SNG vs. XM-18 opinions wanted

V

vicbastige

Joined
Aug 31, 2010
Messages
113
Ok,

So I am recently diagnosed with a blade addiction. I have several "nicer" folders (benchmade barrage, ZT 0350 etc.) but am looking for one a little nicer. I have used the search function a read up on the strider SNG and Hinderer XM-18. Basically, I can justify only one of the two financially, so my question is whether or not the Hinderer is worth the extra cake. Both seem like very well made and well respected offerings, but since the Hinderer is in more limited production, I'd have to pay a little more through the nose for it.

Opinions appreciated.
 
XM because it is rarer and...... simply because customer service with Strider is always a crapshoot along with the knife itself.....With Strider you are always gambling. With that said though I have always had good luck with the ones I have had.
 
If weight is a concern you may want to consider the strider which is significantly lighter than the XM. Both are heavy duty, but that XM is a tank and reeks of high end quality!
Strider has been one of my favorites but in my experience... you got a 50/50 shot its gonna have bladeplay. XM is 99.9 gonna be perfect.
So i suggest the XM, as you loose the chance of being disappointed after dropping big coin.
 
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I've never owned a Hinderer, but with all the Striders I have owned I have found the stone washed versions to be my favorite. They also seem to have better fit and finish, in my experiences at least.
 
Unless you go with a custom grind XM-18($$$), the flat grind on the SnG will slice better.

Both are solid folders, but fit and finish goes to Hinderer, and you'll pay for it.

I have used both, and I prefer the SnG, it's my go to beater knife. Again I recommend the full flat grind.

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If you find a Strider with awesome F&F I think its one of the best knives out there. Its a shame that just about all Striders require "fixing" and thats just unacceptable to me for such an expensive knife. In fact I believe a well made Strider might be better than the Hinderer but with the latter you know its going to be perfectly made every single time. That alone makes the XM-18 superior.
 
XM-18's, all coming out like high end gold. Fit your hand like Rick designed it just for you. Big beefy stand-offs, looks uber cool, and IS! :thumbup:
 
No contest for me. Hinderer over Strider any day of the week. I have owned both, sold off the Striders. Fit and finish on the Hinderers is much better. I have never dealt with customer service from Strider, but I know Hinderer has been very fast in response to any questions I have had. I give the edge to Hinderer.
 
softrockrenegade said:
The XM18 might possibly be the most ergonomic knife ever !!
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This, except I think the scales need to be more grippy, the knife can fall out of the sweaty hands quite easily.

I have a Strider SMF, it isn't the best slicer...but it will take an epic beating. That's really all I want....never to have to replace or buy another knife for my daily carry.

I would love to get an XM-18 some day but again ..I won't pay the $500+ price tag....for $395 I'd buy it anymore and no thanks. It's just not worth the insane mark up. Dealers mark it up $150-$200. If rick and rob sell it for $395....I imagine it cost MUCH less to make, I think we're getting robbed blind on dealer pricing.
 
I wouldn't complain having either in my pocket, but the XM has better F&F(eventhough all the Striders I've owned were pretty much perfect) and has a higher "coolness" factor for sure. In terms of performance, I imagine both are pretty similar, especially if you opt for the tanto SnG. If you can score a Hinderer within the price range of the SnG, that would be my choice. I've got a 3" XM and feel it's the standard for hard-use knives in its size, but would love to get another Strider someday.
 
For me, I do not think it gets better than the XM18. The SnG is nice, but the fit and finish of the Hinderer knife is all about the quality.

SnG:
+ Flat grind, provides easier slicing.
+ Aesthetically cool with the flamed Ti side and unique shaped handle
+ Good ergos for most people
+ Excellent resale value
+ Cool bladefinishes (tiger stripe)
- Thick blade although flat ground does not lend itself to slicing well overall (compared with other knives)
- Fit and Finish is hit or miss with the knives, rough opening, sticky lockbar.
- Balance with handle to blade is somewhat off (blade heavy)
- Pricetag is a bit excessive for what you get, not what I would call a great value
- Warranty service is also hit or miss. Sometimes legitimate issues get no resolution.
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XM18:
+ The fit and finish is that of a custom knife, maybe even better (very close tolerances)
+ Cool blade finishes (tumbled/stonewashed)
+ Extremely comfortable for extended cutting
+ Practically indestructible, the knife is built solidly no question at all
+ Spanto grind is a great utilitarian concept and lends itself perfectly for various cutting tasks
- Availability
- Resale value might not be great, but most people can sell theirs within a day
- Weight (some people do not like heavy duty folders) This is extremely HD.
- I was going to say price overall. However, this is one knife that is like no other I've yet seen or used. I do think that it is worth the money 100%.
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I've had both. The XM-18 is worth the price to me. The SnG seems to be a better slicer, but the xm has easily cut everything I've needed to cut. The xm is noticeably heavier, but I have no problem carrying it everyday. I also prefer the DGG SMF to the sng. I think the xm will last longer all else being equal.
 
Bill86 said:
I would love to get an XM-18 some day but again ..I won't pay the $500+ price tag....for $395 I'd buy it anymore and no thanks. It's just not worth the insane mark up. Dealers mark it up $150-$200. If rick and rob sell it for $395....I imagine it cost MUCH less to make, I think we're getting robbed blind on dealer pricing.
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Would it make you feel better if Rick & Rob sold it for $500 like Strider does + some extra? If you're a first responder or catch a break in a one day sale, you've done just that - got a deal. IMHO they're more of a quality knife than a Strider (which I repect btw) with superb f&f, great ergos and super fast, friendly customer service with a phone call or an email.

The price on anything is what the market will bear. I doubt that any knife company disallows it's outlets the latitude of earning money on their products. Just sayin.... :)
 
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