Scared I am going to make a mistake buying my XM-18 3.5

G

gpewett

Joined
Dec 5, 2010
Messages
83
I am going to purchase my first Hinderer. I have saved up the money and have been lurking on this sub-forum for about a week. I have decided to get the Spanto tip and I have no clue what handle material to get because I have never even touched carbon fiber. I was looking at the steels he offers his blades in and know absolutely nothing about them except cpm-s35vn in a spyderco native, also I am not even sure if he allows you to chose the steel used.I don't know whether I should go flipper or not. I guess I am just nervous I am going to use up my one chance to be a first time military buyer from him and not get the absolute most out of it. Some suggestions would really help me out or I may just end up looking at his site for the next year and never pulling the trigger. Also will this be a better choice for my service knife then my Emerson commander or is there too high of a risk that it will be stolen/lost. Thank you
 
First, thank you for your service.

Now my suggestion. Start with the Spanto Flipper. Choose a color of G10 that appeals to you and pull the trigger.

It is Rick's decision, not purchasers, as to the current steel being used. You can inquire with Rob O for more accurate details on any information.

Carbon Fiber is likely not an option on your order. But you can always add it later once you find it available.
 
A little more information. The XMs frame lock is a lot thicker than that on the knife you mentioned, plus you can squeeze it under duress to assure no potential failures, something not easily done on a liner-lock.

Check with your superiors before choosing what gear to bring on any deployment. And yes, anything you bring can be stolen. Not all people are of the same moral character with the same values. Sad, but very true.
 
FWIE from someone that's only handled one Hinderer:

It seems that size is going to be these best factor. If you want a 3.5 then pick what you like. Slicer or spanto, both cut and are both tough; sure one is thicker but both cut. The thumbstud works. F you like flippers pick that. But the thumbstud works. And all the steels are super steels. There isn't a wrong choice.

Everything else can be added later. Let us know what you get.
 
Slicer blade,flipper, g-10. Thats my .02 oh, and get a color that is uniform reg friendly. Thank you for your service!
 
If you can wait till the Slicer 3.5" is avail (which is soon) I would get that as my 1st XM-18. It slices well for the blade thickness & the blade is still very tough around the tip. If you however want the absolute blade & tip strength along with the extra grinds & geometry then you can't go wrong with the Spanto. One of the 1st things they drill into us in the military is "Secure Your Gear" know where your stuff is at all times or lock it up & you will never lose it & it won't be stolen from you.
S35VN is a very popular steel choice right now among many high end production knives & my personal use with it has been very good. It's a small step above S30V in terms of toughness.
Hope that helps
 
gpewett said:
I am going to purchase my first Hinderer. I have decided to get the Spanto tip...
Click to expand...


Looks like you have the biggest hurdles conquered.

I suggest if you can order a 3.5 Flipper, DO! It's rare for anyone to regret the purchase and there's always the resell safety net.

Decisions on if it can/should be carried on deployment(s) and final scale materials/colors can be made in the future. The order window for 3.5s won't last forever, then you have to wait for next cycle.
 
If you order now you'll get the spanto grind flipper with a G10 scale. As was said above, pick a scale color and do it. You can't go wrong, that's a perfect first (or only) Hinderer. If you scratch it up and decide then you want to sell it, you can still come out a couple hundred ahead any day of the week.

As for scale color, think about visibility vs descreetness. If you want the knife to be easily spotted if dropped on poor light, pick a bright color like orange. If you want it to be a little less noticeable, pick something like FDE or camo. Or just pick the one you like best. ;)

This vet also thanks you for your service. :thumbup:
 
On Active Duty - I carried a spear but......I digress. ;)

Answer: XM18 3.5 Spanto/Flipper (Consult Unit S.O.P. for restrictions on color, if any) G10 scale is what you will get and what you want if it is going to be part of your deployment gear. LW covered the color options.
Scales can be swapped down the road, for now G10:thumbup:

Stay Safe.
 
I just (5 minutes ago) received my second XM-18 - a 3.5" spanto flipper. I have small to medium hands and it feels really sturdy (and big) compared to the 3" slicer. Of the two blades, I personally prefer the spanto in looks and feel, although I have yet to cut anything with the spanto. The blade edges feel similar to me in sharpness.

Mine came in an OD green scale, which I will change out for a CF scale as soon as it arrives in the mail. If you want the OD scale, I'll trade it for whatever color yours comes in if you prefer OD green.

Bottom line, I like the way the flipper feels when the blade is open - it protects the upper fingers. But I find myself opening it with the thumbstud just because I'm used to opening knives that way. And I prefer the spanto, unless you are going to peel tomatoes or something. Oh, I'm retired Army (which is why I'm getting rid of the OD green scale :)).

You won't make a mistake, though, because you can always trade for another style of XM-18 down the line if you want - no shortage of takers for the spanto flipper.
 
Forgot to mention............. To the Op's point.

Fret not, a mistake in buying your XM-18 3.5" - Not Possible :)

Whatever "You" decide because it will be "Your Knife" will not be a mistake, what it will be is;

The finest Hard Use EDC folder you could ever own, rely on and depend on.
Your trusted piece of gear that will never let you down and with very little attention, will always be there to Do whatever it is your needs require irrespective of status - It's just a well designed, mission oriented tool for those who's
"needs" are rarely forgiving of style or compromise.
So, I stand by my recommendation but, get what you want and rest assured it will meet and exceed your expectations.
 
you guys talked me into it at least, 3.5 spanto flipper bought, od green scale. Sure some of you had seen this one on that one site.
 
Hauling said:
you guys talked me into it at least, 3.5 spanto flipper bought, od green scale. Sure some of you had seen this one on that one site.
Click to expand...

Congrats man did you get the one with or without the skull filler? If you got the skull filler it was basically a freebie been some decent deals lately. OP these guys have hit the nail on the head and you will definetly be blown away with your purchase. You should jump on it and sit by your mailbox just waiting for the bad boy to come in.
 
Shift said:
Congrats man did you get the one with or without the skull filler? If you got the skull filler it was basically a freebie been some decent deals lately. OP these guys have hit the nail on the head and you will definetly be blown away with your purchase. You should jump on it and sit by your mailbox just waiting for the bad boy to come in.
Click to expand...

thanks man, with skull yup, thats about as cheap as I'll ever find for a new one with that included. Just ordered a pond scum scale as well. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top