Hinderer xm18

GregS

GregS

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May 6, 2008
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I have been looking at the Hinderer XM18. I wanted to get some thoughts from owners of this knife. Likes, dislikes, and most importantly for me at the moment, flipper or no flipper?:D

Thanks in advance for any info.:thumbup:
 
I've had one for a month now, very nice knife. No real dislikes. It feels great in the hand, is solid, great blade shape. It came tip down carry, which takes a little getting used to since all my other knives are tip up. Luckily, you clip is reversable, so if it really bothers you then you can switch it. I ordered a non-flipper, I like the thumb stud better.
 
hey corwise, how long did you wait to get your XM18? or did you get it from a dealer?

those XM18s are certainly nice.
 
Thanks Corwise, anybody have the flipper? The little flipper protuberance looks like it might get in the way when riding in a pocket, does it?:confused:
I googled flipper and this is what I got! I'm in the dark here.:rolleyes:
pic-front-flipper.jpg
 
I currently own a 3 inch non-flipper version and have owned several version of the XM-18.. I have been spoiled by flippers on knives made by RJ Martin & Todd Begg. So, I do not care for a flipper on the XM-18.
 
From what I've read the flipper actions is lacking compared to other customs.

I didn't have the flipper version, but I did have a Gen. 2. Beautiful knife best suited for prying things that shouldn't be pried apart. The fit and finish are top notch and Rick Hinderer is a great guy.

To me the knife is exaggeratedly well built, but to so much that the thick blade hinders cutting performance. The handle is thick; both sides have Ti, with one having the Ti frame lock. It is on the heavy side for EDC. I do like that it comes with many different handle color options and it's set for tip up or tip down carry. The Gen. 2 look better than the new ones to me but fetch a pretty penny.
 
I have the Gen 2 3.5" Flipper version and love it. I can see why some people prefer non flippers, but I really like mine. I did have it tip up and the flipper was scratching my cell phone that I keep in the same pocket, so I carry it tip down.
 
Flipper worked flawlessly on my Gen3, but it was almost impossible to open with thumbstud. If you have big hands, you may want to go with nonflipper (the flipper have rather sharp edges). Excellent action and lockup, yet finish (esp. blade finish) was a bit rough.
If you want refined XM you should probably hunt for all-custom one.
 
I've handled the earlier Gen 1 that is part of the Passaround forum. It was an excellent knife, in all respects. This was purchased by the Forum when the price was still under $400, and it was worth every penny, and then-some. I prefered tip-up carry, and would rather have had the flipper option, and I would actually rather have a thinner blade, as well. We had the ?Spanto? blade shape, and it was awesome, as far as looks go, and utility. It was just a tad thick for me. I've recently become addicted to Kershaw's flipper models, and I would definitely opt for that on an XM-18.

After I handled it, I went to Rick's site, and was very dissappointed to see that he wasn't taking additional orders at that time. I need to look again...

Daniel
 
I am on a waiting list for a XM - 18 from Plaza Cutlery.
Been on the list for 6 months. I am hoping for a 3 in non flipper.
But I guess I will take what ever is available.
garciajr
 
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