Hinderer XM-18 help/clarification

L

Lemonhead04

Joined
Apr 2, 2016
Messages
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Hey guys, so im thinking about selling some of my knives and getting a xm-18 but i have some questions/concerns. Any help with these would be appreciated thanks!
1. 3" or 3.5" - I kinda prefer smaller knives but currently am edc-ing a zt 0566 and i like its size

2. which generation? I've heard the 3rd gen had a weak detent and the 4th had a very strong one. (maybe too strong?)

3. 4th gen owners - is it hard to deploy the knife with the flipper for either size?

4. Flipper or flipper less? If the 4th gens are hard to open with a flipper wouldn't it be impossible with a thumb stud? I like thumb stud opening (if its possible)

5. blade shape? whats your preference, it would be between spanto,spear point, or slicer for me
 
I'll try to answer in the order you asked.
1. Up to you. I liked the 3" better
2. The 4th gen 3.5 is nice
3. No, my 3.5 was a nice flipper
4. It flicked nice too
5. Up to you. My 3" was a slicer, 3.5 was spear point. I like the slicer and sparrow.
 
1. 3" blades can be hard to find. They're not currently produced and I think the last run was between gen 2 and 3. You can find 3" used if you're patient but most are users. If you want new you'll need to go 3.5".

2 &3. My only XM18 is a gen 4 and I think the detent is just right.

4. Again, like 3" blades, flipper less are much harder to find. I think all flipper less XM18s are out of production, older gens.

5. I'm a sucker for the Bowie personally!
 
1. The 3.5 fits my standard size large hands much better than the 3. It is also extremely difficult to find a LNIB 3 these days, as well. 3.5s are available almost everywhere in one variation or another.

2. 4th, but ask the seller to pick you a nice specimen. One of 4th gens has a weaker detent, another has a very strong one. It varies even within generations.

3. Neither of my 4th gens are good flippers, they both require some "technique".

4. I love the look of the non-flippers, but they are hard to find. Most XMs are easy to open with the thumb studs/blade stops, so if functionality is what you're after, you'll have no problem.

5. Spanto: look the best / Spearpoint: slightly more practical than the spanto

Good luck on your search!
 
Sorry I am late to the party on this one but just got back in to town last night!

1. I love the 3.5 inch as it is perfect for the hand and not too big. If you like the 566 I think you will be happy with the 3.5.

2 and 3. We did not start selling Hinderer's until the Gen 4s were being made so never had a gen 3 in hand to compare them to. Out of all the ones we have had in stock I can only think of 2 that had really super strong detents. The rest are all perfect. All Hinderers have a short break in period though.

4. Flipper. Just because I am a flipper nut!

5. My favorite in order are Spanto, Skinner, Spear Point, Bowie then Slicer. Love my Spanto though the absolute most. Strangely enough in the 4 inch model I prefer the skinner the most.

Good luck in your decision. You will not regret buying a Hinderer!
 
Get a Gen 4 3.5 in whatever blade style you like, you won't be disappointed. Then save for the eventual run of Gen 4 3 inch. Then you will have two.
 
Basp2005 said:
Get a Gen 4 3.5 in whatever blade style you like, you won't be disappointed. Then save for the eventual run of Gen 4 3 inch. Then you will have two.
Click to expand...

I like the way you think!
 
Gen4 with a 3.5 inch Spanto blade....

Everyone I have owned (5) have been wonderful flippers.

3.5 inch because you lose some actual cutting length due to the finger choil.

Spanto because it's a classic, I mean they all kinda have the same primary bevel.
Personal favourite would be the Wharny just for the EDC utility.
 
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