I can't decide hinderer or chris reeve

bld522 said:
I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but XM-18s are purposely designed to operate that way. Check this out:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...their-Hinderer-knives?p=13587723#post13587723
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That's been a contentious debate recently. Whether it's by design or by defect, it doesn't make an undesirable feature suddenly seem like a smart idea. Very few people care about having the option to use inertial opening methods on a knife, especially when it has a flipper and blade-stops/thumb-studs. I can't think of the last time I've seen or heard someone mention it, with the exception of Greg Medford :rolleyes:. Instead of having 3 opening choices -- none of which work too well -- I'd prefer a stiff detent, giving the user two reliable ways of getting the blade out, and a safer in-pocket carry. That's just me; many people love the XM-18, and it's not a case where it seems ridiculous to me, there were a lot of things I really liked about it.

But again, 'by design' doesn't equal desirable. A maker could work for months on a knife that will explode in your hand if your heart rate increases by 15%, but that doesn't make it a selling point. Sometimes preferences change, sometime makers make lamentable design choices. With Hinderer, he's a very talented knifemaker, but his knives don't appeal to everyone, obviously.
 
I own CRKs and Hinderers but the best knife I own for the money is a Les George Talos. You can find them pretty easily for $350 or so and it's a steal at $400.
 
What one buys is there decision. The XMs were designed by a firefighter for use by similar folks...not saying all those types choose to use them (or that anyone else shouldn't). It's also why when supply was low, first responders got priority purchasing opportunities.

To see some features of the XMs shine one needs to throw on a pair of work gloves, thicker gloves / winter gloves then things like the flipper/finger guard, frame-lock and LBS are a bit easier to understand.
 
I have owned both and just sold the XM-18 that had a soft detent which caused me to reach into my pocket and greet a open blade after I had stropped it, didn't even feel the cut, much but I knew right then it had to go and you should have faith in your equipment. I truly enjoyed that knife it was perfect for me, except the detent. The CRKs are shockingly simple and extremely precise in build, I would like 1-2 more blade steels but I would choose the CRK.
 
I had an XM18 3.5 spear point for one day. I love my CRK 25 and plan to keep it.
 
The 25 is one of my favorite knives that I own.It gets the most carry time of all my blades.IT may take some time to get used to opening the 25 because of the volcano shaped thumb studs. IF there weakness, it's thumb studs are no very user friendly in my eyes.You will get used to the studs, but could be designed much better.My vote goes for the 25 and overall is a mighty fine blade.I also own an XM-18 and it is a fine knife also.The detent is fine in my eyes and the ability to use the thumb studs is a plus in my book.The XM is kind of a hybrid flipper/thumb stud design.I have an appreciation for the XM as a flipper that is not the same as all the other light switch models out there.It seems to have some character that no other knife I own has which is a welcome feature in my lineup.If I could choose only one it would be the 25.
 
I just got my first hinderer and yes it is freekin awesome, but I also own a 25 thats a freekin awesome knife too. I say get the 25 and experience the variety. Also check out strider!
 
Man this is an interesting thread.

I own several Small Sebenza's (I have small hands and like more compact knives) and also own two Hinderers.

The first Hinderer I ever bought was a 3" Wharnie - it had the newer, stronger, detent and to this day, think it's a great flipper. I liked it so much that I started hunting for a 3" slicer. I finally found one but when I got it, I was extremely disappointed. The detend was so weak that the knife would open by simply shaking it. I simply couldn't keep it.

Last week I decided to give Hinderer another chance and got a 3" NON-FLIPPER slicer and absolutely love that knife.

With that said, I equally love my Sebenza's.

To me, they are both very nice folders - I'm happy to own both of them.
 
Had a couple XMs and IMO the 25 is a better and stronger knife. Hinderer has alot more options to customize you knife though.
 
I would echo Whateatsrabbits' thoughts. If you are already into Hinderer, but are thinking of getting a Sebenza; I would caution you about the Sebenza. It is a slick little Porsche of a knife compared to a mean 600 hp Corvette C7. Both are great. But you have to ask yourself, do I want slick and schnazzy or tough and no apologies? I own both types, so you can't go wrong, but either types cost some good moola..

If you are leaning towards tough.. I, like Whateatrabbits, would tell you to try a Strider. They slice very well compared to their competition, but boast a very wide .19" blade. My Sebenza pee's a little when I set it too close to my Strider. :)

But seriously, its a very well rounded blade, yet uber capable. Worth a look maybe. But any one of the 3 (CRK, Hinderer or Strider) are truly awesome in their own niche.
 
