Is this a legit XM-18?

MaxFactor

MaxFactor

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Joined
Dec 26, 2012
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EDIT: Sadly, I didn't actually end up with this knife. Long story short... I thought the guy was giving me time to come up with the funds but apparently that wasn't the case.

Hi guys,

I'm in the process of acquiring this XM-18. Just wondering if this one is legit because I've never seen this finish on the Ti. This will be my first Hinderer so I'd certainly like one that's authentic. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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That's a nice one, dig the matching Ti on it and, as Jensen pointed out, the dome thumb studs.

I'm pretty sure all of the prod wharnies are Gen 4, but I know there are custom Gen 3's at least.
 
I don't have a lot of experience with the domed thumb studs, but those look just like the ones on one of mine - not aftermarket.

Also, the frame and scale appear sandblasted, not bead blasted, and neither finish is limited to customs.

But, it's always a good idea - if in doubt - to contact Rob for the definitive word.
 
^ this. First and foremost contact Rob O, but it looks like it's sandblasted and factory domed thumb studs look like all of mine. Working finish is the product of sandblasting then tumbling/stonewashing.
 
1SHOT1KILL said:
The thumb studs look to have been domed aftermarket and the only bead blasted frames like that (ime)have been custom with Rick's signature on them. It is possible that when the original owner had the studs domed that he/she also blasted the frame. If this is the case the warranty will be null. Your best bet is to send Rob pictures and get his professional opinion.

EDIT: it is hard to tell from your pics, but that might also be a "working finish" in which case it is factory.
Click to expand...

Lots of swings and misses here. Those are factory thumb studs (not domed aftermarket), factory sand blasted frame (not aftermarket and there are production knives with stonewash, bead blast, sand blast and working finish frames) and that is a stonewashed blade (not working finish).
 
Hey, I've had it happen before. Guess what? Something else will come along that will make you forget all about that one. Sucks now but just chalk it up as it wasn't meant to be. Wish you luck on the next round.
 
B...b...but... it was so pretty and silvery...

I suppose you're right. I should also probably be taking advantage of the military direct ordering program rather than picking one up at full price. But that would involve waiting.
 
Oh what the heck!!! ACAK is right though, something else will come right along and grab your attention. Email Rob, you might still have time to get a 3.5 righ now!!! Good luck
 
I saw that knife Max on the exchange looked like a good deal, those Ti handles hard to come by. The old rule applies in the exchange " I'll take it" trumps emails and negotiations, I also found that out the hard way like you.
 
Interesting. Neither of my gen 4's have "domed" thumbstuds. They are both "stepped" but certainly not domed.
 
From what I understand the stepped and domed thumb studs are all in one bin. It's luck of the draw. That being said I've owned 9 XMs and I've never had domed thumb studs on any of them.
 
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