Some previous posts mentioned that Hinderers are commonly purchased/used/designed by and for first responders. Certainly, the XM-18's that I did own are heavy-duty capable, and perhaps would be of benefit to firemen or EMT's. I have one career cop son-in-law who prefers cheaper folders such as Columbia River MT16 and Spyderco Endura. I have heard cops say that they don't want a real expensive knife that may get lost at an accident scene, or perhaps stolen while on the job.
In addition, due to the probability of getting drug residue or blood remnants on the knife, some wouldn't feel comfortable bringing that knife back into their homes at night. I do understand that remark. I do know a lot of cops, and they are often found with cheaper "throw-away" type folders...perhaps with good reason.
Military folks, while deployed, seem to prefer knives in the SAK multi-funtion design. Troops carry so much weight already that they are reluctant to carry much in the way of a heavy fixed blade design. I have heard comments that "I already have my rifle" and "you won't need a knife for hand-to-hand combat," although certainly that is subject to Murphy's Law.
