Hinderer XM 18 worth markup / wait???

Thalestin said:
No offense, but I have yet to see an xm18 be used so hard that these differences would actually mean anything. Ive been on these forums a long time and have never seen a pic of a hard used xm18. Maybe they exist, but they are few and far between. The irony of hard use knives is that they cot so much that people are afraid to use them hard :P
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The same could be said of the Seb compared to a Spyderco. Few people push their folders to the limit, so why bother?

I think I've been pretty clear that a lesser knife will cover the bases. (I suggested Spydercos to the OP). I've also been clear that if you really need a tough folder, the XM is top dawg right now, and, maybe worth a bit of markup if you need a knife like this. If you don't, save your money.

In addition to being a stronger folder than a Seb, the ergonomics are much more in line with what Spyderco and Strider produce. I prefer this.

Usually people post pics of their new knives, not their old ones. In fact, few people bother to take any more pics once their knife is used. I can post pics of new knives that I don't even own anymore.

I do use my outdoor/work folders hard. I bought an Umnumzann and within two months I had given the scotchbrite treatment to the handles because they were so scratched up and dinged. My Strider Sng had marks all over the blade within months of its purchase.

Now, having used CRK's, Striders and the XM, I can tell you that the XM is much more confidence inspiring in it's construction. I torque and pry much more with it than I ever have dared with any other knife. The handle is a lot more comfy than CRK's and Striders too. Overall, it's just a better knife than either.

I have some pretty knives. They get pressed into EDC hard service in things like letter opening, thread cutting, etc. But I sure wouldn't buy a heavy duty folder for show and EDC.

Hows that Yuna break'in in anyway?;)
 
I bought an XM at a substantial markup. Its a great knife, but it is way too big for my use. I have thought several times about selling it, only to back out because it took so long to get it in the first place. My advice is find one to examine and make double sure it is the knife for you. Im my case, I wanted a 3 Inch non flipper. I ended up with a 3.5 flipper because I didnt want to wait 2 years. I thought it would grow on me. It didnt. I have passed on several other great knives since, due to the fact I kinda wiped out the knife fund on this one big purchase. Bottom line is if you want it, stop, think, think again. As for the price, yes they are way too expensive on the secondary market. And when you do find someone who is selling them at Mr. Hinderer's price, they are gone in minutes. Then they show up on the forums at a nice profit. Is this wrong? No, But I do agree this keeps them out of peoples hands that would put these blades to hard use. As stated in a thread that people put so many $ in these knives that they dont want to use them. Also, people ( like myself) wont use them hoping to trade for the version they want or maybe a knife from another maker perhaps. Its a no win situation sometimes.
 
If anyone wants to send me one to use hard and document I will be willing to do so!

Just saying...

It will be difficult but I'll force myself to do it.

I think I missed out on a pass around, but probaby for the better. If I got one for a week and enjoyed it I would be spending a lot of time trying to find one.

BTW - I own Spyercos, Bucks, Strider, CRK, BM, Kershaw, ZT, Gerber, and a few that I'm not remembering at this time. My knife buying has evolved into the production/quasi custom arena.
 
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I also feel that it IS very much worth the price for a Hinderer XM-18. It IS one of the best and toughest custom knives out there. I absolutely love mine. I am very patient, and I DO feel that the knife IS worth the wait.
 
Phillip at knifecellar has a few and they are priced below $500. Try calling-they are not posted on the site yet.
 
I'd gladly pay retail, maybe a little more, possibly up to $500. Over that much, it's a hard sell for me, even though it looks to be a seriously nice knife.
 
I think it is a crime to pay a lot for a hard use knife and not use it. Just bought a Sebenza, my first expensive knife. Waited almost 6 years to do it. You should see it now. Had it a month and looks worn already. I've cut everything in sight. It was a lot of money, but thats why I bought it. One great knife.
 
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