Hinderer worth the price

[Robert.B]

I just think its nothing to get worked up over, I love buck knives but there are so many people that hate them...it doesn't change my position from enjoying them, and it doesn't get my nose outta joint if they do hate them (let the sales figures and longevity of the company speak for itself).

 

[Ankerson]

I just think its nothing to get worked up over, I love buck knives but there are so many people that hate them...it doesn't change my position from enjoying them, and it doesn't get my nose outta joint if they do hate them (let the sales figures and longevity of the company speak for itself).

Yes, very true.

I remember when I used to sell cars a certain model came out and there were people paying $10,000 to $15,000 over what the price was on the car. Then a few months later they were more available and were selling for under sticker price.

I used to get a real kick out of that because I told them the prices would come down so they ripped themselves off in the end. I used to shake my head as they drove off in their overpriced car.

 

[mm3]

I've had 2 XM-18's and sold them both. They are great folders, but lousy knives IMO. The edge geometry just isn't that great for edc. Now if Rick made mid-tech slicer grind XM's I'd be all over that!! For the price I prefer Striders for the large choil lighter weight and full flat grind.

Hint to Rick: make production slicer grinds please.

 

[Kaizen1]

I enjoy philosophical debate, so I suppose sometimes it may look like I'm getting worked up when I'm not. If I think someone is saying something incoherent, I'll talk about it for clarification.

 

[cziv]

I've bought 2, XM-18's 3.5" flippers and 1, XM-24 flipper. These are as close to customs as you can get. Rick makes everything in house and only farms the blades out for cutting and profile (the productions). He even grinds the edges on the production models, not to mention assembly tweaking the lockbars, etc... That's why they call them mid-tech.

A Sebenza isn't close to the knife as an XM-18 is. Not by a long shot. "Don't flick that blade open - it may mess up the knife and void the warranty." C'mon!

And, how about Strider with Ti on one side and G-10 or CF on the other and a "don't call us we'll call you" customer service dept..

Ankerson you've stated the XM-18 gets lost in your hand? Not an exaggeration there maybe? I've seen the knives you handle in your videos and reviews. Sorry to break it to you but your hands aren't that BIG. I'd put money down that you can't palm a basketball. Not baiting you into an argument but just some observations.

No way an XM-18 gets lost in your hand unless you're talking about the comfort factor. An XM-24 would have you second guessing whether you should have bought the XM-18 instead. They're that big!

 

[harkamus]

mulling a purchase but $500+ seems steep. Striders are in the same boat.

should i just stick with zero tolerance,buck,etc... ?

Depends on how you feel. For 500 bucks you can get other customs. At that price, I'd want something a bit more unique, but that's just me. So for me 500 bucks is not worth it for a Hinderer. That is not saying that they are not great knives. I've handled a few. They are excellent knives, just not for me.

If I am going to spend that much coin on a folder I will get a Custom made the way want it with the steel I want ect.

I share this mentality.

 

[Ankerson]

I've bought 2, XM-18's 3.5" flippers and 1, XM-24 flipper. These are as close to customs as you can get. Rick makes everything in house and only farms the blades out for cutting and profile (the productions). He even grinds the edges on the production models, not to mention assembly tweaking the lockbars, etc... That's why they call them mid-tech.

A Sebenza isn't close to the knife as an XM-18 is. Not by a long shot. "Don't flick that blade open - it may mess up the knife and void the warranty." C'mon!

And, how about Strider with Ti on one side and G-10 or CF on the other and a "don't call us we'll call you" customer service dept..

Ankerson you've stated the XM-18 gets lost in your hand? Not an exaggeration there maybe? I've seen the knives you handle in your videos and reviews. Sorry to break it to you but your hands aren't that BIG. I'd put money down that you can't palm a basketball. Not baiting you into an argument but just some observations.

No way an XM-18 gets lost in your hand unless you're talking about the comfort factor. An XM-24 would have you second guessing whether you should have bought the XM-18 instead. They're that big!

They are too small for my hand, just like an SnG, the Para 2 is a tad too small for me, but not bad, maybe 1/16" or so....

Comfort is a thing when you really start cutting with them, I used FB's for just about everything that I have gotten very picky about feel and comfort.

 

[Robert.B]

I believe I was the one to say it gets lost in my hand...I can palm a basket ball quite easily so a lot of knives (especially the small sebenza) equates to a 3 finger knife with me. not that I cant use them, its just I prefer knives that suit me which doesn't leave a lot of options.

 

[Toyz]

I had an XM-18 and let it go because it was a little too small for my hands.

I also had 2 FXMs that I let go because of size.

I, like others, am picky about the feel of the knife, especially if it is designed for more "hard use" that other similar production folders.

That being said - I think Ricks knives are very well designed and very well built.

I also appreciate the fact that Rick is very active with his audience - he regularly posts on the various forums, and does "meet and greet" events at his place. He is not living in hiding like some makers are. Rob Orlando is also great - if you have a question, need service or extras he is very responsive.

