Hello brother, can you advise what is the difference between v1 and v2 of the VECP, ? Thanks.
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Les George VECP or XM-18?
- Thread starter jstn
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Hello brother, can you advise what is the difference between v1 and v2 of the VECP, ? Thanks.
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V1 handles have a blasted finish. V2 is stonewashed. I have the V1 and I love how the handles have aged. The VECP is a hard user and my XMs are not (yet). My VECP developed some blade play so it's with Les right now getting refreshed.
Get the VECP. You'll like it.
Get the VECP. You'll like it.
I have have or have had multiples of both XM-18/24's and VECP's. I currently only have XM's now. The ergos are good on the VECP, but they are great on the XM's, YMMV. Wasn't very big on the VECP pocket clip. The lockup could have been better on the VECP as well, at least on the 2 speicmens that I had. VECP is a great knife, but if I were chosing between the two, Hinderer XM-18/24 will win all day, everyday.
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The VECP's design contains two major peeves of mine. A thumb ramp and handle screws threaded into the scale. Obviously these things don't bother most but either is a deal breaker for me. Since you already have the XM, I'd recommend coming over to the dark side (we have cookies!) and trying an SnG/SmF.
Can you elaborate more, why these two things bother you? Thanks.
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Les George needs to change the butt of the handle, don't know why there are more and more folders with the spine/back longer. Doesn't help any utility or fighting grip, but hinders a few and adds extra bulk.
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I can't speak for archieblue but I can tell you why those are the two things I don't like about my VECP. The jimping is too rounded so your thumb moves a bit and I prefer the hardware on my Sebbie (bolts lock together, not into the lock side). Not sure if there is any real performance issue with the construction, for me it's more aesthetic.
That said, the VECP is my second fav knife of all time (small Sebbie being #1 despite the hollow grind).
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No need to be sorry, sir.
Anyone who rocks links like those in your sig line never needs to apologize to me.
Both are excellent knives. The OP (jstn) was looking for educated opinion and I believe it was found. Since an XM is owned, VECP is a great choice here.
And let's face it, we're talking about two knives that are very popular. If one had to or later decided to trade one, there will be interested parties.
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Thumb ramps are just too presumptuous (thank you spell check). Sometimes I feel that a knife is designed with the makers hand size/uses in mind and I like a more diverse knife. I especially don't like it when it drops right off like the VECP's does. As far as the screws, there are several hypothetical situations where they are not the best idea. One could accidentally strip the handle threads. IMO it's a corner cut. Maybe far fetched, and seriously unlikely to fail, but its also a weaker design.
While you got me thinking I'll add a couple more things: I REALLY dislike the clip. There are so many makers that have shown that a recess/tab and a single (MAYBE two) screw is completely bomber. No reason for a run of the mill, Benchmade lookin' clip to be on an "upscale" knife IMO. I also don't like knives that have extra holes drilled in them to change clip orientation. It looks cheap to me. Hinderer does it right with the insert that comes with the knife.
Striderco
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Nice pics of some great knives! Is that VECP the one with the tan/brown coated blade? Archie im trying to figure out what you mean about the screws? And as far as the pocket clip I dont think its bad but I have added Les' custom Moku Ti clips to my VECPs! If you dont have a Moku Ti clip get one! That ll solve any pocket clip complaint! Oh and I like the thumb ramp! Im not trying to be a prick, just voicing my opinion. 
wjswiger
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Haven't had the VECP but I had an XM-18 3.5 that I sold very shortly after receiving......I bought it to try it out and check out all the hype and just wasn't impressed with the value I received for the money I spent. That isn't to say they aren't great knives.....I enjoyed the quality of the build and the ergonomics, but just couldn't justify spending that much on one folder. That being said, if you have the XM already I agree with previous posts that buying the VECP makes more sense as you'll just buy it after the next XM purchase anyway.
Wjswiger,
I agree that XM's that are bought on the secondary are overpriced, no doubt. However, if you are able to obtain one at Rick's price, they are very much worth it. Unfortunately, this is very difficult for lots of people since the demand is so high for Rick's knives. I think Rick and crew are trying to ramp up production to make Hinderer knives more accessible and to hopefully bring down the secondary market prices. Big thumbs up for the crew at Hinderer for this, will be difficult to do but I commend them for working towards this goal.
Same is true for Les's VECP, great knife for his price, but overpriced on the secondary.
There are plenty of threads talking about standard pricing vs secondary pricing and whether the knives are worth the secondary prices. Interesting reads.
Regardless, pricing aside, both the Hinderer and VECP are great knives.
I agree that XM's that are bought on the secondary are overpriced, no doubt. However, if you are able to obtain one at Rick's price, they are very much worth it. Unfortunately, this is very difficult for lots of people since the demand is so high for Rick's knives. I think Rick and crew are trying to ramp up production to make Hinderer knives more accessible and to hopefully bring down the secondary market prices. Big thumbs up for the crew at Hinderer for this, will be difficult to do but I commend them for working towards this goal.
Same is true for Les's VECP, great knife for his price, but overpriced on the secondary.
There are plenty of threads talking about standard pricing vs secondary pricing and whether the knives are worth the secondary prices. Interesting reads.
Regardless, pricing aside, both the Hinderer and VECP are great knives.
For those with experience with them, are there any differences with respect to edge retention and durability between Hinderer, the Les George, and the Chris Reeve?
For discussion, how do they compare for edge retention and durability to the Benchmades with Axis Lock using M4 or D2?
Looking for one to use, not collect.
For discussion, how do they compare for edge retention and durability to the Benchmades with Axis Lock using M4 or D2?
Looking for one to use, not collect.
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I have an XM-24 (not an 18... yet, sorry ), a Sebenza, an SMF, an Umnumzaan, and just recently got in a VECP. After handling the VECP for only a short time, I realized it's my new favorite knife. Very ergonomic in my opinion, and smoother than a Sebenza I think. Can't wait to someday get an XM-18.
), a Sebenza, an SMF, an Umnumzaan, and just recently got in a VECP. After handling the VECP for only a short time, I realized it's my new favorite knife. Very ergonomic in my opinion, and smoother than a Sebenza I think. Can't wait to someday get an XM-18.
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Don't worry, already have a few SNG's, one is my EDC!