Hinderer Xm18 not a ZT flipper

d2eux

d2eux

Joined
Oct 10, 2010
Messages
289
I know the title is obvious as Hinderer is not assisted. XM18 has been on my list for years and finally Triple Aught design had a neat spanto collab I grabbed. Very nice folder, stonewashed blade, feels great in hand, but definitely not something you want in an emergency, high stress situation, more on utilitarian side. Very strong detent, have to press index finger down and flip at the same time for a *just right* good opening. I have not tried oiling the washers to see if it would flip out faster.

It's a 3 " version so has a great weight to it. Feels lightweight but super robust. Anyone tried stuff to make theirs flip faster/easier?
 
I've owned multiple XM-18's of the most recent generation. They no longer primarily have any flipping issues. I personally not a fan of the "feel" of teflon washes, but all my XM-18 open no problem, no wrist action at all. That is primarily an issue of the past.
 
Your XM will break in with use. You can adjust the pivot, but be careful. The difference between too tight, just right & sloppy loose with blade play is only a matter of a couple degrees movement of the pivot screw.
 
Both of my 3” xm 18s flip great with a light switch or pre load push button action, nice firm detent. If you dont like the feel of the nylon washers you could change them out for pb washers, I did find this made them flip a little smoother.
 
I don't think ZT makes any assisted knives anymore.

And yea, as others have said, when tuned correctly, and especially with the addition of bronze washers, Hinderers can flip just as well as ZT's in most cases. My last 3.5" XM18 has action that is virtually indistinguishable from my ZT 0562CF.

I sure do miss Big Red sometimes...
 
halden.doerge said:
I don't think ZT makes any assisted knives anymore.

And yea, as others have said, when tuned correctly, and especially with the addition of bronze washers, Hinderers can flip just as well as ZT's in most cases. My last 3.5" XM18 has action that is virtually indistinguishable from my ZT 0562CF.

I sure do miss Big Red sometimes...
Click to expand...
ZT still does assisted knives like the 566,770,350, etc
 
All my Hinderers flip great ... it is a bit of a different motion then a ZT straight back ... but once you learn the slight adjustment to it ... it becomes second nature.
 
Here is a video we did earlier today about this subject. I did a shorter version for our Instagram and the comments have been hysterical. One person wants me to basically lock my wrist on a table and do it again.

 
You guys were right. I replaced the cheap washers with bronze, and added in some break free CLP. I needed to flip many, many times, but now its awesome. Officially addicted:eek:
 
Here is a video my dad made showing how he can open an XM-24 , 3 different ways. Flipping, thumb stud and by just flinging the blade out. I can flip and thumb stud it just as well, but he's the champ at flinging the blade out, like someone might want to do in cold weather, wearing gloves. I asked him to make it because, a member here said it was impossible to design a knife that you could open all 3 ways. Note lack of movement of his hand when he flips the heavy blade straight up.

 
Phospher bronze washers and breakfree clp is what i use to make a great flipper even better.
I have an mp1 hinderer that you’d swear ran on bearings or was assisted if no one told you any different
 
I never understand the fuss about PB washers. The plastic washers on my Hinderer work perfectly. Plus, I do not believe Hinderer uses the plastic washers (instead of the PB washers) for the sake of saving cost. I mean, you can probably get 5 pairs of PB washers with like $10.
 
halden.doerge said:
I don't think ZT makes any assisted knives anymore.

And yea, as others have said, when tuned correctly, and especially with the addition of bronze washers, Hinderers can flip just as well as ZT's in most cases. My last 3.5" XM18 has action that is virtually indistinguishable from my ZT 0562CF.

I sure do miss Big Red sometimes...
Click to expand...
She’s doing good my friend!
Still flips like a charm!
 
View media item 1586I own 8 ZT’s and this Hinderer flips every bit as smooth as any Zero Tolerance that I’ve ever owned (except my 0392). It’s not an anomaly either, two others in my collection are just as slick on standard teflon washers.
 
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