That, coupled with his quality knives, makes it worth it IMHO. Just know going in that if you do not get one directly from Rick you will be over-paying for the experience.

I'm hoping to get an XM-24 as I think that will probably suit me just fine.

 

[lava_lamp]

ok switch gears... the CRK knives worth nearly 400? .... in light of knives like sage 2?

Kinda off topic, but...

Yes. The CRKs are worth it and much better than the Sage 2.

The Sage 2 is nice in its own right and at its price point, but the CRK is worth the difference.

 

[kaosu04]

This argument over what value means is brought up over on the watch forums often. Value isn't really a subjective idea. And it's constantly changing. Fact of the matter is, if someone is willing to pay it, the item is worth that price. Take for an example the current prices on benchmade 42 balisongs. Just a few years ago you could buy them for $125 all day. Everyone had them. There was a seemingly endless supply. Fast forward 5 years and they've been discontinued. Easily worth over twice what they used to sell for. The value of a bm42 in 2005 was $125, brand new from a dealer. Today the value, a value you can easily sell one for, is twice that. Same example can be said of a car. If I list a car up for sale and I get 50 calls with people telling me they'll pay my asking price in cash, but 5 people tell me to go screw myself, what's the value of my car?

 

[rookie4real]

I never pay mark ups be it a knife, a car or whatever else. That is why I still dont have an XM-18.

 

[red1965]

The point is not is the XM woth it, the point is the XM worth it to you. Yhe only way you are going to get one in a timely fashion is paying well over Mr. Hinderer's price. They are pretty plentiful on the forum now, but just a year or so ago, I waited just 6 months just to see one on the forum. You cant order direct, probably dont have the time or resources to go to a show and be lucky enough to be drawn for a chance, and putting in a order with a vendor is still a long shot. I had one in for a year and a half before being told they were going to get a dozen. I was about the 100th name on the list. Might have had one in 10 years or so. It looks to me that there is little chance to score one for Hinderer's price.
Its a good knife. Is it the end all be all of folders? I dont know. Ask me when I am very old and grey and done buying and collecting. If I can remember my name and not crapping my diaper, I will try to tell you.

 

[hardheart]

I'm with Ankerson. The man who designs and manufactures the knives says they are worth $385 retail. Paying more than that is for instant gratification in a market flooded with capable workhorse blades at a fifth the price and full on customs at the same price as the inflated secondary market. It isn't about getting a $500-600 knife, it's about getting a $400 knife more quickly.

Saying an XM is worth the mark-up is just as subjective and inapplicable to a separate individual's purchasing decision as saying it isn't.

 

[Folderguy]

strider worth 300??

Absolutely!

I paid $300 for a used SnG and was happy to pick it up for that.

 

[Folderguy]

its the idea that they are somehow limited.....i personally don't agree with ricks policy to put certain people in front of others as he deems appropriate, but i don't really want to go into that......in my opinion, the knife is worth 400-425 comparing to other knives

If Rich chooses to put some buyers before others, that's his choice.

And if he doesn't want to sell to someone at all, that's also his choice.

We still live in a free country, fortunately, and Rick can sell to whomever, for whatever price he wishes, when he wishes. And I'm glad it's that way. Who knows, I might be in the market some day for one of his great knives. If I have to wait because a Marine who is defending America in some God-forsaken land needs one of his knives, so be it. Ditto for law enforcement officers. I'm happy to bide my time.

 

[Folderguy]

Yes, very true.

I remember when I used to sell cars a certain model came out and there were people paying $10,000 to $15,000 over what the price was on the car. Then a few months later they were more available and were selling for under sticker price.

I used to get a real kick out of that because I told them the prices would come down so they ripped themselves off in the end. I used to shake my head as they drove off in their overpriced car.

It may very well be a status symbol thing going on with those who pay way more than sticker price for anything.

It happens all the time with cigars. Or perhaps I should say that cigar prices vary quite a bit, and some stores sell specific cigars for way more than other normal retail stores. It could also be a supply and demand thing, and then there's also the "I don't care what it costs, I want one" attitude.

 

[cziv]

Absolutely!

I paid $300 for a used SnG and was happy to pick it up for that.

Well that's the perfect knife for cutting up high end cigars.

I didn't know how tiny that SNG was until I saw it to scale in your fingertips. Like an uber cool SAK/Strider collaboration knife.

 

[Folderguy]

Well that's the perfect knife for cutting up high end cigars.

I didn't know how tiny that SNG was until I saw it to scale in your fingertips. Like an uber cool SAK/Strider collaboration knife.

My fingers are somewhat fat. Makes the SnG appear small.

Here's a side by side with a Zero Tolerance 0300.

 

[cziv]

Are you a defensive tackle on a pro football team!! Now it looks normal. Them's some big mitts ya got there!