School me on all the new Hinderers

[calebpo]

Hey Folks,

Over the last six months I have purged most of my collection that didn't get carried often, holding onto a PM2, CRK Sebenza 21, Microtech LUDT, and Shirogorov Neon. Of the 15 or so knives i got rid of, the only one I really miss is my XM-18 3.5". I have made the decision to pick up another one to add to my "never get rid of collection" but when I went to pick through whats available, i saw a slew of new models I am not familiar with. The Jurassic, half track, eclipse ect. I went through several XMs before landing on one that flipped, what I consider to be, perfectly. I was just curious if anybody could share feedback on these new models, especially as it pertains to how they compare to a plain jane XM-18. My ideal detent tension is a solid flip with no wrist motion that can also be deployed via bladestop and spydie flick.

Thanks for your time!
Caleb

 

[marcus52AR]

From what I've heard the newer stuff from Hinderer is coming with stronger detents than the past ones.

I'd say go with whatever catches your eye, and ask the seller about the detent strength.

Whitty at USA made blades would surely help you out, he always gets superb feedback from his customers and carries a ton of Hinderers in stock.

 

[Ironbut]

I have two XM-18's. A 3" Harpoon & a 3 1/2" Spear point. The XM's just appeal to me more than the other models, but that's just my preference. A Fatty may be next. I do jike the blade shape of the MP-1 though. I may need one of those, too.

 

[Dknight16]

Half Track - 2.75" clipped drop point blade and built like a tank. The biggest little knife you will ever own. I love mine.

Jurassic - 3.25" drop point blade. I don't own yet, but ergos look amazing.

Eklipse - 3.5" harpoon tanto or trailing point blade. Feels great in the hand with a straightener spine than the XM.

MP-1 - 3.5" modified drop point blade, and has the modular backspacer system. Feels beefier in my hand than the XM.

Hope this helps.

 

[Barman1]

My next Hinderer design will be the Viper storm.

 

[photoman12001]

I like my MP-1 a lot but a good flipper it is not, at least compared to flippers from ZT, Benchmade, Spyderco, Ferrum Forge, etc. It requires a precise "push button" technique or a "light switch" technique with some slight wrist action for positive deployment. I wish it could easily deploy via the thumb studs but mine does not. I still recommend the knife if you can live with those shortcomings.

My wife thinks it looks like a bird.

 

[hhmoore]

My MP-1 flips fine - no wrist required. Most of the ZT flippers I have owned, with the exception of a few of the older ones, have a stiff detent...the MP1, while firmer than my XM and ZT0560, is soft in comparison. All that means, to me, is that the ZTs require more effort to open; and the Hinderer's are more about technique. There used to be a lot of stuff about how to flip a Hinderer - I learned the techniques, and never looked back. I'd rather be able to deploy a blade easily than have to overpower the mechanism on some of my other flippers.

The day I received my MP1, I struggled with opening it with the thumbstuds. (More accurately, I could easily do so left-handed; and was unable to do so with my right...meaning I was somehow putting pressure on the lockbar.) I played around with it over the next few days, and now rarely have an issue.

 

[photoman12001]

I can also open mine with thumb studs in my left hand but the right hand is a no-go, even when I'm careful not to put pressure on the lock bar.
This MP-1 is the only Hinderer I've ever owned or had used extensively. I am interested in a Half Track too. I'm just waiting for the right deal.

 

[Lapedog]

My next Hinderer design will be the Viper storm.

Yes, that Viper storm looks seriously ill.

 

[hhmoore]

I can also open mine with thumb studs in my left hand but the right hand is a no-go, even when I'm careful not to put pressure on the lock bar.

What I end up doing is holding my index finger against the end of the clip - fairly natural since that's how I remove knives from my pocket - and anchoring the base of the knife with my pinky. That keeps me clear of the lockbar, and the blade opens easily with the thumbstud. I have had success with another hand position; but this method is the easiest, and most reproducible, for me.

