with an XM-18 and shares the similar, excellent build quality, just lighter in both weight and usage potential.

I suppose w/o knocking KAI, that I never liked the collaborations that much. The ZT 0551 being the one I'd keep if I had to choose.

I try and keep an open mind and recognize that this is a public forum open to the masses.

So, I try to explain a bit from other viewpoints when applicable. I reside in a relatively rural area, but travel to all types of populated places. Research resiprosity and local laws briefly most of the time before I visit those places. Don't always like what I discover, is what it is.

But for sake of ease in travel I pack only 3" (or shorter) bladed folders. And, while I will bring along an assisted open or manual flipper, I leave the autos and balisongs at home.
 
I have the 561. Xm18 3.5 spanto,and the newest xm 18 3 slicer both flippers. I'd sell the 561 for what I have in it without question saved only by the cut frame. It is amazing how different the 3 and 3.5 feel in the hand. My description when you won't to have your knife but don't want attention 3 .the 3 feels like a small baby knife . If you want that I got me a great tool toy in me pocket get the 3.5. It's large and feels like a proper tool. It's hard to imagine how 2 knives that are so similar in dimension feel so different.
 
Could someone please post pics of a 550 and 560 side by side for comparison?

Thanks
 
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