Should I buy a Hinderer or ZT

Why not buy both?

 

I think it’s all in which one you want more. I’ve owned and used multiples of both and they are excellent knives. If you’re asking whether the Hinderer performs a $100 better than the 0562, I’d say no. Maybe better build materials but both of those knives are very similar and will perform similarly. If you want the Hinderer name, then get it. If you’re just looking for knife performance, I’d get the 0562 and save yourself a hundred bucks.

Of course this is just one opinion among many others.

 

Never had a hinderer. Never felt the need since I have his designs in ZT. I say save the money and get the 0562.

 

I've never owned a Hinderer but going back and forth on buying one, either a 3" or 3.5" Skinny.

I do own a ZT 0562cf and it's an amazing knife that I believe everyone should try. With that said I'd go with the 0562ti.

 

I have to agree that it is all about what will make you happy ... both are great knives ... I love my Hinderers but I can't say the XM-18 performs above the ZT if you are looking for value ...

but I enjoy my Hinderers ... and a big hook of the Hinderers are the custom options you can add ... but kick the cost up another 20% to 40% if you go all out ... so if that is what you want then the Hinderer is a great knife ...

if you go to a Skinny ... they do cut better with out of the box geometry ... the regular XM-18s I like to reprofile to 15 to 17 dps ...

the ZT is a quality no frills work horse ... you get what you expect.

 

The biggest difference I’ve seen is the option to personalize the knife. The Hinderer has more options than the ZT.
Hinderer, IMO, has a better heat treat. I can only compare S35VN since I’ve got both in the same steel.
With the tri-way pivot on the latest Hinderer’s, it may be worth the price difference. It also depends on how you’ll use the knife, I’ve read here that the bearings on the ZT have suffered rust issues, lock issues. Haven’t read that about Hinderer.

 

Between the ball bearing, PB washers and Teflon washer option you have with the Hinderer, I’d say that 90% of folks have the bearings in. Night and day difference between the bearings and PB/Teflon washers. Never had a problem with bearings in a ZT either. Using a knife like a knife, you’re not going to see a big difference between the two.

 

I have a 0562cf and all black version...they get much more carry time than my bowie xm. It's a great knife and killer cool...the zt design is just a better edc for me.

 

I’ve got a Hinderer and love it. But the ZTs are just as good. I can’t really say what to do other then get both lol

 

I like the design waaaaaay more on the XM. IMO the ZTs are goofy looking. And the XM clearly has superior hardware. I have several Hinderers and I’ve never given a second thought on buying a single ZT.

 

I have 4 Hinderer XM-18s and 4 ZT/Hinderers and I say the genuine Hinderer is absolutely $100+ better than ZT, better in terms of build quality, ergo, jimpings, grip, and aesthetics. This applies to both washer version and tri way version. Many people ignore two (potential) issues of ZT: the steel liner will rust/pit over time and the ball bearings will result in a groove on the ti lock side over time.

ETA: just the logo and wording on the blade alone, Hinderer is $50 better than ZT/Hinderer.

 

Zt is great but they don’t have the soul of a Hinderer nuff said

 

Hinderer.

 

I have never had any rust issues on bearings ... if you use it regularly and wipe of moisture or any corrosive materials I don't think you would ever have issues ...

and I have a few Gen 6s on washers and I can't tell the difference after using them a bit.

never had any issue of rust with the ZT 552 either.

 

Hinderer FTW a picture or two says it all

 

The ZT 0566 is more comparable to the 3” XM-18. The ZT 0562 is more like a 3.5” XM-18.

 

This is the 3” XM-18 that you want.
No, wait, it’s the one I want.

Seriously though, if you’re asking the question, you really want the XM, so that’s what you should get.