I got $300 to spend...

Ok, so looking at the H XM series, are they in the category of end all be all to justify the price. Greatly enjoy the aftermarket I am seeing with them. If not, I am seeing a lot of love for ZT and just as strong an aftermarket with scales. However, the entire reason I was looking at canvas micarta was for the best 'don't move in your hand ever' grip, but if Hinderer is offering that experience in G10, then prices become much more reasonable for non-XM knives. I think, learning on the fly while at work.
 
If you are looking for a knife that you can count on being supported via warranty and parts for a looooong time, go with the Hinderer and enjoy life. They have been around for 35 years, using the same/similar designs with slight upgrades over the years. In 35 more years, I am willing to bet they will still be producing the XM series and will have replacement parts/warranty care. You can take a scales from a Hinderer that is 10 years old and it will work perfectly with one you buy today brand new. Their G10 texture is among my favorite of any brand. Great grip without tearing up your pockets or hands.

Chinese knives are great, but I wouldn't count on them supporting the models for years and years, its very much a "produce for a little and move onto the next model" type of business model.

EDIT* I should add, ZT is also great. I prefer Hinderer but then again, the price is like double, so thats up to you.

Buy once, cry once with Hinderer.
 
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Ok, call me easily influenced, or maybe I came here to be quickly convinced to spend more money, but either way, the showdown is this, which XM, and which handle. Fight!
Top to bottom: XM-24 (4"), XM-18 3.5 (3.5"), XM-18 3.5 Skinny (3.5"), XM-18 3.0 (3"). G10 show side scales on all but the Skinny, which is textured micarta.

Choil or no choil is also worth considering, depending on your daily tasks. (AFAIK only DLT Trading does no-choil runs.)

rcYlQk4.jpg
 
Here is my Hinderer. This is my preference when it comes to EDC, but I prefer smaller knives so keep that in mind. This one is a XM-18 3", Slicer grind, Non-Flipper, Working Finish, OD Green G10:
cUSRdBs.jpg


My advice is for finding your "perfect" Hinderer is see:
1. Size - 3", 3.5", 4"
2. Grind - Slicer, Spearpoint, Harpoon, Bowie, Skinner, Wharncliff, Spanto
3. Finish - Working finish, stonewash, annodized (blue, bronze), or special edition
4. G10 Color - This one you can change anytime for $65, so put this one in last place in terms of deciding which to buy

There are more options like Skinny, Fat, etc.. but I would suggest going with the standard thickness. The best part is that if you buy one and find out you might prefer a different size/grind/etc... you can sell it, get your money back out of it and just get a different one. Good resale value = almost risk free trying out.
 
Ok, got a lot to think about, and I am sorry that i ended up making probably just another Hinderer thread due how ready I feel like some of these pictures and replies were. However, will look over and keep this updated, at least with my crazy passing thoughts concerning Hinderer.
 
Ok, got a lot to think about, and I am sorry that i ended up making probably just another Hinderer thread due how ready I feel like some of these pictures and replies were. However, will look over and keep this updated, at least with my crazy passing thoughts concerning Hinderer.
There's a dedicated Hinderer thread that's been ticking along nicely for seven years. Lots of friendly folks, Q&A, and pics to drool over in there:
 
Ok, got a lot to think about, and I am sorry that i ended up making probably just another Hinderer thread due how ready I feel like some of these pictures and replies were. However, will look over and keep this updated, at least with my crazy passing thoughts concerning Hinderer.
No worries my dude, its your thread, it can be whatever you want it to be 😂 .

One thing to keep in mind, if you are the type of person who wants to buy Brand New from the maker/dealer, you will be limited on choices. They do drops every so often, and usually it's going to all be the same model/grind/finish. If you are okay with buying second hand (there are a lot of new or like new ones second hand), you will have more options for buying what you want.

Also, if you are on Facebook (or have an ancient Facebook account that you dont use but have access too), I HIGHLY recommend joining the Hinderer Facebook groups (official one and the B/S/T one). Tons of general information, drop information, and waaaay more people selling Hinderers on there than anywhere else.
 
Looked through the comments and don't think this was mentioned - American Blade Works Model 1 framelock.
I don't have personal experience with it but have been checking this out and saw some decent reviews. US-made, 20CV flipper. Offered in G10 and Micarta on the show side I believe, with Ti framelock on the other side. Seems to meet your criteria. Good luck in your search.
 
Looked through the comments and don't think this was mentioned - American Blade Works Model 1 framelock.
I don't have personal experience with it but have been checking this out and saw some decent reviews. US-made, 20CV flipper. Offered in G10 and Micarta on the show side I believe, with Ti framelock on the other side. Seems to meet your criteria. Good luck in your search.
Good one. Technically it's a linerlock but a solid one at that. Hes up to v6 now. My only complaint with mine was a rotating pocket clip but now they have two screws and solved that.
 
don’t mean to derail this thread but based off your last comment about wanting not needing, buy a civivi conspirator (~3.5”x ~8.1”) for 80 bones and marvel at what offshore manufacturing has been able to accomplish while you were gone. Decide why you like and don’t like about it as there are plenty of upmarket options from there. IMHO that ‘cheap’ $80 knife could last you a lifetime and the action is world class. Take the remaining $220 and stalk the exchange for your upgrade option

Also, Get ready bro. I started with ‘just one replacement’ about a month ago and here I am with two cases full of steel I’ll never take advantage of but still convinced myself that I NEED at least one 15v.

Have fun!!!
 
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