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OT, XM-18 passaround
- Thread starter MD13
- Start date
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- Jun 20, 2000
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- 3,668
Sorry, I got distracted. Work, you know. 
Anyway, I had a chance to carry and use the XM-18 for approximately one week. In terms of carrying, it carried as well as the other knives I have carried, such as a Chris Reeve large plain Sebenza (six years) and a Scott Cook Lochsa (one year thus far).
I did own a Strider SnG for a year or two, and the XM-18 seems to be similar, in terms of how it is built. But, I find the XM-18 to be better overall. One thing that bugged me about the SnG was that the blade, when closed, is visible through the lanyard hole. This bothered me, because it meant that the closed blade could eventually cut through a lanyard.
A lot of thought clearly went into the XM-18. Lockup is like a vault, as it should be for any framelock. Yet, it is incredibly smooth. The placement of some of its parts clearly serve to stop the blade from traveling too far. I am referring to an internal pin. These ittle details are a very nice touch, in my opinion.
The only edge that I found too sharp for my preferences, other than the business end, which should be sharp, was the flipper. It is exposed when carried, at least the way I carry. It caught on things a couple times. The flipper definitely works, though.
In summary, this is a great knife, and I am thankful to have had the chance to give it a whirl without layout out the cash. Just out of curiosity, how much are these going for, and how difficult are they to obtain?
It was shipped to the next lucky recipent, Ken44, today.
Anyway, I had a chance to carry and use the XM-18 for approximately one week. In terms of carrying, it carried as well as the other knives I have carried, such as a Chris Reeve large plain Sebenza (six years) and a Scott Cook Lochsa (one year thus far).
I did own a Strider SnG for a year or two, and the XM-18 seems to be similar, in terms of how it is built. But, I find the XM-18 to be better overall. One thing that bugged me about the SnG was that the blade, when closed, is visible through the lanyard hole. This bothered me, because it meant that the closed blade could eventually cut through a lanyard.
A lot of thought clearly went into the XM-18. Lockup is like a vault, as it should be for any framelock. Yet, it is incredibly smooth. The placement of some of its parts clearly serve to stop the blade from traveling too far. I am referring to an internal pin. These ittle details are a very nice touch, in my opinion.
The only edge that I found too sharp for my preferences, other than the business end, which should be sharp, was the flipper. It is exposed when carried, at least the way I carry. It caught on things a couple times. The flipper definitely works, though.
In summary, this is a great knife, and I am thankful to have had the chance to give it a whirl without layout out the cash. Just out of curiosity, how much are these going for, and how difficult are they to obtain?
It was shipped to the next lucky recipent, Ken44, today.
Jaxx
Moderator
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2006
- Messages
- 19,857
Sorry, I got distracted. Work, you know.
Anyway, I had a chance to carry and use the XM-18 for approximately one week. In terms of carrying, it carried as well as the other knives I have carried, such as a Chris Reeve large plain Sebenza (six years) and a Scott Cook Lochsa (one year thus far).
I did own a Strider SnG for a year or two, and the XM-18 seems to be similar, in terms of how it is built. But, I find the XM-18 to be better overall. One thing that bugged me about the SnG was that the blade, when closed, is visible through the lanyard hole. This bothered me, because it meant that the closed blade could eventually cut through a lanyard.
A lot of thought clearly went into the XM-18. Lockup is like a vault, as it should be for any framelock. Yet, it is incredibly smooth. The placement of some of its parts clearly serve to stop the blade from traveling too far. I am referring to an internal pin. These ittle details are a very nice touch, in my opinion.
The only edge that I found too sharp for my preferences, other than the business end, which should be sharp, was the flipper. It is exposed when carried, at least the way I carry. It caught on things a couple times. The flipper definitely works, though.
In summary, this is a great knife, and I am thankful to have had the chance to give it a whirl without layout out the cash. Just out of curiosity, how much are these going for, and how difficult are they to obtain?
It was shipped to the next lucky recipent, Ken44, today.
They pop up occasionally... Check the major custom knife sites, as for now, Rick isn't taking any new orders until he catches up on his existing list... Unless you are a first responder (military, police, SRT, etc...). Expect to find them between $525-$575 through the secondary market.
