Looking for some options. What should I look at if I want an XM-18 alternative?

M

MRaymond

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Jan 27, 2012
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So, regardless of how often I am reading this forum and searching for an XM-18 I can call my own, I have not found one yet. Which leads me to my question. What else should I be looking at? I have a sebenza and have decided that I have "enough" extra cash to buy an XM-18. However, I don't seem to be having any luck with anyone willing to sell one to me (or the ones that have come up on the boards are not exactly what I am looking for or they are gone before I see them). What are some alternative Mid Techs that fill the niche that the XM-18 does? I don't want anything larger than 3.5 inches. I am thinking knives like VECP v2, etc. I just want some exposure to the ones I might not know about. Thanks for you help!
 
well there's hoards of custom's in that price range, you could look a medfords or a laconico if you can find one for sale.
 
I think a Strider SnG might be kinda what you're looking for.
I've owned a lot of knives, and lemme tell ya, nothing is just like an XM18. It's probably my all time favorite knife.
My advice would be to just wait for one. Take this time to figure out what config you want. Mine is a gen4 stonewashed 3.5" Spanto.

Good luck man!
 
13aphomet said:
I think a Strider SnG might be kinda what you're looking for.
I've owned a lot of knives, and lemme tell ya, nothing is just like an XM18. It's probably my all time favorite knife.
My advice would be to just wait for one. Take this time to figure out what config you want. Mine is a gen4 stonewashed 3.5" Spanto.

Good luck man!
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Oh, you can believe that I know what I want when it comes to a hinderer:) It's the finding it that's the tough part. Your suggestion to wait for it is sound advice I think. I just would like to know my options:)
 
I would definately go custom and there are many many great custom knife makers just depends on your tastes.
I myself have Alan Davis working on a knife for me
A spot for Gareth Bull's shamwari
And just got in touch with Matt Bailey to see if he can do some fixed blades for me

Some other makers are rj Martin, mikkel willunsen, ray laconico, brain tighe, shirogorov, 3 sisters forge, grayman, Galyean, Jb Blount so on and so on
 
If you really want an XM-18, then nothing will really be an adequate substitute. I have bought two of them in the last week, and they are not as hard to find as I initially thought. If you are patient, check the sales forum, contact dealers, etc. you will find what you are looking for. I have found that the hunt is part of the enjoyment of this hobby. When you finally find exactly the XM you want, it will be even more special. It is a fantastic knife and one of my favorites.
 
Like Saddle mentioned, the hunt is one of the best parts about finding just the "right" one for you.

But trust me there is no substitute for a XM-18.

Your best bet is to continue searching and sooner or later the config you want will come up for sale.

But def good luck in your searching!!
 
If it has to be a Framelock, my next favorite knife is the Umnumzaan.
If a ball lock I'd say a Manix 2, it has the same ergonomics to me.
A liner lock I'd say a Socom Delta or Socom Elite. Very thick blades with very thin grinds equal high strength that slices like a Skyline.
There's no substitute to the XM-18 but these are the knives I carry most paired with my XM's.
 
Don't get a substitute, you're out the money and then the XM-18 comes along just out of reach because you aren't looking enough. Same rule applies to cars, wom-

Ooops I've said too much.

Keep looking. Like he said, bought two this week right out from under you. Now maybe the market will be better.
 
Most people who own them say there's no real alternative to an XM. If you need to fill an itch, you can always check out the Hinderer-designed ZTs. I own a 0560, and it is awesome. The 0550 is probably closer to the XM-18 though. Maybe get one of those to hold you over until you find the Hinderer you want?
 
Sonnydaze said:
I bought a 3" slicer and a 3.5" Spanto XM-18 within two wks on the Exchange. Keep looking. Why settle for less?
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Good advice, it was fun looking through some of these midtechs. I ended up with my XM afterall.
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tirod3 said:
Don't get a substitute, you're out the money and then the XM-18 comes along just out of reach because you aren't looking enough. Same rule applies to cars, wom-

Ooops I've said too much.

Keep looking. Like he said, bought two this week right out from under you. Now maybe the market will be better.
Click to expand...

Seems like sound advice from someone who knows.
 
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