Questions about the XM-18

Gideons · Jul 17, 2016

Hey BF,

I know there are some people who are real XM-18 experts out there. So, currently my favourite knife is ZT 0560BW. It is my favourite knife, but I just find it a little long for everyday carry and for some reason the pocket clip rips my pockets. I have been looking into the ZT 0562, but the traction seems lacking and overall just doesn't seem right. I am wondering, how does the deployment compare? Also, I really like the blade shape Spanto. Do they make a Spanto with black blade finish? How does the XM-18 compare to the ZT 0560BW?

-Gideons

Need2Know · Jul 17, 2016

Never will I claim to be an expert on this. Uhm...yes black DLC XMs exist but are a bit difficult to aquire. I don't own those ZT models so cannot compare for you.

115Italian · Jul 17, 2016

A zt 0562 with g10 is a good knife. I think its more comparable to an xm 18 than the 0560. My 0562 flips really well. People i show it too always ask if its assisted. The knige fits my hand really well. The pocket clip is a real plus for me too. The knife clips to the pocket so smoothly but holds it there very well.

Gideons · Jul 17, 2016

115Italian said:
A zt 0562 with g10 is a good knife. I think its more comparable to an xm 18 than the 0560. My 0562 flips really well. People i show it too always ask if its assisted. The knige fits my hand really well. The pocket clip is a real plus for me too. The knife clips to the pocket so smoothly but holds it there very well.

Why do you think that? The one thing that, bothers me about the 0562 is the traction compared to the 0560. Do you own both a 0562 or 0560?

sharp_edge · Jul 17, 2016

The extra finger groove on the handle of 562 may contribute to the firm grip, IF one's hand fits the handle size. I am not sure about the clip on the 562 (being better than that on the 560).

Gideons · Jul 17, 2016

sharp_edge said:
The extra finger groove on the handle of 562 may contribute to the firm grip, IF one's hand fits the handle size. I am not sure about the clip on the 562 (being better than that on the 560).

I can't see the pocket clip on the ZT 0562 ripping jean pockets. Or does the ZT 0560 only rip my pockets haha.

palonej · Jul 17, 2016

I have a 562CF. Amazing knife! Flips great, very smooth and an awesome blade profile! Might not be the best slicer, but cuts just fine!! Doesn't tear up my pockets.
Joe
Knife porn.....562 middle.

Basp2005 · Jul 17, 2016

Traction on an xm is between the 0560 and the 0562. The xm has phosphor bronze washers not ball bearings, so the action is going to be different than the ZT's. That bothers some people. The xm is slightly bulkier then the 0560. Steel is comparable. Is the xm worth the extra coin? That's up to you.

Basp2005 · Jul 17, 2016

The early 0560's had rougher cut jimping than the new ones. I had a 0350 that tore the s#!+ out of my pockets. Had to round off the blade jimping, that helped.

Mindslaver · Jul 18, 2016

Basp2005 said:
Traction on an xm is between the 0560 and the 0562. The xm has phosphor bronze washers not ball bearings, so the action is going to be different than the ZT's. That bothers some people. The xm is slightly bulkier then the 0560. Steel is comparable. Is the xm worth the extra coin? That's up to you.

I think the xm use teflon washers, not phospor bronze. But that is in a gen4 xm18 3 inch, dunno if they had changed the washer in the later assembly.

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115Italian · Jul 18, 2016

Gideons said:
Why do you think that? The one thing that, bothers me about the 0562 is the traction compared to the 0560. Do you own both a 0562 or 0560?

Size wise the blade and handle are very similar length. Traction you mean grip? I personally never had problem with the knife slipping. I worked with the knife everyday for months. I just hung it up to give it a break.

bflying · Jul 18, 2016

My 562CF flips way better than my 561. Both are good knives. No problem with traction for me. Maybe because it's a little more "fit" to my hand, that it doesn't need all the sharp edges and deep jimping like the 560's. I think the 562CF is a culmination of all the best bits of multiple Hinderer designs, brought together into one knife. It's a tad smaller than the 560/561, but still very substantial.

115Italian · Jul 18, 2016

bflying said:
My 562CF flips way better than my 561. Both are good knives. No problem with traction for me. Maybe because it's a little more "fit" to my hand, that it doesn't need all the sharp edges and deep jimping like the 560's. I think the 562CF is a culmination of all the best bits of multiple Hinderer designs, brought together into one knife. It's a tad smaller than the 560/561, but still very substantial.

Very accurate description.

Basp2005 · Jul 18, 2016

Mindslaver said:
I think the xm use teflon washers, not phospor bronze. But that is in a gen4 xm18 3 inch, dunno if they had changed the washer in the later assembly.

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You're right about the washers, brain fart. Hinderer can get away with Teflon because of how the thumb studs engage with the handle frame. Rock solid lock up.