Hinder xm-18 3" or 3.5"?

J

jimmyisskill

Joined
May 29, 2009
Messages
6
Hi Everyone,

I am thinking of trying to get a Hinderer xm-18 (yes I know it's gonna be hard!)
I just wanted any opinions you might kindly have on which is the best to get: the 3" or the 3.5" blade? I have average size hands so?

Thanks!

J
 
What is your intended use for the knife? I think that would probably be most important and dictate your blade length. With average size hands, you'll probably be fine with either.
 
Given how often they come up, I'd advise getting whatever you can get your hands on.
 
I've had both and prefer the 3''. I sold off all my 3.5''s to get 3''.
 
What size knives do you presently own?
Which sizes do you prefer?

The 3" is more robust than a Sebenza simply due to its design, so ruggedness shouldn't be concern. It looks like it would make a nice EDC. If you are looking for a bulletproof everyday folder, this is it.

The 3.5 is over the top. It carries surprisingly well though, much better than, say, a ZT 0-series. If you are looking for a knife to double as a outdoor work/survival folder, this might be the one to choose.

Either way, you won't be dissapointed. The XM18 is simply the best production folder I've ever owned. I literally don't even consider buying any other hard use folders anymore for many reasons. (Single blade stops, recurve blades, scrawny pivots, AO, etc.)
 
I would suggest that the 3 inch is better for every day use, but the 3.5 is more of an outdoor/duty knife.

I opted for a 3.5, as I am carrying the knife on duty, and have no regrets. However...I now want a 3 inch too!!

My 3.5:




There is a very useful 3/3.5 comparison thread in the Rick Hinderer subsection over at USN.
I have posted the link as a visitor message on your profile page.
 
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I'd go with the 3.5" if you are planning to make it a user for outdoor activities as well as EDC.
 
thanks for your replies!
I suppose I was thinking of general EDC as a use, nothing too heavy/outdoors etc. However, I asked because many people carry large Sebenza's and Strider sng's as edc knives, which seem comparable in size to the 3.5" Hinderer?
 
jimmyisskill said:
thanks for your replies!
I suppose I was thinking of general EDC as a use, nothing too heavy/outdoors etc. However, I asked because many people carry large Sebenza's and Strider sng's as edc knives, which seem comparable in size to the 3.5" Hinderer?
Click to expand...

Yeah, a large seb has a slightly longer blade (3.625 inches according to their site). Id go with either if you can pick one up. But given the choice id prefer the 3.5. Some people love smaller knives, but I really like a knife that fills the hand. One the other hand, I also really like smaller knives with around 2" blades. But for a main work knife, bigger is usually better for me
 
Don't worry about the size so much. Just get one, if you can.

One thing though. Go try a flipper, any brand.

See if you like the way they work. Pay close attention to the way a flipper makes it harder to close the knife. I repeat: Pay close attention to the way a flipper makes it harder to close the knife. (and really not any easier to open) This doesn't bother some people, but some of us don't like that aspect of flippers. Flipper or non-flipper might be more of an issue than 3 or 3.5.
 
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