Hinderer Knives: Overpriced, or Worth it?

[Sharperthansticks]

I've been collecting knives for a few years and tend to favor Spyderco, Benchmade, and Kizer, though my favorite knife in my collection so far is from Olamic. I only have one ZT -- the ZT0562Ti, a Hinderer design. When I look at the knives that are sold directly by Hinderer, I keep thinking that for what Hinderer offers, the knives seem awfully expensive. Yes, I'm sure they are high in quality, but you can get an Olamic for that price. Am I missing something? Is there really something that makes them worth that kind of cheddar? Part of my opinion is personal aesthetics: one of my beefs with the Hinderer line is that they all seem to sport one scale in titanium and one non-titanium side, which, although not exclusive to Hinderer at all, is ugly, in my opinion. (This aesthetic consideration is why I opted for the ZT0562Ti instead of any of the other ZT0562 variants.) Another consideration is that I am getting a little tired of the Reeve Integral Lock and would really like a more aesthetically pleasing lock -- like the new CRKT Deadbolt -- to make its way into knives.

 

[JAB]

I think they’re “worth it” in the same way that I consider knives from CRK, Olamic, Shirogorov, Reate, We, and so on worth it.

One thing that really sets XM-18s apart for me is that whenever I’m looking for a new one I do so with an eye toward how I’m going to pimp it out. I don’t do that with any other knives.

Also, aside from CRKs, they’re the only folders I’m aware of that easily go back together exactly right everytime.

 

[marrenmiller]

My feelings on the value of Hinderers are complicated. I will admit that the knives are generally well built and use good materials. I can tell that a lot of thought and care goes into the knives, and some people really do find them special. They can be customized a lot, which is neat.

On the other hand, I've had a number of QC issues between the 4 of mine that I owned, and I don't think the knives are well designed or executed for actual use as a cutting tool. To me they're mostly examples of expensive man jewelry, and that's why so many of them that I see pictures of are customized heavily but still have a factory edge and no signs of use.

I would argue they are not worth it, on balance.

 

[Dknight16]

The titanium vs non-titanium comment is odd. Titanium frame locks are going to be titanium on the frame side ... always. The scale side offers options for full titanium if you like symmetry, or a variety of G-10 colors if you prefer lighter weight and lower cost. Hinderer’s whole deal is options and making it your own. Essentially something for everyone and the ability to change it up as much and as often as you like.

Worth it.

 

[Sharperthansticks]

The titanium vs non-titanium comment is odd. Titanium frame locks are going to be titanium on the frame side ... always. The scale side offers options for full titanium if you like symmetry, or a variety of G-10 colors if you prefer lighter weight and lower cost. Hinderer’s whole deal is options and making it your own. Essentially something for everyone and the ability to change it up as much and as often as you like.

Worth it.

If he always offers a full Ti version for each of his knives, that's a good thing. (Yes, of course the lock side is going to be Ti.) You can be fancy and offer non-Ti accents for both sides, if you are willing to design a knife with inlays on both sides, of course, which is something I favor. (Again, inlays on only one side don't appeal to me.) As a customer, I'd much more appreciate double-sided inlays in titanium vs. one side being titanium and one side being G10, wood, or some other material.

 

[Clem Fandango]

I like them. They feel good in hand, they are solid and I like using them. They are not slicey but do cut stuff (eg DIY, yardwork). The blade options and different models give a nice choice. I also like dressing them up and think they look pretty cool. I've never had any quality control issues. I like the action on the flippers and non-flippers - smooth, drop close, no lock stick etc.

Because they are in a fairly large rotation I have rarely needed to sharpen them - stropping and cleaning has mostly kept them functioning/sharp enough for my needs.

To me they are worth it - just.

 

[BellaBlades]

Pre tri-way they were certainly worth it. Gen 4 was the Pinnacle.

 

[Sharperthansticks]

Pre tri-way they were certainly worth it. Gen 4 was the Pinnacle.

You think gen 5 and gen 6 are inferior to gen 4? Why is that?

 

[Knives&Lint]

Mine are worth it to me, and honestly that's all that matters to me. YMMV. It could be argued that they are not worth it in comparison to the Hinderer designed ZT's, but I would say that just means that the Hinderer designed ZT's are a good value. Pocket Jewelry? Perhaps. I do love the customization factor, but I use mine as well. My Jurassic is my go-to outdoor folder and it certainly gets used. I can do bof

If the asymmetry bothers you, there's always the full-track

 

[SVTFreak]

I think the bigger question for most really is “are they worth it for your use”. I’ve talked to people who regretted spending the money and then where convinced that a 400$ knife is overpriced. But then, they try a sebenza and their feelings change. And then vice versa. It’s more important to spend that money on the right tool For you to ensure its value.

 

[jumpstat]

I've a Gen 4 Spanto XM-18 3.5" and its a keeper. Solidly built, ergonomic in my hands and the ability to swap scales and hardware does appeal to me. Although the spanto is thick, I find that it cuts very well. Their machining works are excellent and all edges does have smooth chamfers except for the thumbstuds which I do appreciate as it aides in opening the blade. 2 things that I like to be changed though, one would be the pivot. As is, it is slightly raised. If it was flushed with the scales it would be nicer IMO and the second is the hardware for the pocket clip, also flushed would be nicer. Its a close second to my plane jane sabenza 21Large simple because the sabenza is lighter to edc with a slimmer profile and on aspects of maintenance the sabenza have fewer parts and only require a single 5/64" hex to break it down. Hinderer uses 5/64" hex, philips and a slotted (pivot). A hinderer armorer tool does have what is necessary for it.

