Two XM-18 Flippers???

[The Amazing Virginian]

Hi.

I have two knives which are both supposed to be third generation XM-18 3.5" flippers, but I see a lot of differences between them, and I want to know if this is normal . . . or if there is something funny going on here. In the last three pictures below, the first knife is on top, and the second knife is on the bottom.

The blade shape on the first knife has been reprofiled, so please ignore that. What I am noticing are: the Hinderer maker mark; the jimping on the flipper; the nut (or whatever it is called) on the backside of the adjustable screw; and the screws which attach the clip (Allen versus Philips).

Are these just normal variations? or something else.

KNIFE 1

KNIFE 2

SIDE BY SIDE

 

[RDA]

Normal.

 

[franzdom]

Did they used to use hex screws on the clip & filler tab? Something seems strange about that knife.

 

[Rob Orlando]

The top knife is a very early GEN 3. At one time the serrations on the flipper were done by hand with a checkering file, now by CNC. We did use hex screws on the clip and filler back years ago. The small dimples showing on the handlenuts also are from the same era.

The blade has clearly been reground, reshaped, and refinished by someone else, that is not our work.

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

Thanks for the information. Very helpful. And good eye, noticing the dimples on the handlenuts! I noticed that too, but neglected to mention it.

I might not have been as clear as I could have been in my original post, but I knew that Hinderer did not produce and was not responsible for the blade profile and finish on Knife 1. It was reprofiled/refinished elsewhere.

I would expect minor variations from batch to batch, but I was really surprised by the amount of variation between these two knives from the same generation. However, it seems perhaps they were made several years apart and maybe they reflect an accumulation of minor changes made along the way.

I should add that I like these knives very much. I carry the reground knife (Knife 1) a lot and it has served me well. It is probably not as indestructable as the original profile, but it does a wicked good job of slicing.

 

[s2kpdx]

Hey I recognize one of those