Cool review & pix! :thumbup:
- Joined
- Oct 31, 2003
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- 8,583
Good stuff. I have tried a few folders since the XM-18 but it's not the same. There is no substitute. It is my favorite so far. But I think I will wait in line for one of this as opposed to paying $500 + on the open market. Same philosophy with the Busse SFNO. Both knives have sky rocketed in the secondary market. 
Patience.
Patience.
- Joined
- May 25, 2005
- Messages
- 2,362
Thanks for the review Ken! I completely agree with your flipper comment. The corners are a little too sharp for my taste.
As Jaxx stated, the XM-18 seems to be in pretty high demand, and is averaging $550-ish on the secondary market. I was lucky enough to get mine for a lot less than that, but still quite a bit more than if I had ordered it from Rick directly.
Glad you liked it, and thanks again for the review!:thumbup:
-Dan
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2005
- Messages
- 16,379
XM-18 mini review
Opening, Closing- the first thing I did was see how fast I could open and close the xm-18 compared to my large sebenza. With no hand or wrist movement, thumb movement only. The thumb lug on the xm-18 is much better than that on the sebbie. The frame lock on the classic sebbie made it much easier to close though. Opened and closed 25 times in 30 seconds, 29 times on the sebbie.
I tried the flipper a few times, but do not like them as you have to move the wrist. The Blade opened so smooth I didn't even need the thumb stud or flipper. You can put your thumb right beside the lug and open the Blade about as fast as with stub. Very, very slick and smooth opening knife.
Blade- The Spanto tip was the thing I liked most about this knife. It is a thick heavy blade compared to that of the sebenza. I sliced some thin leather with both and the thinner blade of the sebbie was much better for this task.
On the other hand the thicker spanto point would be much, much better for hard use, such as prying and such. I like to keep my Sebbie sharp enough to cut through a hanging balloon string without the balloon moving one bit. The xm-18 came very, very sharp but could not cut string without moving the ballon. This is only because of the thick blade, and I expected as much. As expected the sebenza is a better slicer but if you want the strongest tip and blade you can get for Hard use the xm-18 is the way to go.
Handle- Handle is built tank tough. The lock side just looks wicked! I think this was the first thing that caught my eye, and I still keep looking at it.
I myself love a straight handle like the sebenza. I didn't like the handle of the xm-18 as It drops quite a bit. That's great for a push cut, but I like the palm purchase a straight handle gives you for pure cutting.
Fipper- It was the smoothest flipper I have seen, but I dislike flippers in general. It also had the sharpest edges I've seen on a flipper. I don't feel it needs the flipper, unless you don't have a thumb. It does make a good guard but feel it's not needed for that either...well not for me anyway.
Clip- Great clip, but if you did want to carry it tip up the sharp flipper would get your hand every time you reached in your pocket.
Choil- Don't like them on a folder, put's your hand to far from blade for fine work. The choil is large enough to get finger in and use for fine work, but I still like a folder to have a tiny choil or none. Don't think this knife was intended for fine work though.
This is the toughest and best looking folder I have ever seen. I don't like a few things about it, but if I had to pick a folder for extreme use this would be the one. I'll stick with my sebenza and a fixed blade, but if I were going into a tough environment without a fixed blade the XM-18 would be my choice as a folder.
It is the smoothest and toughest built folder I have handled, period!
If he ever makes a knife with a straighter handle I will want one, but without the flipper. I will add, that many or most would like the things about it that I didn't.
I've never seen the Perfect folder...maybe Busse will fix that one day.
Thanks Dan for the great passaround:thumbup: This is the one knife I was really wanting to try.
Opening, Closing- the first thing I did was see how fast I could open and close the xm-18 compared to my large sebenza. With no hand or wrist movement, thumb movement only. The thumb lug on the xm-18 is much better than that on the sebbie. The frame lock on the classic sebbie made it much easier to close though. Opened and closed 25 times in 30 seconds, 29 times on the sebbie.
I tried the flipper a few times, but do not like them as you have to move the wrist. The Blade opened so smooth I didn't even need the thumb stud or flipper. You can put your thumb right beside the lug and open the Blade about as fast as with stub. Very, very slick and smooth opening knife.
