May Finally Buy an XM-18

[sharp_edge]

I like the XM18, have owned over 20 during the last 10 years. My collection currently consists of 5 knives 3 of which are XM18's, lol

I have also owned about 20 CRK Sebenzas in various flavors and some have opened in my pocket. I have also owned about 10 ZT knives.

If you want an XM18 nothing else will do. Simple as that! You need to own and handle one to settle your desires. The best flavor of XM18 if someone wants a true flipper is the Spearpoint with CPM20CV. That run had fairly strong detents and the blade is lighter than the Spanto and Skinner, which helps flipping action. I have owned 2 of these versions and they are the best flipping Hinderers I have had, especially if you take 5 minutes and bend the lockbar a bit so the detent is stronger. I have one now that I guarantee no one on this board could shake the blade out and it fires like a rocket with the flipper. Just like a ZT0562! But it's now a dedicated flipper and the thumbstuds are really tough to use, also like a 0562.

I have also had to bend the lockbar on Sebenzas so they didn't open in my pocket too, btw.

A Spearpoint XM18 with CPM20CV is the way to go. Excellent edge holding, great flipper, excellent cutter with some beef at the tip. (More beef than any ZT model.). They are the most underrated of all the XM's made, IMO, and worth hunting one down for your first XM. If after 25 years of collecting knives I had to select one knife to own, well this would be it.

And of course this thread needs a pic!

ok man I am sold. where can I find a Hinderer like yours? Or can I buy yours?

 

[blades&wrenches]

Lets get back on track and not turn this into another RHK vs CRK debate. They're just different animals. I cant say CRK is in a better class, but no doubt a different one. Both are extremely well made and will more than likely last a lifetime. In the end, its really about preference, and I love and prefer both.
To the OP; Most will tell you Hinderers are better than ZTs. The question is are they double the price good? Unfortunately, more often than not it takes owning and using one to really make that call, and only you can determine that. So my advice from earlier stands. Find a Gen 4 at a price you're willing to pay, and try one out. If its not your cup of tea, then sell it and move on.
Best of luck!

 

[Biginboca]

ok man I am sold. where can I find a Hinderer like yours? Or can I buy yours?

I don't think any dealers have had these for quite some time I had to hunt mine down pre-owned. You have to keep an eye on the sales forum. There was one listed there this week I don't know if it sold yet, but they pop up from time to time, or try a WTB in the sales corner.

And I'm not looking to part with mine, sorry!

 

[SW-EDC]

That is one of the nicest looking flippers Ive seen.
The MKT's are cool too just way way too big for EDC IMHO and overpriced.

 

[mjpgolf1]

Lets get back on track and not turn this into another RHK vs CRK debate. They're just different animals. I cant say CRK is in a better class, but no doubt a different one. Both are extremely well made and will more than likely last a lifetime. In the end, its really about preference, and I love and prefer both.
To the OP; Most will tell you Hinderers are better than ZTs. The question is are they double the price good? Unfortunately, more often than not it takes owning and using one to really make that call, and only you can determine that. So my advice from earlier stands. Find a Gen 4 at a price you're willing to pay, and try one out. If its not your cup of tea, then sell it and move on.
Best of luck!

I agree. I knew this thread was going to take that turn. We all get worked up when people start talking about our stuff. Lol. In the end we're talking about a knife here so it's probably a bit silly to get each other all hot and bothered. Especially when we are talking about 2 great knife makers. I'm glad we are catching ourselves here. :thumbup: