Ode to XM-18

J

jrsmiles

Joined
Aug 23, 2014
Messages
38
Here is my daily carry XM-18. I have a ZT 561 that I carried for a while that really made me like the overall design, just felt a little too big. This 3.5" is perfect. Been pocket carrying for two years and I feel like it's my last EDC since it does everything well. I wish they weren't so hard to get or I'd have a second one as a backup. I can never seem to find them anywhere.

I bought a CK Large Sebenza 21 and this XM-18 at the same time, but this one wins out for carry. I've always preferred a flipper in just about any carry knife.

I swapped out to a custom scale and ordered titanium lugs and screws right when I got it and it's been unchanged since.

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It's a truly great knife. Although it has the rep of being an "overbuilt tank" (which it actually is), it is extremely carry-able. I have the 3.5" lefty model and have no problem carrying it while wearing khakis. My only real issue with the gring being a little too thick behind the edge. So mine will remain in the knife drawer when I think a slicier knife is in order.

If you can get past that it could very well be a "one and done" knife.
 
Love it, it truly a great knife. I found that with a Hinderer textured titanium scale, it totally takes it to another level!
 
I really liked the knife when I had one, but a bit too thick for me. I’ve been contemplating trying one of the skinny versions. Overall a very well built, stout knife.
 
There's the xm-18 skinny slicer, which feels even slicier than Spyderco PM2. But the regular xm-18 has its own characteristics and carries very nicely in the pocket.
 
I own thee XM-18's , yes its a overbuilt knife buy most peoples standards, but one can customize them the way you like, I did this by changing out my scales like you did, hinderers and CRK's are the one's I like best, nice pics of your hinderer.
 
I have an XM-18 3.5 slicer and just never took to it. Don’t care for the aggressive jimping by the flipper tab.
 
Hinderer makes fantastic knives. 👍🏻

for those that think they are a little too big the “skinny” models solve that issue.
 
The horror I have put my 3.5 XM-18 through over the last decade is wild. At this point, I figure I could disassemble a car with only it.
Spanto here too. My favorite of the grinds.

I did the same, paired it with a large Sebenza. While I considered the sebbie the classier of the two, it can handle a workload as well.
Not quite the same as the Hinderer though. The XM18 is a handful of just right.
 
I had a few Hinderers and I enjoyed all the designs I have had but the XM-18 is all I have kept
They are not my favorite EDC since I prefer slicer blades but it is my go-to work knives
 
I love my XM-18s. My favorite is actually one with a lighter detent. It still flips well, but they thumb stud methods fires it out hard, and I prefer thumb studs. Overall, it is just a reliable, well-built knife. I don't like framelocks, but this is one I love and trust.
 
I'm between the Sebenza 21 and the XM-18 3.5" Spanto for best overall EDC knife.

They are both great... I havn't been able to decide on which is better - I believe it comes down to preference to be quite honest with you. Obviously each does one thing or another better than the other, however in an EDC needs can change day to day. I think either are very well suited for the role.

Tank of knives... hinderer is probably a bit more rugged and equipped a bit better to take abuse out in the field if necessary.... granted they are knives, not multitools or pry bars - i'd feel more confident in the hinderer being able to stand up to it if it were absolutely necessary to do so with... though again, its a knife, mainly meant to cut things with!
 
I’ll bet I have the most Hinderers without ever owning a 3.5” XM.
Not really, but I love the Eklipse model, I have 8 of them total, 3 different blade shapes.
Most comfortable handle of any knife I ever held, they fit me perfect, they’re beautiful, and it seems easier to find them with the blade shape you want (the blades that I want I should say)….
The XM has so many variations of blade, fat and skinny, etc..
But I think what turned me off from XMs was that my first and only XM is a 3” harpoon tanto that doesn’t flip to save its life. (Pre-triway, but at a time when all Eklipses had bearings.)
 
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