Blade- The Spanto tip was the thing I liked most about this knife. It is a thick heavy blade compared to that of the sebenza. I sliced some thin leather with both and the thinner blade of the sebbie was much better for this task.
On the other hand the thicker spanto point would be much, much better for hard use, such as prying and such. I like to keep my Sebbie sharp enough to cut through a hanging balloon string without the balloon moving one bit. The xm-18 came very, very sharp but could not cut string without moving the ballon. This is only because of the thick blade, and I expected as much. As expected the sebenza is a better slicer but if you want the strongest tip and blade you can get for Hard use the xm-18 is the way to go.
Handle- Handle is built tank tough. The lock side just looks wicked! I think this was the first thing that caught my eye, and I still keep looking at it.
I myself love a straight handle like the sebenza. I didn't like the handle of the xm-18 as It drops quite a bit. That's great for a push cut, but I like the palm purchase a straight handle gives you for pure cutting.
Fipper- It was the smoothest flipper I have seen, but I dislike flippers in general. It also had the sharpest edges I've seen on a flipper. I don't feel it needs the flipper, unless you don't have a thumb. It does make a good guard but feel it's not needed for that either...well not for me anyway.
Clip- Great clip, but if you did want to carry it tip up the sharp flipper would get your hand every time you reached in your pocket.
Choil- Don't like them on a folder, put's your hand to far from blade for fine work. The choil is large enough to get finger in and use for fine work, but I still like a folder to have a tiny choil or none. Don't think this knife was intended for fine work though.
This is the toughest and best looking folder I have ever seen. I don't like a few things about it, but if I had to pick a folder for extreme use this would be the one. I'll stick with my sebenza and a fixed blade, but if I were going into a tough environment without a fixed blade the XM-18 would be my choice as a folder.
It is the smoothest and toughest built folder I have handled, period!
If he ever makes a knife with a straighter handle I will want one, but without the flipper. I will add, that many or most would like the things about it that I didn't.
I've never seen the Perfect folder...maybe Busse will fix that one day.
Thanks Dan for the great passaround:thumbup: This is the one knife I was really wanting to try.
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- May 25, 2005
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Great review Kenny! Glad you enjoyed your time with her, and it's good to hear about the things you don't like as well as those you do. Looks like we're getting to the halfway point here. I miss the XM, and she's gonna get a warm welcome home. Thanks again Kenny!
-Dan
-Dan
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- Oct 13, 2005
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- 3,742
Well I've had the XM for about a week now but haven't had much time to use it.
I did fondle and drool over it some though and thougth I would share a few comments.
First off this thing is a BEAST!!!!!!
Super smooth.
Excellent fit and finish.
It weighs approx 5.5 Oz
It's not the folder for me though.
I don't care for the drop handle, flipper, or large relief cut on the lock side.
It's also a little too big for pocket carry for my tastes.
I think this one needs a belt sheath.
The one thing I found that i really like is the spacer pins vs a solid backspacer which traps dirt and debris.
The only folder I currently own for comparison is an Obenauf Small Model 3.
Below are a few comparison pics.
The Obie has a 3 inch blade and weighs 3.5 Oz.
I really appreciate Dan letting me get a chance to handle this thing and will be forwarding it on Monday.
dave
I did fondle and drool over it some though and thougth I would share a few comments.
First off this thing is a BEAST!!!!!!
Super smooth.
Excellent fit and finish.
It weighs approx 5.5 Oz
It's not the folder for me though.
I don't care for the drop handle, flipper, or large relief cut on the lock side.
It's also a little too big for pocket carry for my tastes.
I think this one needs a belt sheath.
The one thing I found that i really like is the spacer pins vs a solid backspacer which traps dirt and debris.
The only folder I currently own for comparison is an Obenauf Small Model 3.
Below are a few comparison pics.
The Obie has a 3 inch blade and weighs 3.5 Oz.
I really appreciate Dan letting me get a chance to handle this thing and will be forwarding it on Monday.
dave
- Joined
- May 25, 2005
- Messages
- 2,362
Thanks for the review and the pics Dave! Glad you got a chance to check it out. I think the flipper is one most either like or don't like. I like it alot, but I don't like the sharp corners on it. I think after the passaround is done, I'm going to see if Rick can work some magic on the flipper.
