Which One?

[Fishstalker]

I'm looking to get my first Hinderer XM-18, and I need a little advise. I know I want a Spanto grind, but what blade steel should get, and should I go with the 3" or 3.5". Any input you can give will be appreciated.

 

[onlooker96]

What size blade do you like to carry? What size does the law allow you to carry? If you like smaller gentleman's knives, go with a 3" non flipper... I like the 3.5" flipper or the XM24 flipper...

 

[Marine007]

I am all for the 3.5 or the XM 24. But to be honest if they made a 4.5 folder I would be the first to order one in every color! Being a Marine I can't get a big enough tactical folder. However whatever XM you can get your hands on, you will love! It all comes down to personal preference. Look at the folders you have now, what you carry the most and stick to what, "you like the best"

 

[Fishstalker]

I've been leaning toward the 3.5". My current favorite folder is the Spydie Para 2. What about the blade steel.

 

[onlooker96]

I believe that the XM24 they use the S35VN and the XM18 3" and 3.5"are Duratech 20CV.

 

[Acerazor]

I've been leaning toward the 3.5". My current favorite folder is the Spydie Para 2. What about the blade steel.

I edc'd a Spydie para 2 digicamo for over a year. Now for the past month it's a 3.5 spanto.
They are comparable in size but the XM is head and shoulders above it.
It's the smoothest folder out there IMO.

 

[Ramiel]

3.5" Flipper Duratech 20CV you can't go wrong there...you can't go wrong no matter what. There's no "inferior" steel on the XM's, it basically comes down to flip vs non-flip and 3", 3.5" and 4"

 

[RubiconSS]

I say get whatever comes available there is no wrong decision and its not like you can walk in to a store and pick exactly what you want. Even being able to order is a "the what's available" proposition. Again, doesn't matter because they are ALL great, simply isn't a bad choice. How many times does that happen in life?

 

[Need2Know]

It would help a bit if you said you were able to buy direct or have to hunt on secondary markets. If you are hunting it would explain why you are asking what blade steel to choose. As I know it, Hinderer choose what steel is used in any given run, not the purchaser.
Also, I want to add that a 3" is overall smaller than a 3.5". Obvious statement, I know. But want to point out that most every dimension on a 18 3" is smaller than the 18 3.5" and both are dwarfed by the 24.