Looks Like Rick Hinderer XM-18's Have Turned To Gold

pkdmslf

pkdmslf

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Jun 16, 2006
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I saw a post (and the sale) of a Rick Hinderer Gen 3 XM-18 go for $950! Then on a knife purveyor's website another Gen 3 (with what appeared to be a custom ground blade) go for $995! Oly Ell! The value (secondary market) of the XM-18's appears to have doubled in just the last couple of months. Hold on to those Gen I and Gen II's! They're almost worth their weight in gold....almost.
 
There was one on Nordic that sold for $495 a few days ago. I don't know what generation it is.
 
i like rick's knives and still own an older model

recent history has shown that popular tactical knife makers with a substantial internet/forum based fan base have had rapid price rises followed by an equally rapid correction back down.

i would keep this in mind if you are holding on to one or buying/selling
 
I'm waiting for that rapid correction back down. I'm guessing we'll see a good number of gen III's hit the streets in the next couple of months that will help with that, but the waiting is tough when you're looking for one.
 
Aren't the gen3 ones "mid-tech" knives unless specifically indicated as hand ground by Mr. Hinderer? I could easily be mistaken.
 
bluejaunte said:
Aren't the gen3 ones "mid-tech" knives unless specifically indicated as hand ground by Mr. Hinderer? I could easily be mistaken.
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Uh...BJ......I mean...Aaron...:D

The Gen III's have blade bevels that are outsourced....supposedly everything else is done by Rick....he did this so he could get the knives into the hands of Military and LEO personnel...very noble, Rick is!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I don't know anything about Rick or the XM-18, but the fact is he chose to muddle the waters. Why would anyone want to do that? I don't know. He could have created a slightly different version and given it a different name, and that would have kept things much clearer.
 
The two XM-18's I'm referring to were Generation III's. One did have what appeared to be a custom ground blade, not the outsourced beadblasted one. They were also the 3 1/2" flipper models.
 
Joss said:
I don't know anything about Rick or the XM-18, but the fact is he chose to muddle the waters.
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I am forced to agree; I'd be somewhat miffed to find out that I had paid a premium handground price for a Gen3 if it was not handground.

I seriously doubt this was the intended effect. Like STeven said above I'm sure the #1 concern was getting the knives into the hands of the folks who actually need them.
 
I am very pleased with my Gen III. I did get on a waiting list at a dealer and when my name came up I paid $385 shipped for my new Gen III. My XM-18 has the smooth function of a Sebenza with the toughness of a Strider. I had several chances to buy a Gen II with the hollow hand ground blades, but I was not willing to pay the inflated price they were and still are selling for. I know these new Gen IIIs are being refered to as "midtech", but they still are one hell of a knife. Also, Rick still makes a limited number of Gen III customs with hand ground blades...
 
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Keep in mind it is the market driving the prices up and not Rick. All he does is put out a darn good knife , and people want em so bad they are usually willing to pay a premium for them , that ain't Rick's fault.

Call em mid-tech , semi-production , partial hand made , whatever , it don't change the fact that it is a solid , durable , well made folder. And if you score one at $400 , you just bought a heck of a knife , and one that you would be hard pressed to wear out in your lifetime.

My XM-18 has the smooth function of a Sebenza with the toughness of a Strider.
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That says it all.
 
Blue Line Gear has them for $395.00.
Rick isn't the one driving the prices up.
 
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