 

[Knives&Lint]

I think the bigger question for most really is “are they worth it for your use”. I’ve talked to people who regretted spending the money and then where convinced that a 400$ knife is overpriced. But then, they try a sebenza and their feelings change. And then vice versa. It’s more important to spend that money on the right tool For you to ensure its value.

Very true, and brings up an interesting point. Even as someone with a few $400+ knives, I still find some knives of various prices to be overpriced for me. When knives from the major manufacturers start to creep much above $200, I can't help think that those are funds that would fit my uses (or even wants) better going towards another CRK/Hinderer/etc. That doesn't make my opinion on the matter right or wrong nor mean that these knives are the be-all end-all, it's just where I'm at in the hobby at the moment for me. My outlook may change at any point depending on my future needs/wants.

 

[NorthernSouthpaw]

I think this was a more viable question about 5 years ago.
Then, my answer would have been a resounding "Yes! They are WAY overpriced". Considering the only way to get one was to drop around $700 on the secondary market.
Now? The prices are pretty much in line with most high-end production brands. Even the Chinese ones.
If given the choice between a Hinderer at $425 or any Reate at the same price point. I'd take RHK every time.
Granted it would have to be a lefty (Get on it Rick!!).
Complain all you want about the edge geometry. The knives were initially built for first responders. Created by a first responder.
I've heard multiple complaints about how they don't flip well, or that they are not thin enough behind the edge to slice a tomato, or whatever. I really don't recall reading about how a RHK failed to work how it's supposed to.
That says something to me.

 

[SVTFreak]

Complain all you want about the edge geometry. The knives were initially built for first responders. Created by a first responder.
I've heard multiple complaints about how they don't flip well, or that they are not thin enough behind the edge to slice a tomato, or whatever. I really don't recall reading about how a RHK failed to work

That was my point exactly. The RHK’s are very good at what they are designed to do. So are the CRK’s. So are shiro’s. But you have to select the one that is designed to do what you need a knife for. If you have an rhk, and it’s too thick, doesn’t slice, doesn’t flip, don’t bash the maker. Go find the one that is designed to do what you need a knife to do. A pipe wrench doesn’t work on a 1/2” bolt as well as a box end wrench does. Sure, it’ll work in a pinch, but it’s not what it was designed for.

 

[Cowboyfromhell666]

Definitely worth it to me. It actually took my breath away when I first held it in my hand. Amazing quality that will certainly last a lifetime. I heard RHK makes all parts in house, nothing outsourced. Truly 100% American made.

 

[XL883N]

Both overpriced and worth it but then again I find anything worth owning nowadays is. Maybe join the Hinderer B/S/T Facebook group. You could buy a used one and not lose much selling if things don't work out. I like some scale colors but not all. The nice thing is there are plenty of G10 and micarta choices. Solid knives. The only thing I don't understand with their pricing is why there's such a huge jump from xm-18 to xm-24.

While on the Hinderer subject, why don't they have their own section in this forum?

 

[skyhorse]

The ZT models are pretty good for the money but definitely not an original Hinderer. It seems like yesterday when people were flipping Hinderers for $800 and up , so I'd have to say hell yeah they're worth it

 

[ferider]

Well, strictly speaking, any knife over - say - $150 is overpriced as a user, i.e., man jewelery; there are cheaper alternatives. In particular if you (or me) have 3 or more. So I had to vote Yes. I still use them though.

That was my point exactly. The RHK’s are very good at what they are designed to do. So are the CRK’s. So are shiro’s. But you have to select the one that is designed to do what you need a knife for. If you have an rhk, and it’s too thick, doesn’t slice, doesn’t flip, don’t bash the maker. Go find the one that is designed to do what you need a knife to do. A pipe wrench doesn’t work on a 1/2” bolt as well as a box end wrench does. Sure, it’ll work in a pinch, but it’s not what it was designed for.

Agree with that. And I like your avatar

These days, RKH offers so many blade shapes and geometries, some cutting better than other ones. E.g., not everybody likes Spantos and still likes Hinderers. In some ways, the customization/Barbie doll culture around Hinderers is kind of weird when, e.g., people spend more money on a pocket clip then on the knife. Then again, it allows you to make a knife your own, and for me really fun to use. And finally, if you feel the geometry is too thick, it can always be reground .

BTW, I bought most of my Hinderers used, it's a great time to do that if you like brass washer flippers (like all three knives above). I suggest to avoid ebay, though, you can find great deals here or on FB.

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[Ajack60]

No matter what anyone says or how many pics you look at, you won’t know until you have one in hand and use it.
And if your curiosity about them is driving you nuts, get one and find out.

 

[BD_01]

I’ll find out if they’re worth it as soon as there’s a 3” Gen 6 Wharnie with a working finish and orange G10.