I've had a Xikar 188 Extreme for about 2 months,and still find it to be a very intriguing design.I was first drawn to it due to the wood inlays,made of nicely figured ambuina,an African exotic.The blade is quite thick,.12",and unusually wide at almost 1 1/4".The overall blade shape and grind lines are quite complex,and features a small modified tanto point.The aircraft grade aluminum handles also have a very distinctive shape and high quality finish.The pocket clip is attached to the very end of the handle,using four small screws,and allows for very discreet carry-the titanium clip has a dark blue satin finish and is shorter than usual-the knife almost disappears when wearing blue jeans.The blade features double thumb studs,and opens smoothly and easily.The nested locking liner is reasonably thick and sturdy,and made of titanium.The blade locks up very tightly,with no movement in any direction.
Overall the knife has a fine fit and finish,and came out of the box easily capable of shaving hair.Edge retention of the Italian made stainless has been excellent.It has been alternating with a small sebenza for EDC,and its overall thin shape allows for very comfortable carry.My Extreme has the silver anodized finish on the handles,which I believe complements the wood inlays much better than the optional black handles/blade.
The Xikar extreme definitely makes an impression-you'll either be very intrigued with the unusual design or totally turned off by its unconventional appearance.All in all,it is a well made and handsome knife,with a distinctivenes all its own-very typically Italian!
