to use or not to use

Raphael.caluwe

Raphael.caluwe

Joined
Sep 24, 2010
Messages
273
I am going to start working a bit around the house. We have an old shed, wich has to be renovated and insulated. The question is, should i use my xm-18 ? or should I buy a tenacious and thrash that ? Knowing that i'll probably have to do some dirty things to it, like mild prying, cutting trough gyproc probably small wire etc...
 
I will go on record and say no. And here is why.

You have the luxury of time and planning. There are " correct" tools for demoliton and construction- use them.
Pry bars pry and razor knives score gypsum.
Enjoy carrying and using your knife. Enjoy ALL tools for what they are designed to do.
There will be those who will say Hell yeah go for it and post pics.
Do what u want its your knife but that was my vote and why.
 
Rubi's not wrong. Correct tool for the job fist and foremost. But my XM(s) tag along for most all tasks and come into play along the way. The XM might prove to be the right tool for a given task as you work on your project.

The XM likely would handle the tasks you outlined without a concern, but an inexpensive pry bar and some wire-cutting tool (I like lineman's pliers) may come in handy.

ETA--isn't a razor knife the tool for gyproc type cutting?
 
in the course of my professional duties i will poke into boxes, pry open crates, lever things up and open, and scrape various surfaces with my folder, which currently is a xm18...maybe i'll have a multi-tool with me but usually it's just the folder...i'm not going to hesitate using it in any situation either...RH designed his folder with intent that it be a robust working tool in extreme professional situations, and that's how i use it...i paid good money for this; what am i going to, use a $15 beater because i don't want to get the xm18 scratched?...i don't think so...

when i think a situation calls for it i'll use a strider smf, but i think a xm24 will be coming into play soon for another alternative.
 
Some days..... :rolleyes:

The Op stated " I'm about to start a project, the job will require certain things be done. Should I use my XM-18"

That has nothing to do with, what an individual may come across in everyday life and whether their EDC can or should be called upon to execute required tasks.
IF I had to pry a staple or cut open a box - of course I would use my XM (right front pocket) BUT......
IF I knew I had a job next week, this afternoon, on a trip to my Mom's house and I could pack the appropriate tools in order to accomplish the task ..... I would pack the tools and the XM would still be there in case I needed it.
 
My XM is just one of the many tools in my toolbox.

XMtools.jpg
 
And if I were doing some shed demo. work I'd rather spend tenacious type funds on the 14" Dead-on Tools Annililator, pair that with some pliers, dykes, razor knife, an appropriate saw (Sawzall :eek:) and my EDC XMs...and not have any further concern.
 
I get what you're (all) saying, but the thing is I paid almost a grand for a knife built like a tank and i end up using it for opening letters :p
Sure I got it because i collect and for the appeal it has, but in the end it's just a knife, it's a tool. Also, nothing makes you love a knife more than actually using it hard. On the other hand, I am really ocd with my knives. It has to be perfect and if it is not i mess with it until it is perfect or until i screwed it up :p. one thing that makes me go wild are microdents on the edge. Barely large enough to see with the bare eye, but prominent enough to feel when slicing a piece of paper. Same with those annoying tips, I easily send 2 hours sharpening a knife to have it spot on. So, i dont want to ruin my xm-18 by using it and resulting in oversharpening it or stripping a screw or something.
 
Raphael.caluwe said:
I get what you're (all) saying, but the thing is I paid almost a grand for a knife built like a tank and i end up using it for opening letters :p
Sure I got it because i collect and for the appeal it has, but in the end it's just a knife, it's a tool. Also, nothing makes you love a knife more than actually using it hard. On the other hand, I am really ocd with my knives. It has to be perfect and if it is not i mess with it until it is perfect or until i screwed it up :p. one thing that makes me go wild are microdents on the edge. Barely large enough to see with the bare eye, but prominent enough to feel when slicing a piece of paper. Same with those annoying tips, I easily send 2 hours sharpening a knife to have it spot on. So, i dont want to ruin my xm-18 by using it and resulting in oversharpening it or stripping a screw or something.
Click to expand...

Time to find a beater XM.
 
I think you just answered your own question Rap if you do the demo work with your knife you will indeed get scratches and small nicks in the blade from cutting wire. If you want to keep it pristine I'm with Jay in getting a user XM.

Also the XM is a tactical knife designed by Rick for hard use in the EMS, LE, and military applications designed to cut what they would encounter in the field. He did not design a carpenters tool for demo work. Yes there are cross over applications however for more efficient work use a tool appropriate for the task.

In military applications the jimping is placed in strategic locations for close combat fighting utilizing a reverse grip for slashing. In my LEO experience I've done a lot of work with rope rescue conditions and the flipper works great especially when your hand is gloved to keep your hand from sliding forward on the blade. First and foremost it was designed to cut, to cut heavy materials such as seat belt webbing, car seats, rescue rope, heavy fabric, things of that nature.
 
While I wouldn't own any knife I wouldn't use, there's nothing wrong with choosing a better(or much cheaper) tool for the job, especially when you have the luxury of pre-planning what you will need for a particular job.
 
flipe8 said:
While I wouldn't own any knife I wouldn't use, there's nothing wrong with choosing a better(or much cheaper) tool for the job, especially when you have the luxury of pre-planning what you will need for a particular job.
Click to expand...

Right, it's why in every suggestion I have made in this thread says my XMs would be there. They are my "insurance" of assurance. But with the luxury of planning prior to the task, other tools in addition to a knife make sense here.
 
For me the point of carrying the knife is the knowledge, that when I need a tool I can depend on I've got it, what ever the need may be..... It's with me all the time and I'm ready because its with me...it's not with me to be abused,it's with me to help in An emergency, which is unplanned. It's there and it's capable....and it won't fail under stress... It's not a Halligan tool, it's a knife...
 
I would say go for it since you've paid so much for a good knife. I don't see the point in buying a knife to look at when they are designed to be used especially as beefy of a knife as XM. Definitely get your money's worth and let it earn its keep. It's just like buying a Ford Raptor and only drive it on pavement. But the decision is ultimately yours.
 
wowcoop said:
For me the point of carrying the knife is the knowledge, that when I need a tool I can depend on I've got it, what ever the need may be..... It's with me all the time and I'm ready because its with me...it's not with me to be abused,it's with me to help in An emergency, which is unplanned. It's there and it's capable....and it won't fail under stress... It's not a Halligan tool, it's a knife...
Click to expand...

Very well put...I agree...
 
We used to call it The "Hooligan" handy for roofing jobs (among others) tearing of shingles, sheathing and nails.

Good Zombie stomper too :)
 
A fireman never enters a structure empty handed... And a Halligan is the key to all doors.....
 
RubiconSS said:
We used to call it The "Hooligan" handy for roofing jobs (among others) tearing of shingles, sheathing and nails.
Click to expand...

I have torn off my fair share of shingles, enough that I have no desire to do much roofing again, never used a Halligan (but used plenty of flat shovels, claw hammers, roofing shovels and pry bars).

RubiconSS said:
Good Zombie stomper too :)
Click to expand...

That I haven't done yet....

;)
 
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