Hinderer vs ZT

After owning and handling all models of both besides the new 0392.
I prefer the ZT models for a few reasons.
For me any way
-Many ZT models slice better
-The ZT models have better detents and flip better
-ZT clips are more comfortable

I will not get into the price thing because people will pay any amount for what they like. So they are all worth what they cost IMO.

But my biggest issue with ZT is I dont care for steel lock bar inserts. Just prefer plain old properly treated titanium. Would it keep my from purchasing one some day if the design was killer. No. But for now I can say that because I do not want one.

That said the XM line is top quality fit and finish, but the design just does not appeal to me as much and I find the handle and clip to be uncomfortable even with such a nice handle shape.
 
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It seems like the main people want a Hinderer is for the name and not much else because I would put the quality of a Zt at the same level of a hinderer. Kind of like those who buy Gucci wallets.
 
Cryogen said:
It seems like the main people want a Hinderer is for the name and not much else because I would put the quality of a Zt at the same level of a hinderer. Kind of like those who buy Gucci wallets.
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The quality of a ZT is outstanding but it's not a the same level as a Hinderer. I don't even ZT would make that claim.
 
Well I guess I'll share my .02, I had been a benchmade fan for about 8 years when the 560 came out, I thought the flipper was convenient and I wanted to give it a shot. Absolutely loved the design, sold every benchmade I owned Because they didn't get carried anymore, carried the 560 for a little over two years and the 562 came out so I snagged one immediately, the handle was a little smaller and had no laynyard hole so I sold it and got my money back. I always looked at Hinderer designs and lusted after a bowie, when they recently introduced production bowies I jumped on one and no regrets at all. I have sold my ZTs and plan to buy more XM-18s and here's why:
1. for my needs and hand geometry the 3.5 xm 18 is perfect
2 . The blade is robust yet useful
3. The blade is snappier coming out and fires harder with he flipper
4. Scales in different colors are readily available unlike ordering a custom zt scale
5. I really like the choil, it is nice to be able to choke up for different task
6. I prefer the clip placement on the xm over the zt
7. It does get a few cool points being the real deal
8. You can take it apart and clean it without worrying about warranty issues.
9. I am eligible for direct sales and I think 385 is reasonable for what your getting. ( I will still buy the grinds not offered through that program though)
10. I like the people I have met through hinderer groups. It Is a bit of a cult following but I like it

All that being said the differences are not huge but they are differences and I'll pay a little more to get exactly what I want from RHK over a RH designed ZT
 
Tasmaniac said:
The quality of a ZT is outstanding but it's not a the same level as a Hinderer. I don't even ZT would make that claim.
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ZT can't claim to be Hinderer quality of they'd like to continue getting that Hinderer money.

As for whether or not they're Hinderer quality, that is subjective. If we're placing value on things like hardware finish, then they are clearly not on the same level. If we're talking about sturdy construction, tight seams, material quality, etc, then things change. The 0562cf has an M390 blade in a two tone finish. It could easily be said that a 0562cf blade is better quality than a Hinderer blade, if the speaker emphasizes material or specific aesthetics.

I think this carries over into discussion of the difference between 'better product' and 'better buy'. Naturally, this is still a subjective topic.
 
I always put it this way when anyone asks me why I would spend "that much" to own a Hinderer....Rick cant pump them out of his shop fast enough to keep up with demand. They do weekly , if not , daily "flash sales" on their facebook page and there are at least 60 people waiting to buy one that try every time and end up empty handed. There are raffles for a chance to buy one for retail price at knife shows. You can go on pretty much any knife website and buy a ZT right now, 2 if you want ....loads of them used no problem. You will have a much harder time getting a Hinderer in the color/grind/size you want from a dealer or secondary market without paying the shot for it. I guess the demand far exceeds the supply and until the new shop is complete it will continue to be this way, however I feel like the last couple of years have brought production model prices (secondary market) from the 700-800 dollar range down to the 400-550 for 3 and 3.5 xms. I still feel like if you can get one for the 385 price its a great deal - only 35 bucks more than a small sebenza.
 
nemesis said:
Well I guess I'll share my .02, I had been a benchmade fan for about 8 years when the 560 came out, I thought the flipper was convenient and I wanted to give it a shot. Absolutely loved the design, sold every benchmade I owned Because they didn't get carried anymore, carried the 560 for a little over two years and the 562 came out so I snagged one immediately, the handle was a little smaller and had no laynyard hole so I sold it and got my money back. I always looked at Hinderer designs and lusted after a bowie, when they recently introduced production bowies I jumped on one and no regrets at all. I have sold my ZTs and plan to buy more XM-18s and here's why:
1. for my needs and hand geometry the 3.5 xm 18 is perfect
2 . The blade is robust yet useful
3. The blade is snappier coming out and fires harder with he flipper
4. Scales in different colors are readily available unlike ordering a custom zt scale
5. I really like the choil, it is nice to be able to choke up for different task
6. I prefer the clip placement on the xm over the zt
7. It does get a few cool points being the real deal
8. You can take it apart and clean it without worrying about warranty issues.
9. I am eligible for direct sales and I think 385 is reasonable for what your getting. ( I will still buy the grinds not offered through that program though)
10. I like the people I have met through hinderer groups. It Is a bit of a cult following but I like it

All that being said the differences are not huge but they are differences and I'll pay a little more to get exactly what I want from RHK over a RH designed ZT
Click to expand...

As you can with a ZT like I previously stated.
 
Personally for me, the only thing Hinderers got over the ZT Hinderers is "exclusicivity". I am VERY happy with ZT's Hinderer collabs. They have everything I want/need... Well, I do find those finger choils useful though so that's a one up for the XM18's.
 
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