Machining marks on XM-18 lockbar cutout

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griff443

griff443

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Hi all,

I've recently purchased my first two Hinderers, both XM-18s, and am for the most part pleased with them. One thing that does bother me, however, is the machining marks left on the base of the lock bar where it is thinned to allow flexing. It is apparent on both of them, and from looking through countless pictures of other XMs, it seems it is present to varying degrees on almost all of them. To me it looks sloppy to have these gouges on such an expensive and otherwise near flawless knife. They are most apparent when light reflects off them. I just wanted to know what everyone else thought of these and whether it at all bothers them (I'm guessing not due to the high demand for XMs). I realize XMs are supposed to be working knives, but I can't help but feel they really shouldn't be there, especially since I've never seen them on other titanium framelocks, even (relatively) cheap ones.

Here's a picture of what I mean on one of mine:

IMG_6850 copy.jpg

Looking forward to hearing opinions.
 
All of the XM's I have are the same way.... absolutely normal. Never really bugged me as I never saw it as an imperfection. If anything the machine mark is proof that it was crafted by the honest, simple, hard-working indigenous people of.... wherever. :D
 
It doesn't bother me. I carry mine tip up so I can't even see the lockbar cutout.
 
I love the uniqueness of all my Hinderers. Things like that are part of the rugged tank like characteristics of the Hinderers and give them the personality I like. Doesn't bother me a bit. I had less expensive knives without them, but they didn't have the quality and ruggedness of my Hinderer either. Wouldn't trade the one for the other.
 
Just looked at all of My XM's , they all have it , never bothered me. Still does not.
 
As a recent first time owner of an XM-18, I was also surprised. However, every picture I saw after I discovered the marks had the same machining marks so it seems standard to me, and does not bother me at all now. One other "imperfection" on my knife was a darkish color on each side of the lanyard hole that didn't seem to get stonewashed as much as the rest of the titanium (similar to the dark color around the screws on the pocket clip cover). No knife I have ever owned was completely perfect (to me) but I have a little OCD when it comes to stuff like that, most people would not even notice. Enjoy those XM-18s, they are superbly crafted knives. I hope this helps.
 
If you switch your clip to tip up you won't even notice anymore. Plus it's the better way to carry :)
 
This never bothered me either. It actually gives the knife a more "hand made" feel than all the machining arriving "perfectly polished". I think if you consider the awesome design features and build quality the knife displays it far out-ways any imperfections you may perceive.

There - spoken like a true fan-boy.
 
They aren't "gouges", they are too small nibs that are artifacts of the machining process. I noticed them on the first XM I ever handled, didn't bother me, Rick knows they are there, he isn't concerned with changing his tooling program to remove them.

It also is one more way to identify authentic XMs.
 
I'm in total agreement with RDA, even on the Hinderer website the picture demonstrating the lockbar stabalizer that Rick pioneered it also has small nibs left from the CNC process. To me it adds character to the knife and as RDA said a very good way to help authenticate a Hinderer, this is certainly not "sloppy" as you described. As a knife maker I know a trick of the trade is to buff over your mistakes for instance buffing the blade to a mirror finish is sometimes used to hide imperfect grind lines or in this case buffing the cut outs . I would rather see the precise grind or in this case precise CNC cutout. As an added note you are also buying a "production" knife and not a custom regardless of what you paid. Just enjoy it knowing you own one of the world's best framelock knives made by one of today's premier makers!
Also Hinderers treated with a DLC finish coat over these minute nibs.
 
Rick builds a hard use knife that's resultant level of perfection is due to design, engineering and purpose - concern over such minor aesthetics isn't a concern of his (nor any of us).
Carry and use your knife and I will wager it won't be a concern of yours either.
 
500lbman said:
This never bothered me either. It actually gives the knife a more "hand made" feel than all the machining arriving "perfectly polished". I think if you consider the awesome design features and build quality the knife displays it far out-ways any imperfections you may perceive.

There - spoken like a true fan-boy.
Click to expand...

Funny and I agree 100%
 
Yep... been present on every XM I've ever owned (or seen)... has never bothered me in the least. As RDA said it's one of the tell tale marks of a fake/clone if those aren't there.

Don't sweat it... it's normal and part of the XMs rugged charm. :D
 
I think machine marks look good.


ETSilver_sample02.png
 
That piece gets finished in a vibratory tumbler. My guess is that the tumbling media can't get down in to that inside corner to smooth the surface there.
 
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