xm-18 3-1/2" CTS-XHP

Gress

Gress

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Feb 8, 2009
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Was looking for one (non-flipper) in this steel for sometime and finally was lucky enough to score it on Exchange from a forumite. Due to Holidays it will be shipped tomorrow and supposed to arrive by the weekend.
While I am awaiting for the blade here my thoughts are with this new steel. Anybody want to share any thoughts and experience with this steel?
 
The knife is here :):cool:
diapoa97ab77fe8f8b174327b65ade194db16.jpg
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
The knife is gen3

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what makes it interesting is the steel (not too easy to capture the etching, perhaps this is slightly better pic)

5b5f240923dc5be9405fc2b5c411f808.jpg
 
Nice Hinderer and pics, how do you like it compared to other folders that you have. As far as lockup, flipping and soforth.
 
I assume we only talking framelocks. :)
Out of all my framelocks the only one which comes close is Strider SnG (others may disagree :p)

2d4551c1e7192b86e069c76dde414f48.jpg


xm is on top

cc9e3a783aef5c5883227a87efc6792d.jpg


They are both very strong and secure. Hinderer is smooth like a glass on all the actions, Strider is a bit more sticky on everything from blade swing to framelock open. I like them both better than any other framelocks. I would rely on each one with no hesitations.
Currently I am in love with this new steel on Hinderer. The more I explore the more I like it :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Great knife! Congrats.
I've got Hinderers with CTS-40CP, CTS-XHP, and DuraTech 20CV and they are all outstanding steels and overall awesome knives.
 
I really like the steel.

Before acquiring a CTS-XHP blade I was a big fan of D2.

This new steel does seem to be a more stainless version.

The only difference I see is that I seem to be able to get a finer edge on this vs. the D2. My D2 blades end up toothy after a few sharpenings, but the CTS-XHP doesn't.
 
Gress said:
I assume we only talking framelocks. :)
Out of all my framelocks the only one which comes close is Strider SnG (others may disagree :p)

2d4551c1e7192b86e069c76dde414f48.jpg


xm is on top

cc9e3a783aef5c5883227a87efc6792d.jpg


They are both very strong and secure. Hinderer is smooth like a glass on all the actions, Strider is a bit more sticky on everything from blade swing to framelock open. I like them both better than any other framelocks. I would rely on each one with no hesitations.
Currently I am in love with this new steel on Hinderer. The more I explore the more I like it :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
Click to expand...

It is a very interesting comparison that you bring up and I am having the same experience. I have an XM-18 and a SnG CC and noticed exactly the same characteristics on opening. Is there something that can be done to loosen up the Strider or is it what it is? I'm new at this and will appreciate your comments.
 
NFK said:
It is a very interesting comparison that you bring up and I am having the same experience. I have an XM-18 and a SnG CC and noticed exactly the same characteristics on opening. Is there something that can be done to loosen up the Strider or is it what it is? I'm new at this and will appreciate your comments.
Click to expand...

Graphite from a pencil on the blade tang might make it less sticky for the short term. I've heard you just need to break it in (which can take an especially long time on Striders).
 
misterjuiceman said:
Graphite from a pencil on the blade tang might make it less sticky for the short term. I've heard you just need to break it in (which can take an especially long time on Striders).
Click to expand...

Yes it indeed helps the lock for a while.
As for the smoothness of opening, Hinderer is better due to teflon washers as opposed to a brass ones on Strider. After a break in it would be better, but far away from xm.
 
Gress said:
Yes it indeed helps the lock for a while.
As for the smoothness of opening, Hinderer is better due to teflon washers as opposed to a brass ones on Strider. After a break in it would be better, but far away from xm.
Click to expand...

Strider uses phosphor-bronze washers which take much longer to break in versus teflon or nylon.
 
misterjuiceman said:
Strider uses phosphor-bronze washers which take much longer to break in versus teflon or nylon.
Click to expand...

Not sure if the washers are indedeed phosphor-bronze :D
Anyway, this is how they look on my SnG

04e985bda6.jpg


And BTW when the knife came brand new they were dirty and somewhat rusted. I suggest to check the knife and clean it up before you break it in.

Sorry for the OT :)
 
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