I've had to face the fact that I will probably never own an XM-18 - and I blame ZT

EZ Bake

EZ Bake

Joined
Mar 5, 2009
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I've almost bought an XM-18 on like 3 different occasions now, but always found some excuse not to. I've owned more than one 0550, and even a 0561, but the 0561 was too large and I've sold my 055X series except for my last 0551 (that I will probably never get rid of).

Only recently did I finally get the chance to handle an XM-18 (3.5" Spanto Flipper), and I hate to say it... but I think I'd rather have my 0551 (or the new 0566 I'm anxiously awaiting). I think I like nearly everything about my 0551 over the XM-18 except for the flipper and the cool Spanto grind (and I'm not entirely sure how effectively I'd use that in every day tasks). The 0566 should scratch the flipper-itch nicely.

I'll say that my 0561 was one of the coolest knives I've ever owned but it was just too large. I got rid of it for the same reason I got rid of my 0200 and 0301 (I just never carry a knife that large). I seriously wish I could get some 3D machined scales like the bigger knives enjoy on a 055X or 056X series, but either way when I'm looking for the perfect sized overbuilt knife, I consistently go for my 0551 and after handling the XM-18, I probably wouldn't carry it over the ZT all that often.

This is in no way a knock at Rick's knives - I still have a ton of respect for the guy and the XM-series, but his ZT-collab versions just seem to jump out at me more than his own knives do. I have a few mid-techs and I completely understand the reason they cost more (and I appreciate the extra attention to detail and QC one gives to a mid-tech), but in this case... my long-lost grail knife will have to be something else besides an XM.

I can't wait for the 0566.
 
Have both and the only advantage the zt has is; it's a better flipper because it's assisted. Nuff Said.
 
the 0550, 0560, 0561 models are worthy substitutes IMHO for those of us who can't afford an XM-18. I'm really looking forward to the 0566 and the new Kershaw/Hinderer collabs.

FWIW, if I owned both, I'd probably carry the XM more than the others. If I'm going to drop that much money on something, I'm gonna use the hell out of it.
 
Can't blame you EZ Bake, the ZT collabs are pretty awesome! Haven't had a go at an XM-18 yet but I will at some point just so I can check it out myself. For the price though I suspect the ZT is going to be hard to beat.
 
CWIN said:
FWIW, if I owned both, I'd probably carry the XM more than the others. If I'm going to drop that much money on something, I'm gonna use the hell out of it.
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That's exactly how I am man - and to be fair, I'm only judging the XM from having handled it for a few mins but I just couldn't see myself carrying it over the 0551 I already have (imagining that my 0551 was a flipper or that the XM wasn't).

Some of it is aesthetics - I like some of the lines on the ZT better, but some of it was the fact that the ZT was well thicker, and just felt more over-built (that seems funny to say about a folder, and it's totally not necessary I'm sure, but it feels like a beefier knife than the real Hinderer). Way stronger Detent on the ZT, thicker liner and thicker Ti-frame side.

I actually never thought I'd say this, but I like the lack of a choil forward of the flipper - I'm typically a "Give me my choil" kind of guy, but it just didn't feel natural on the Hinderer.

Now as far as the JYD goes, I love the Galyean Pro Series over the Kershaw version - clearly the scales are tipped to the Galyean in the "overbuilt" department (as one would expect - the Kershaw JYD is in a very affordable price-point compared to the Pro Series). This is honestly one of the reasons I've always wanted ZT to have a go at a JYD variant to see how it compares to the Kershaw, but in the case of the ZT versions, it's a lot closer call - especially with the great job they did on the 055X and 056X series, and for me it comes down to the little details even more so than the cost.

I'm not trying to convince anyone else, but for me - I'm just not as motivated to get the real XM over the ZT collab as I once was.
 
I've got an XM-18 sitting in the closet next to my TiLT. :D It's a very different piece than the 0560.
 
Honestly I have both Xm's and the ZT/ Hind Collabs and I think the ZT's are just as nice as the XM's! They are practically the same knives! So for those without XMs you really arent missing much!! They re all nice knives and the ZTs are using some great materials!!
 
I'll never own one either. Way too much money for a knife. The price gets jacked up because they're so sought after. I've got no hang ups about spending alot of money on a knife. I think my m390 Para II with Ti J.Grimsmo scales is my most expensive folder. $250 for the knife and another $200 for the scales. But $6-700+... I don't think so. I wouldn't want to carry it out of fear of losing it.
 
Both great knives but the XM pips the ZT on fit and finish and overall quality, this is hard to judge until you get your hands on one.

The XM feels more solid and it should because it is more solid - solid Ti lock side and liner.

The 0560 is a fantastic knife - packs more cutting edge than an XM-24 and less weight than an XM-18 3.5", the pivot bearings make for consistent ease of flipping and the action is great after initial break in.

Also the curved profile of the scale and lock side make the 0560 easier in the pocket than an XM-18 3.5".

I've been giving my XM a break and EDC'ing a 0560 for the last two weeks, overall I'm impressed and whilst it is no substitute for an XM, it certainly isn't a compromise either.

Hats off the 0560 is a superb knife.

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XM

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I have had both. The differences in the 0550 and the XM-18 are only seen really when you take them apart (besides the flipper). The pivot and standoffs on the XM are much beefier. That being said, the ZT washers are phosphor bronze so I give a point to ZT there. The titanium is titanium and S35VN is S35VN. The spanto is nice but the 0550 blade is close to that but a better slicer. So, my opinion is that the XM kicks the crap out of the ZT in the hardware department but that isn't something you would even notice unless you take them apart. BTW, the XM was traded for a sebenza 25 and enough cash to buy almost 3 zt0550's. I still have the sebenza and a 0550. I would LOVE a 3" XM-18 though.
 
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