I caved and bought a 25th Anniversary 3" XM-18 dressed in Carbon Fiber

SSonnentag

SSonnentag

Stay Sharp!
Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
2,165
Nice custom.

Are you new to flippers and go for a thumb-open by nature?

Working finish is a combination of blasted and tumbled treatments.
 
Need2Know said:
Nice custom.

Are you new to flippers and go for a thumb-open by nature?

Working finish is a combination of blasted and tumbled treatments.
Click to expand...

No, I have many flippers, and prefer them in most cases. I think it may be the diminutive size of the 3" version that makes the thumb stud easier to use than the flipper. My large paw just doesn't want to flip this one comfortably, so the stud will do just fine. I prefer the feel of the 3" over the 3.5" in my pocket as it is much less bulky.
 
Vege-Taco said:
I like it! It's really smooth, although I'm finding myself using the thumb stud much more than the flipper. Options are always good though. :)
This one has the "working finish" which looks to me like nothing more than a light acid wash to roughen it up a bit. The grind lines in the blade are still visible through the finish.
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Pretty snazzy, congrats.

The working finish is stonewashed, then bead blasted then stonewashed again (they don't use any acid). Yes, the grind lines are visible in the custom ground blades.

It is harder to flip the 3", the flipper is short and the blade is light. The 3.5" is easier and the 4" is easiest. Once you learn the preferred technique, you can flip any of them but the same holds true. Interesting that your thumb stud is the old squarer style, most of the newer ones are typically the rounded version it seems.
 
Vege-Taco said:
No, I have many flippers, and prefer them in most cases. I think it may be the diminutive size of the 3" version that makes the thumb stud easier to use than the flipper. My large paw just doesn't want to flip this one comfortably, so the stud will do just fine. I prefer the feel of the 3" over the 3.5" in my pocket as it is much less bulky.
Click to expand...

Stud works fine but I'm a flipper-first type. I also, on occasion, tap the flipper and sling open...I need my tools when I need them, whatever gets her open is the way I roll.

I also tie short lanyards on my knives for ease of deployment from pockets, not too long to snag on things. On the 3" there is the added benefit of the lanyard giving a bit more to grab ahold of when desired.

And yes, the 3" XM is on the small side.
 
Chemdawg said:
That is a sweet blade...the working finish is my favorite!
Click to expand...

I'm kinda partial to Satin on the customs or a two-tone. I'm thinking working on the flats and satin on the grinds, maybe that should go in the fantasy build thread.:cool:
 
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