The drop handle is one thing I really like on this knife. For me, it's very comfortable. Depends on what you like. Not for everyone though.
Weight/size....yup, it's a biggun! I did get used to it in my pocket though.
The flipper action was a little tight when I got it, and I had to tweak the pivot to where the flipper was super smooth. Glad to see it was nice and smooth coming out of the shop. I've found myself searching for the flipper stud on other knives I'm carrying just out of habit. I'm missing the flipper right now.
Thanks again for the pics and review Dave. That Obenauf is a sweet knife too! Excellent taste my friend :thumbup:
-Dan
The drop handle is one thing I really like on this knife. For me, it's very comfortable. Depends on what you like. Not for everyone though.
Weight/size....yup, it's a biggun! I did get used to it in my pocket though.
The flipper action was a little tight when I got it, and I had to tweak the pivot to where the flipper was super smooth. Glad to see it was nice and smooth coming out of the shop. I've found myself searching for the flipper stud on other knives I'm carrying just out of habit. I'm missing the flipper right now.
Thanks again for the pics and review Dave. That Obenauf is a sweet knife too! Excellent taste my friend :thumbup:
-Dan
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2000
- Messages
- 45,835
Well, it's been a while, but here are a few late impressions and a few pics of the Hinderer XM-18.
First off... it's a freakin' tank. The only folder that's been even close in terms of solid lockup (for me) was a Sebenza that I once owned. I sold the Sebbie because I'm just not a fan of all-metal handles, but this Hinderer certainly revived my interest in a frame lock folder (if not a Hinderer, then another Sebenza) with some inlays or scales. In some ways, I found myself wishing for some thin G-10 somewhere on the frame lock side of the XM-18.
The Flipper... while I wasn't a big fan of it in terms of opening the knife, I really liked the fact that, once the knife was open, the flipper created an extremely stable and safe guard for the blade. If this one were to be used for a hunting blade, you would not have the least of worries about a blood-slicked hand slipping down onto the cutting edge.
Ergos and fit/finish... were excellent. I like the drop shape of the blade/handle. For some reason, when open, it put me in mind of some of Tom Krein's fixed blades. In hand, this one was a comfortable knife that seemed as functional as it was aesthetically pleasing. Opening the blade with the thumbstud was smooth and easy. As tools go, this knife was/is meticulously crafted.
A big knife... as some have said, perhaps better suited for a sheath. However, I've carried popular, large folders like the Spyerco Military and the Benchmade 710, and this one was no harder to pocket carry than any similarly sized knives.
Dan, thanks so much for the chance to hold and use this one a little.
First off... it's a freakin' tank. The only folder that's been even close in terms of solid lockup (for me) was a Sebenza that I once owned. I sold the Sebbie because I'm just not a fan of all-metal handles, but this Hinderer certainly revived my interest in a frame lock folder (if not a Hinderer, then another Sebenza) with some inlays or scales. In some ways, I found myself wishing for some thin G-10 somewhere on the frame lock side of the XM-18.
The Flipper... while I wasn't a big fan of it in terms of opening the knife, I really liked the fact that, once the knife was open, the flipper created an extremely stable and safe guard for the blade. If this one were to be used for a hunting blade, you would not have the least of worries about a blood-slicked hand slipping down onto the cutting edge.
Ergos and fit/finish... were excellent. I like the drop shape of the blade/handle. For some reason, when open, it put me in mind of some of Tom Krein's fixed blades. In hand, this one was a comfortable knife that seemed as functional as it was aesthetically pleasing. Opening the blade with the thumbstud was smooth and easy. As tools go, this knife was/is meticulously crafted.
A big knife... as some have said, perhaps better suited for a sheath. However, I've carried popular, large folders like the Spyerco Military and the Benchmade 710, and this one was no harder to pocket carry than any similarly sized knives.
Dan, thanks so much for the chance to hold and use this one a little.
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- Oct 31, 2003
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- 8,583
Excellent review and pics Guyon!
I NEED one of these knives.
I NEED one of these knives.
oldrifleman
Platinum Member
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- Jan 5, 2006
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I have an early Xm-18 sans flipper and it is my weekend edc. It is a tank!
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Die hard Hog
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nice fellas