How can I Tell What Generations My Hinderers Are?

[Lone_Wolfe]

I've got 2 XM-18's and don't know what gen they are. All I know is one is S35V and the other is CV20 steel. Can someone point me to an easy way to tell?

Thanks

My Sebenza with Devin Thomas sharkstooth damascus.

 

[Varga Knives]

Tons of info on this site. But... If it says Hinderer on the blade it's too old to use and out of the kindness of my heart I'll trade you for a much newer one.

I'm not too good with Gen 1 so I'll let someone else jump on it.

Gen 2 will say Hinderer along the blade in black.

Gen 3 and 4 have Hinderer engraved on the lockside near the pivot. Biggest difference between the two is the stop-pin. Gen 3 on top and Gen 4 on the bottom.

 

[Seven1Niner]

Here are obvious differentiation but there are more if you get into the details.
Gen1 - handle is G10 on one side and Ti on the lockside. Hand ground and "R. HINDERER" engraving on the blade. Old school barrel thumbstuds.
Gen2 - The G10 handle is reinforce with a Ti liners. Hand ground and "R. HINDERER" engraving on the blade. Lockbar Stabilizer disk has the "HINDERER" engraving.
Gen3 - Blades are either hand ground or CNC'd but NO more "R. HINDERER" engraving. The "HINDERER" logo is now on the Ti handle lockside.
Gen4 - Same as Gen3 except the stop pin is mounted differently.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

Thanks for the info, guys! :thumbup:

Seems both of mine are Gen 3's.

 

[TAGannon]

This was very helpful. I now know I've had a couple Gen. 3's in the past and my latest is a Gen. 4.
Thank you.