My Only Complaint

B

benm11

Joined
Sep 9, 2012
Messages
84
So, I recently picked up a 3rd generation Hinderer XM-18 3.5" Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this knife and it has been my EDC since I got it in the mail. Furthermore, I am planning on making more Hinderer purchases because they are top of the line knives.

However, the problem I am having with it is that it is a pocket eater! I am a fan of tip up carry and when the clip is aligned that way, the part of the clip that makes contact with the knife is right on the abrasive lock bar stabilizer. That means every time I put it in my pocket or remove it from my pocket, a piece of my jeans gets eaten by my XM-18. So what can I do other than switching to tip down carry? Do I buy stronger jeans, reinforce that part of my jeans with titanium, or what?

Btw...I think it is pretty impressive that the only issue (I won't even go as far as to call it a flaw) I have found with this knife is regarding the clip and pocket wear.

Here is a picture to illustrate the issue....
photonov28102343pm.jpg
 
While I don't really reccomend "loosening" / lessening the tension of the clip, you can reduce its "bite".

You can 1: leave it attached and place a few (several if necessary--start small) hotel-room key cards (plastic membership cards, similar) between the clip and scale and let it reduce the spring tension.

Or a quick and more complicated but effective method with some risks. Remove the clip from the knife. Protect it by wrapping portions in tape / fabric / material to eliminate the possibility of damaging the clip. Using 2 sets of pliers (or similar) grasp the clip over the attatchment base (has the mounting holes in it) and grasp the other end with the other set of pliers. Bend as desired.

Like I said, I don't reccomend it, but you can "adjust" the clip tension if you want.
 
I had a similar problem with my ZT 0350, the clip on it was rubbing my pocket against the g10 scales and eating my pockets. I carried it for a while, and the pocket clip eventually loosened up and worked fine, so it may just be a break in period that it needs
 
Thanks Need2Know, I have thought about 'adjusting' the clip tension but I am a little leery of it! I get nervous about that because I don't want the knife to slide out of my pocket during the day. I would rather ruin the pockets of a few pairs of jeans that cost 30 bucks than lose a 700+ dollar knife.
 
Yes, I almost said just wait for it to break in, or that I've never had an issue with any of mine. But knowing the OP has a concern and wants suggested solutions to a perceived issue, I posted what I hope may prove helpful.
 
benm11 said:
Thanks Need2Know, I have thought about 'adjusting' the clip tension but I am a little leery of it! I get nervous about that because I don't want the knife to slide out of my pocket during the day. I would rather ruin the pockets of a few pairs of jeans that cost 30 bucks than lose a 700+ dollar knife.
Click to expand...

Right on!

Let 'er eat. :D
 
Right on!

Let 'er eat.
Click to expand...

I figured that would be the conclusion I would take from this thread. But I didn't think it would hurt to ask to see if others have creative solutions to the problem!
 
Most thread questions get similar answers like "it will break in". I fully realize that is often the most correct answer. But I also know its not always the answer people want. If someone asks for help here, and if I can, I try to give the best possible answers.

I'm not always correct, but I try to contribute.
 
I had a Hatamoto that would chew up my pocket, so I placed a piece of emery cloth between clip and handle, and smoothed it out by moving it back and forth shoeshine style while it was in a vice. The only part affected was underneath the clip where you couldn't see, and it worked out great. This won't change much of anything dimensionally, and you aren't prying or stretching the clip.

Remember:
-Rough side toward the area you wnt smoothed out.
-A little at a time, don't go hog wild.
-Be careful to keep the cloth (or sandpaper) away from the rest of the knife; the clip will give pressure right where it's needed.
 
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If it really bugs you. Remove the pocket clip, examine it for anything odd. Remove the LBS and give it a once-over. Peek at the areas where these pieces attatch to the scale. Assure there is no dirt or debris under pieces. Not suggesting there's anything this will remedy, but it's a starting place before "bending" anything.
 
I will have to give some of these ideas a try tomorrow (little late here in Ohio). And I don't think I will resort to bending anything for fear of compromising the integrity of the clip.
Hopefully something helps but if not, this issue is no show stopper and I will continue to EDC the XM.

Again, thanks everyone for the input!
 
I would skip the designer jeans and get a good old pair of Wranglers!! Tough jeans, cheap, and they wear well! And you won't cry when you put a little rip in em!! Or the more expensive route and get some 5.11 Tactical pants that have built in knife slots!
 
The LBS is not abrasive, it is the clip tension pushing the fabric into the machined edges of the LBS causing resistance.

As others have mentioned, an adjustment to the clip is needed to get it just right. Of my XMs one has a very tight clip, I replaced it with an anodised clip that was spot on with the tension and adjusted the clip while removed.
 
On my XM-18 3.5 the area machined out for the LBS was razor sharp so I removed the LBS and used a dremel # 422 polishing felt to smooth it out. You can't tell anything was done but it is no longer a razor.
Mark
 
Try a clearcoat nail polish on the backside of the clip and maybe even on the stabilizer?

May be enough to smoothen it out...
 
Unfortunately in the office environment where I work, having a sheath on my belt would be frowned upon.

I did remove the clip tonight and everything looked good. I did notice that the LBS was pretty sharp so I might have to take the edge off a bit.

Thanks for all the input guys, I think I've got this one settled!
 
Benm11,

I hear ya about opening up a tactical to peel an orange in an office - secretaries start screaming and fainting and security guys are rushing through the door. Now, what's the downside?
 
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