New Favorite EDC

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
5,094
I bought a Hinderer XM-18 Bowie this summer because I had simply wanted one for about five years. Once I bought it, I just loved its super sturdy frame, and I carried it everywhere even though I did not always use it because it is a big knife to whip out in front of any and everybody. In the last few days, I thought more and more about the XM-18's thick blade profile, and wonder just how good of a cutter it really was. Today I put it to the test against my brand new BM 535. My wife had given me a five pound bag of corn to shuck, and I usually cut off the stalk, and the end of the ear of corn. The XM-18 certainly cut every thing, but took a fair amount of pressure and time. When I went to my BM 535, it almost fell through the corn stalks!

I wish I had made a video even though I doubt if anyone would be surprised by my results. I still love my overbuilt Hinderer, it is a cool knife. I just think the BM 535 is a much better EDC.
 
lambertiana said:
This is why I avoid the "overbuilt" knives. The thick edges and blade grinds make them poor cutters.
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I agree with you with respect to overbuilt folders.

The Becker BK-2 is one of my favorite fixed blades though it's certainly no slicer! However, if there's anything that I would dare do with a knife - I would try it with a BK-2.

On to folders; folders are for cutting things and for self-defense. A slicey folder or a stabby folder - preferably both in one, makes sense to me. For everything else, various fixed blades, to me, make more sense. For thinking, heavy-duty overbuilt, give me a BK-2.
 
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The first is the CRK/Wilson Combat collaboration...
Large Combat Sebenza... The hollow-ground blade easily out-slices all of my much thinner fixed blades...

I carry the second one also...for protection. (Molly)


CRK-Wilson Combat large Sebenza.jpg
Molly.jpg
 
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SALTY said:
I agree with you with respect to overbuilt folders.

The Becker BK-2 is one of my favorite fixed blades though it's certainly no slicer! Howver, if there's anythign that i would dare do with a knife - I would try it with a BK-2.

On to folders; folders are for cutting things and for self-defense. I slicey folder or a stabby folder - preferably both in one, makes sense to me. For everything else, various fixed blades, to me, make more sense. For think, heavy-duty overbuilt, give me a BK-2.
Click to expand...

Except for a home invasion or a carjacking, I would try like hell to avoid using a knife in self defense because it would be too easy to hit a major blood vessel or organ in a struggle, thereby killing someone. Knowing what I do about predjudice against knives and other factor's, I would prefer to not leave my fate to a jury.

Oh well, that is my long winded way of saying that a thin and light blade makes more sense for me.:D
 
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GB940Rookie said:
I like the specs of the 535. Especially the weight. Looking forward to more colors
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The one thing to watch out for with the 535 is that the blade is heavier than the handle by a large margin. The knife almost flew out of my hand from a mild flick. Other than that, I think it is plenty sturdy. Grivory, the handle
material is rated similarly to aluminum.
 
anthony cheeseboro said:
I bought a Hinderer XM-18 Bowie this summer because I had simply wanted one for about five years. Once I bought it, I just loved its super sturdy frame, and I carried it everywhere even though I did not always use it because it is a big knife to whip out in front of any and everybody. In the last few days, I thought more and more about the XM-18's thick blade profile, and wonder just how good of a cutter it really was. Today I put it to the test against my brand new BM 535. My wife had given me a five pound bag of corn to shuck, and I usually cut off the stalk, and the end of the ear of corn. The XM-18 certainly cut every thing, but took a fair amount of pressure and time. When I went to my BM 535, it almost fell through the corn stalks!

I wish I had made a video even though I doubt if anyone would be surprised by my results. I still love my overbuilt Hinderer, it is a cool knife. I just think the BM 535 is a much better EDC.
Click to expand...
If you like the thin Benchmade, try a Spyderco Manix 2 in Maxamet or a HAP40 Delica.

There is a saying; "geometry cuts". Now is when most folks start looking into different alloys, hence my suggestions.
 
fjblair said:
Yeah I just carry what I like. Currently a Morpho 32.
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I really wish I could EDC a Bali...I really do. Do you focus on all the fancy flipping or do you actually use it to cut open bags, open mail, slice through blue tape and so on? I only ask because I've imagined the utility within a Balisong and would consider carrying one with a pocket clip.

Thanks!

As for the 535, I want one! Does anyone know of a place where they're in stock and ready to ship? I can't find them at the big 3...
 
stuff_things said:
I really wish I could EDC a Bali...I really do. Do you focus on all the fancy flipping or do you actually use it to cut open bags, open mail, slice through blue tape and so on? I only ask because I've imagined the utility within a Balisong and would consider carrying one with a pocket clip.

Thanks!

As for the 535, I want one! Does anyone know of a place where they're in stock and ready to ship? I can't find them at the big 3...
Click to expand...

I got mine from GPK, I am a pretty regular walk in customer there.
 
They sold out everywhere in about 5 minutes!!

stuff_things said:
I really wish I could EDC a Bali...I really do. Do you focus on all the fancy flipping or do you actually use it to cut open bags, open mail, slice through blue tape and so on? I only ask because I've imagined the utility within a Balisong and would consider carrying one with a pocket clip.

Thanks!

As for the 535, I want one! Does anyone know of a place where they're in stock and ready to ship? I can't find them at the big 3...
Click to expand...
 
I have put the BM535 on pre-order. You CAN find the knife at a big premium if you really look, but I'm not willing to pay an extra thirty bucks.
Since that BM535 has a blade thickness of 0.090"...there is no doubt that it's a slicing genius. We keep getting told...by the experts..."Geometry is everything." I am beginning to see the light.
 
I was on the Benchmade site, and they have them for $140, the prices I was finding from other online vendors was around $115.
$35 isn't much of a bump in price for not having to wait, and if there are any issues, you can deal with the company, not a vendor (for better or worse, that is your call).
 
No flipping tricks, just whip it open when I need to use it. No show needed, just use the knife. I don't have show stopping skills, I just like how it handles, and I like the steel.
 
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