What's with all the Hinderer XM-18s for sale?

So then has Rick come up with the ultimate detent . . . one that is both strong enough to open reliably using a flipper and still allow for easy inertial opening? If so, that's quite an accomplisment. Normally, detents are made strong primarily to allow the blades to flip easily and PREVENT THEM from inertial opening. And if you have access to a video that shows all three opening methods in operation on a single Hinderer XM, I'd love to see it. It's really difficult for me to imagine strong flipper opening combined with easy inertial opening unless, of course, the pivot is released to the point that the blade develops blade play.
 
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I have no idea what they were like before, as these two are the only ones I've handled. I can flip both even straight upwards, as well as fling the blade out without touching anything, plus thumb studs are easy, neither have a strong detent and flipping is accomplished by rolling the blade out with a pushing fluid movement. You can't pull the flipper and expect them to rocket out from the detent breaking.
 
Flinging the blade out maybe isn't as easy as before, I tried it just now and it did take a lot of effort. As in a full arm swing.
 
So then in your view, Rick has completely overcome the weak detent "problem". Is that correct? And if it is, what would you attribute it to? I mean, why would you suppose later generation XMs are easier to flip open than earlier generation XMs? That certainly seems to be what's transpired. :confused:
 
Never handled a Hinderer before I bought these two. No problem flipping them though, after I mastered the technique, thumb stud is easy, flinging can be done but I was mistaken, it takes a lot of force. I'm fine with both and I'm used to bearing flippers that load up and open suddenly. They're just totally different from a bearing flipper.
 
bld522 said:
I mean, why would you suppose later generation XMs are easier to flip open than earlier generation XMs? That certainly seems to be what's transpired. :confused:
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They've obviously gone with a stronger detent now; hence, it can be opened with the flipper more easily.
Considering that there are enough places in the States and around the world where inertial-opening knives will get you hassled by the law, it fixes two problems at once (although it won't stop whining...now people will whine about how they hurt their elbow trying to fling it open :D ).
 
Both of mine flip great as long as I remember, to push on the front of the flipper and roll the blade out in a fluid motion. That's how I open them, I'm happy. Don't know about everyone else.
 
jill jackson said:
Both of mine flip great as long as I remember, to push on the front of the flipper and roll the blade out in a fluid motion. That's how I open them, I'm happy. Don't know about everyone else.
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Mine flips open easily with no modified technique when using the flipper...I was referring to what I thought your post said, that by holding the blade between thumb and forefinger, the knife would open by weight of handle alone.
 
It's not a modified technique, you push down on the jimping on the front of the flipper, that's why it's on the front. Instead of the back like a bearing flipper.
 
jill jackson said:
People complained when they were too exclusive, now they're complaining because they're available. Maybe people just like to complain?
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Gen. George Patton said, "You only worry about the men when they stop complaining, it means they stopped caring."
 
bld522 said:
So then in your view, Rick has completely overcome the weak detent "problem". Is that correct? And if it is, what would you attribute it to? I mean, why would you suppose later generation XMs are easier to flip open than earlier generation XMs? That certainly seems to be what's transpired. :confused:
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Mine is the latest batch which I just received from Knife Center. I previously posted that I have had problems opening the blade via inertia. I am glad to report that my inability to do so was attributed mainly to user error on my part. It is true that the detent was strengthened based on comparing it to all the units that my friends possessed. Just a few minutes ago I changed the way I flick the knife and I was able to flick it open 6 out of 8 times in one flick, with the two misflicks taking an additional try or two to get it open. Now I am kind of starting to love my XM-18 more and more.

To answer your question, it seems the stronger detent do allow the user to press down a little on the flipper and sort of get it to charge up before letting the energy build up to flip it open. With the older models with a weaker detent, applying a bit of force would cause the blade to slide open but not having enough energy to totally flip it all the way to lock, and needing at times to combine a little bit of a wrist flick to open the blade fully.
 
bld522 said:
So then has Rick come up with the ultimate detent . . . one that is both strong enough to open reliably using a flipper and still allow for easy inertial opening? If so, that's quite an accomplisment. Normally, detents are made strong primarily to allow the blades to flip easily and PREVENT THEM from inertial opening. And if you have access to a video that shows all three opening methods in operation on a single Hinderer XM, I'd love to see it. It's really difficult for me to imagine strong flipper opening combined with easy inertial opening unless, of course, the pivot is released to the point that the blade develops blade play.
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Here's a guy opening with thumb and flipper. I don't know if he tried to open inertial, I haven't watched it all. I did hand mine to my dad and he can open it flipper, thumb and inertia. He's a lot stronger than I am though. He gets it open with only a few inches of movement, it takes me a lot further.

[video=youtube;2CD6MQylXnM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CD6MQylXnM[/video]
 
I've never had any issue using the thumbstuds for flick/spydie-flicking Gen 4 Hinderers (the difficulties in using the thumbstuds, in my experience, is moreso due to lockbar pressure than detent strength). I still do see inconsistencies in detent strength (having owned 3 Gen 4s), with my most recent Gen 4 opening while in pocket.
 
jill jackson said:
Here's a guy opening with thumb and flipper. I don't know if he tried to open inertial, I haven't watched it all. I did hand mine to my dad and he can open it flipper, thumb and inertia. He's a lot stronger than I am though. He gets it open with only a few inches of movement, it takes me a lot further.

[video=youtube;2CD6MQylXnM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CD6MQylXnM[/video]
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This video appears to show an older model. My understanding is that the new models have more rounded thumb studs. This one is more flat. I have one with the rounded studs and it is brand new. Mine has a very strong detent and flips great with no additional technique or wrist movement. I agree that in order to flip well, you need a strong detent. Whereas to open with studs you need a less strong detent. Mine will not open with inertia alone, which I actually believe is a good thing.
 
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