Want hinderer owners opinions of zt collabs.

SVTFreak said:
How good are the zt/hinderer collaborations? Very Good, as one would expect when Rick is involved in a project.
How will they stand up to real, hard use? Hard to predict but I would say they would stand up to what most would call "Hard use" which is to say Use, not Abuse.
I'm considering selling my xm and replacing with a zt to free up funds for other projects. One has to do what one needs to do as this is a subjective issue.
Which zt will be closest replacement to the xm 3.5"?Assuming size/weight, already answered
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Rarely in Life is anything meant to emulate an original, as good as the original. Makes sense if you think about it.
Seeing as these are knives (and not Kidneys) I say Try it and see if you like it. If not - the process is reversible.:)
 
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SVTFreak said:
I admit, I've had a bit of buyers remorse since getting the xm (it's not the price, as I have bought expensive blades). It just never grew on my heart. And, being perfectly honest with myself, I don't need a heavy duty blade. Everything I need can be done with my medium stockman case, if needed.

I like the xm, I just don't love it. Thinking to replace it with something cheaper to keep the cash, but honestly, I don't need anything cheaper. Maybe I should get another Davison if I sell her lol
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If you don't love it and you have a bit of buyer's remorse, you don't need a heavy duty blade and you don't need anything cheaper....then sell the XM and keep the cash for other needs.
 
RDA said:
If you don't love it and you have a bit of buyer's remorse, you don't need a heavy duty blade and you don't need anything cheaper....then sell the XM and keep the cash for other needs.
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That would be other wants.... Lol

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'd like to keep a Stout folder around, but maybe not have as much tied up in it. At least that's the feeling I'm getting from myself.
 
I don't think anyone is saying the ZT collaborations give less utility than the XM. They just give you that utility in a slightly less well put together package. If you are more concerned with just having a sturdy blade around for utility, then a ZT may suit you. I suspect that you have discerning tastes so just know that you may change your mind at some point down the line. If you do, I am happy to say that it looks like RHK is going nowhere but up from here in terms of skillfully made products for the discerning folks. Good luck, there are some great choices out now or coming out soon!
 
I picked up a 566 recently. What I do like: Size, Elmax, blade shape, deep pocket carry, smaller choil, and looks well built. What I don't like: Flip requires a little more umph, hate assisted knives, and not as beefy. Not bad, but I prefer my XM for sure!
 
I own a Cryo, a 0560 and a 0550, but they aren't XMs. The 0560 is a bit big, though nice and slim, with good action, I did use as a work edc. The 0550 is a chunky knife, a bit to square for me. The Cryo is just too small for me to edc (though my 3" XM is perfect for dress pants).
I got my dad a 0566 for Christmas, and he thinks it is hard to open, so I am going to try and de-assisting it for him. I like it, but have to agree, it takes some pressure to open.
Can't wait to try a Cryo II tanto!
 
BT I have had my 0566 for a while and Carry it along with my XM 18, it is still AO and opens without much effort, I think the torsion bar needs time to relax. Lots of folks who de assist them say the blade isn't heavy enough to swing open easily with just the flipper. BTW are you taking good care of that Zurich SWAt?
 
I ended up toting the xm today (my Davison falls out of my gym pants and it's been my love lately). I may hang on to it for a little longer. Maybe pick up a zt then pick between them.

*edit* I have to keep it for a while now. Son of a b**** bit me.
 
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I love the Kershaw/ZT/Hinderer collab knives. I have a CryoII, a Thermite, a ZT0566 (de-assisted and flips great, so smooth too!), used to own a ZT0550 (great knife too, sold it because I got my first XM). I also have a Cryo Blackwash Tanto (Hellfire--awesome), an Ember and the new ZT0562CF all on pre-order. I held the ZT0560/1 on several occasions and while it's a great knife, just too large for me.

Anyway, as you can see I am a fan of the Kershaw/ZT/Hinderer collabs... that said, none of them has felt like my XMs. Nor would I sell an XM to get one. But I clearly like them a ton too! Why not have both (life is short! :) ) But that's just me... YMMV.
 
I have been EDC'ing a 0561 for 2 months now and it is a Fantastic production knife. Good fit and finish and opens as fast as any assisted out there. I have held xm-18's and just paid for my first one today. I can say that while not being in the same "class" as an xm-18 in fit and finish and details.However the 0561 has done EVERYTHING i asked and then some. Comfortable in hand and feels very solid. Prior to that i carried a Sebbie for 5 years every day without fail. Im confident enough in the 0561 that i have zero concerns with its use in most situations. Plus they are fun to pimp out a little.
 
Cant say I consider either my 560bw, or my 561, to be even close to my XM18. The sum of the parts of these are too different to make a comparison. A bearing flipper can't compare to an XM, and my 561 has lock rock, after a year. The lock on my xm has not moved since I bought it from the ranch, and I carry it twice as much as any other folder and flip it constantly. If I had to hang all of my weight on one of them, well you already know the answer......while I can understand the need for converting an object into cash, and can think of endless circumstances where the need would be justified, my only advice on this topic would be that "there is no replacement for an XM in any denomination", there are other knives worthy of carrying and a ZT is a worthy carry, but A HINDERER CAN NEVER BE REPLACED.....IMO
 
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I own a 3.5 Xm-18 slicer grind and also have a Zt 0556. The 0556 definitely has a similar feel to my Xm-18. Size comparison is very close also. i also removed the torsion bar, which imo gives it that Xm-18 feel. I think its a fantastic knife.
 
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