Hinderer XM-18 3.5", ZT 566FDEBW, Strider SNG

J

Joshua_Barney

Joined
Jan 7, 2015
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So wanted to start this thread. One, for information sake on my part. Two for clarity and lastly for help in making a decision.

First,
I'm looking to Aquire a new knife. I've researched a little bit and come up with the three listed in the topic. I'm sure there are others that im unaware of as I'm not a knife junkie. Any recommendations are welcome. That being said These are the requirements that it needs to fit the bill on. I use my knives and have worn out several. For me a used knife has character just like a Browning hi power with a ton of holster wear. It just ads to the character and appeal.

A. Carried everyday

B. Quality second to none

C. Is sharp enough to shave with our ill be able to sharpen it to the point its shave able. And holds this edge

D. Can handle heavy use, hunting, field dressing game. (I find that deer or elk hair is the worst on my blades) cleaning out dirt from under my nails. Field craft. I.e feathering wood splitting kindling (in extreme situations) home invader deterrent. Opening envelopes and packages. Handle my delivery job. Removal of felines tails in the event there tails gets skinned by the radiator fan.

E. Must be sexy and serviceable to a degree.

F. Lastly it should make people jealous.

Second,
I don't like to judge people o tr go of the opinions of others but we all do. I do try to objective. But I've read a lot trash mostly opinion of which i cant back up with fact that i can find. granted i haven't gone out of my way to really look for the bad. So Hinderers look awesome. Serviceable, great steel my initial thoughts were wowwee i like the look of this knife. It looks solid. Not only that they have been prompt with answering my questions ant there product. The same thing with strider SNG, people really lighting into them for whatever reason and ditching there knives. Because of "X" reason. The ZTs out seems everyone really likes and the Hinderer inspired version is pretty sweet Looking. Even looked at the hogue EX 04 or 02 I can't remember which. Are these legitimate choices or am I'm being fogged? And is there something I'm missing.

Third, making my decision. This is where your edged object opinions, recommendations and thoughts are welcome to help in my final decision. what say ye knife pro dudes?
 
I am NOT an expert by any means, and I cannot come close to giving you any kind of comprehensive advice. However, I was looking very closely at the ZT0566 recently. One of the things that turned me off to the knife was the handle size; it is just a little too short for my tastes. All other things considered, the 0566 is awesome. I just wanted more real estate for my hand. The other knives you are considering have a much larger handle. That could be a "pro" or a "con" depending on what you want.

Good luck with making your decision. IMHO, you probably cannot go wrong with any of the three you listed as they are all top-shelf knives.
 
Ergonomics will be different on all three as will the weight. Sometimes you can love everything about a knife but if it's too heavy you won't be putting it in your pocket very much.
 
based on your use i'd say the xm-18 3.5 skinner grind specifically is your best bet... the sng is more of hard use utility blade and not meant to be a slicer btw. it will handle most of what you listed but i wouldnt try to skin with in unless you reprofile the edge dramatically.

also, you can comepletely disasseble the hinderer without voiding any waranty. i have an sng, an xm18 skinner and had a 560- but the xm is more along the lines of what you are looking for.
 
drrickso said:
based on your use i'd say the xm-18 3.5 skinner grind specifically is your best bet... the sng is more of hard use utility blade and not meant to be a slicer btw. it will handle most of what you listed but i wouldnt try to skin with in unless you reprofile the edge dramatically.

also, you can comepletely disasseble the hinderer without voiding any waranty. i have an sng, an xm18 skinner and had a 560- but the xm is more along the lines of what you are looking for.
Click to expand...

I +1 the XM-18 Skinner. I just got one yesterday and went out hunting, it's held up exceptionally well.
 
If you are interested in the Hinderer, but find the street price a bit steep, take a hard look at the ZT562cf. It has many of the Hinderer stylings, but far better steel. M390> S35VN. Plus it is a darn nice flipper. Add the carbon fiber scale, and it's a winner.

I have a sterile Spanto Hinderer, as well as the 562cf. If I was going out to hunt/ skin/ process meat, I would grab the ZT. In fact, I might take the ZT for almost anything, it's that good .
 
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