I thought I hated my XM18...buuuuut

[johnnytoxin]

Now, my question is...have you ever had a knife you despised until you put it to the test?

No, but I also don’t feel that you didn’t put it to the test. You just put gloves on which makes it feel better in hand, which has no bearing on how it performs for its intended use: cutting. Not trying to be a smart ass or be sarcastic. Just stating my observations. I am a knife nerd just like you.

 

[SVTFreak]

I have had the exact opposite problem with the xm. I’ve tried to love it. Love the feel of it. Love the well made. The shape. Except then I use it. And I just can’t stand how it cuts. I know it’s because it’s meant to be tougher than I need, doesn’t slice as well and doesn’t cut onions so nice. But I need a knife for that instead of prying open car doors. So, I sold mine off. I won’t hesitate to recommend it to someone who will use it for what it’s meant though.

 

[marrenmiller]

I have had the exact opposite problem with the xm. I’ve tried to love it. Love the feel of it. Love the well made. The shape. Except then I use it. And I just can’t stand how it cuts. I know it’s because it’s meant to be tougher than I need, doesn’t slice as well and doesn’t cut onions so nice. But I need a knife for that instead of prying open car doors. So, I sold mine off. I won’t hesitate to recommend it to someone who will use it for what it’s meant though.

I concur. I had 6 of them at varying stages in my collecting career and thought they felt fine in hand, but didn't like how they actually worked. They just don't slice acceptably well unless you buy a skinny model with a high grind, and even then there are better options.

And really, if you want a rugged folder, I much prefer something like a Cold Steel SR1. Thicker blade stock, better lock, similarly tough construction, but much lower cost. Why pry with a $450 folder?

 

[SVTFreak]

I concur. I had 6 of them at varying stages in my collecting career and thought they felt fine in hand, but didn't like how they actually worked. They just don't slice acceptably well unless you buy a skinny model with a high grind, and even then there are better options.

And really, if you want a rugged folder, I much prefer something like a Cold Steel SR1. Thicker blade stock, better lock, similarly tough construction, but much lower cost. Why pry with a $450 folder?

I keep a zt0550 for abuse when needed. Which is exceptionally rare.