I hate the Teflon washers on the hinderer. That said I hate the chris reeve heat treat more! If Chris reeve ran his heat treat higher I'd never carry another folder. The sebenza is a beautiful work of art
 
pwrdbycotn said:
That's because the Sebenza is afraid of being prison raped.
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Aside from looks, I just don't understand the appeal of a Strider. Just my own opinion, right/wrong/indifferent
- the "milled out" G10 Scale looks awesome, but feels "weak" in hand (especially if you flick open the knife)
- I worry about the longevity of the knife in hard-use with the bladestops resting on two different materials (G10 and Titanium)
- the lock stick on a new Strider is unacceptable. Hinderer, CRK, Spyderco, LionSteel, Benchmade, all seem to get it right. I know frame-locks require some break-in, but when I opened a new SNG, it required two hands to release the lockbar (otherwise, it would be a game of mousetrap with my thumb and the blade).

Sorry, but I am not doodling on my knife with Sharpie and Pencil to alleviate the lock stick on a $400+ knife.
 
sutherland said:
Aside from looks, I just don't understand the appeal of a Strider. Just my own opinion, right/wrong/indifferent
- the "milled out" G10 Scale looks awesome, but feels "weak" in hand (especially if you flick open the knife)
- I worry about the longevity of the knife in hard-use with the bladestops resting on two different materials (G10 and Titanium)
- the lock stick on a new Strider is unacceptable. Hinderer, CRK, Spyderco, LionSteel, Benchmade, all seem to get it right. I know frame-locks require some break-in, but when I opened a new SNG, it required two hands to release the lockbar (otherwise, it would be a game of mousetrap with my thumb and the blade).

Sorry, but I am not doodling on my knife with Sharpie and Pencil to alleviate the lock stick on a $400+ knife.
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I think perhaps you misunderstood what I was trying to elude to.
 
Sikael said:
That's been a contentious debate recently. Whether it's by design or by defect, it doesn't make an undesirable feature suddenly seem like a smart idea. Very few people care about having the option to use inertial opening methods on a knife, especially when it has a flipper and blade-stops/thumb-studs.
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I tend to take manufacturers at their word when they discuss the philosophy behind their designs. If Rob Orlando said the XM-18 wasn't designed to be used by civilians, I believe him. XM-18s are purpose-built for use by Mil/EMT/LEO, and I haven't many complaints from that community regarding the way XM-18s are designed. Have you?

To my way of thinking, the ZT 0562CF is the civilian version of the 3.5" XM-18. For my purposes, I'd choose it over an XM-18 every day of the week. YMMV.
 
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bld522 said:
I'm not particularly a fan of XM-18's. But I generally tend to take manufacturers at their word regarding the philosophy behind their designs. If Rob Orlando said the XM-18 wasn't designed to be used by civilians, I believe him. XM-18s are purpose-built for use by Mil/EMT/LEO, and I haven't many complaints from that community regarding the way XM-18s are designed, have you?
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Out of all the Mil/EMT/LEO's in the United States, what percentage of them do you think carries a Hinderer as their duty knife? I'd venture a guess as to say it would be less than 1%.

There are plenty of weapons/technologies/devices designed specifically for the Mil/Leo community that civilians don't even know about, much less are allowed to own. So if these knives were designed for that small group of people then why are there so many dealers offering them to the general public?
 
pwrdbycotn said:
Out of all the Mil/EMT/LEO's in the United States, what percentage of them do you think carries a Hinderer as their duty knife? I'd venture a guess as to say it would be less than 1%.

There are plenty of weapons/technologies/devices designed specifically for the Mil/Leo community that civilians don't even know about, much less are allowed to own. So if these knives were designed for that small group of people then why are there so many dealers offering them to the general public?
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Because Rick isn't dumb. We are. ;)

Rick designed an entire series of XM-style knives for civilian use and partnered with one of the best production manufacturers on the planet to produce them. And yet people will still clamor for the "real thing" even if it isn't designed to suit their needs. Then they'll come up here and complain about it. :rolleyes:
 
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I don't need to. I did my research first and I didn't buy an XM-18. I bought a couple of Sebenzas instead. :)
 
bld522 said:
I don't need to. I did my research first and I didn't buy an XM-18. I bought a couple of Sebenzas instead. :)
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Fair enough. I only bought the Hinderers after I had about 20 CRK knives. I figured it would be nice to open my eyes to other knives.
 
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