 

[hhmoore]

Also, rereading my earlier post, it sort of gives the impression that flipping the MP-1 is strongly technique dependent. I don't feel that is the case, at least with mine. Maybe, my experiences with light detent flippers that didn't flip well unless the user "did it right" have skewed my perspective.
My SSE has a stiff detent - I find it difficult to open via so called normal methods. I have learned to turn the knife slightly, and use the side of my index finger on the flipper - works like a charm, and with a lot less pressure required. (And, no, I don't have to think about it... it just happens; same as my technique for the MP-1)

 

[vox801]

My MP-1 flips perfectly and feels good in the hand.

The Half-Track is a smaller knife that feels bigger than it is. Comfortable in the hand and flips like a champ. Really like the look of it as well. I have 2.

The Jurassic has great ergo's and has no flipping issues at all. Very comfortable in the hand.

Now they all flip fine, but with the way they're built and teflon washers, which I have no issue with, they don't fly open like a knife with bearings. It's a smooth easy flip, fast, but smooth.

 

[photoman12001]

I replaced my teflon washers with phosphor bronze (polished with Flitz) and didn't notice any significant difference in the action. I left them in the knife anyway. I don't dislike my MP-1 at all but I think it's worth noting that the flipping action is significantly different than that of a knife using bearings, at least it is on my example. It's just something to be aware of so it's not a surprise for someone who hasn't handled one in person. The MP-1 is still one of my most fondled knives on long commutes to/from work. It's a great knife, beautifully made.

 

[SpySmasher]

Don't try opening the Maximus any way but a normal flip.

DUN DUN DUN.

 

[whitty]

Here is a pic from top to bottom of the Half Track, MP-1, Jurassic and an XM-18 3.5 Spearpoint.

https://flic.kr/p/WF3sRA https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/

The Half Track has a 2.75" Blade and is the smallest folder Hinderer has ever put out. I have not had a Half Track in my hands yet that did not flip well. They are great EDC knives and feel much bigger in the hand than you would think considering the size.

The MP-1 was put out to introduce the new Modular Backspacer System. The MP-1 has a 3.25" blade and is thinner in width than other Hinderer Knives.

The Jurassic is the latest release you asked about. It has a 3.25" blade but a slightly bigger handle than the MP-1. The Handle has a great curve to it that fits the hand nicely. I love the Jurassic but appear to be in the minority. I think once more people give it a try and really use it, it will become much more popular.

Most of the new Hinderer knives flip really well and have a good detent. Some still have a break in period but it is not long depending upon how often you flip and use the knife. It I can help in anyway feel free to email me at scott@usamadeblade.com

Hope this helps a little.

 

[vox801]

I like the Jurassic without the Dino-Scale scales. But it does feel very comfortable in the hand and flips just fine.

 

[Ironbut]

The flipping action on my two, (soon to be three), Hinderers is definitely different than my ZTs. The ZTs fly open due to the ball bearings. The Hinderers, while they flip easily, have more of a hydraulic action to them, (for lack of a better description), & may require a slight flick of the wrist.

 

[Barman1]

The flipping action on my two, (soon to be three), Hinderers is definitely different than my ZTs. The ZTs fly open due to the ball bearings. The Hinderers, while they flip easily, have more of a hydraulic action to them, (for lack of a better description), & may require a slight flick of the wrist.

That "hydraulic" feel is the teflon.
I polished pb washers using 2000 grit polishing tape on my 3.5 XM and have been carrying it for a month with the new washers and it makes a big difference.
It has a more solid feel mostly because the pivot can be tightened more than when using teflon that will drag when overtightened.
I use the thumbnail method of adjusting the pivot screw and with teflon I can overtighten, with pb I can go as tight as I can possibly go and it still opens well.
I'll never go back to teflon, on my XMs anyway.

 

[whitty]

I like the Jurassic without the Dino-Scale scales. But it does feel very comfortable in the hand and flips just fine.

The Dino-Scale was not well received. I think they have switched most to the standard G10. I kind of liked it but did not care if it had them or did not to be honest.

 

[vox801]

The Dino-Scale was not well received. I think they have switched most to the standard G10. I kind of liked it but did not care if it had them or did not to be honest.

Well they were not horrible, just prefer the standard G10. The knife itself is quite nice, very ergonomic and flips like a champ.