how does the hinderer slicer grind work

Oh yeah, it'll slice anything you want! I have an XM-18 slicer and I am really happy with how it cuts.
 
I've had no issues with mine slicing up an apple for instance. But it doesn't slice as well perhaps as my Native 5 for instance as the Native is a bit narrower with the FFG. I really have not noticed that much difference between the slicer or spanto actually. No complaints.
 
Actually, the OP asks an excellent question. Hopefully, the jokers will get tired and move on.

I have a ZT0560 that I really like, but I like it because it is so well made. The geometry is horrible, which is why I almost never use it. I've been hoping that the upcoming ZT0562 -- the slicer grind -- will correct the bad geometry of the 0560, which is a poor cutter.

For comparison, my old Sebenza large regular has a hollow blade grind behind an 30-degree inclusive edge that is 0.017 inches wide at the edge shoulders. It cuts extremely well, and that kind of high-performance edge and blade grind means the edge keeps its edge longer and cuts far better. So with the somewhat soft HT, the Sebenza cuts extremely well, holds its edge well and is easy to resharpen. Few people understand how well Chris Reeves set the blade and edge geometry to benefit people who actually use their knives.

My ZT0560, reprofiled to the same 30 degrees inclusive, has edge shoulders 0.044 inches wide. So compared to the Sebenza, the 0560 cuts poorly, loses its edge fast and is relatively difficult to resharpen.

If the 0562 gets anywhere close to the Sebenza's high-performance geometry, it will be an awesome knife. But I don't know, and the Hinderer slicer grind is the best proxy we have while we wait for the new ZT.
 
I've had both spanto and slicer ground production 3.5 xms (at different times, and different steels) and can't say that I noticed any kind of real difference. They both cut OK but not great, I never ended up using either of them very much... I'm curious to see if any changes to the upcoming slicer ground ZT make it more of an actual "slicer" :)

I agree, it's an excellent question that I'm sure many people considering an XM might have, hopefully you get some helpful answers :)
 
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