XM-18 3.5 vs large CRK insigno

I have 5 CRK’s, 4 of which have Insingo blades. While all of the Reeve blades styles are great cutters, I really like the Insingo better.

I have had 7 Hinderers, an XM24, and 6 XM18’s (4 @ 3.5”) and (2 @ 3.0”). I currently only have 1 and it’s a 3.5” recurve.

The CRK’s are much better cutters than the Hinderer’s but the Hinderers have a personality that’s a little more playful if that makes sense. As mentioned many times above, you can customize a Hinderer to no end. The flip factor, especially on the new tri-ways is very fidget friendly. The 3.5” XM’s feel great in the hand and they are tougher than nails.

You really can’t go wrong with either, but if you’re primarily looking for a day to day cutter, the CRK wins out, especially the Insingo.
 
The one big difference not mentioned is the xm is spectacular in the hand. The crk’s sebbie is average at best imo, although I haven’t got my inkosi yet which looks like it would be much better than the sebbie at least.

Personally, overall I like the hinderers more but I prefer heavy beefier knives, and in the hand is important to me, so I like the g10 and the xm handle is one of the best out there. No doubt though the sebbie is better for edc and slicing.

And I almost forgot, buy neither and get the true GOAT, Les George!! 😂
 
OP Awesome thread comparing two of many people's grail knives.

From a looks standpoint it seems the g10 on the Hinderer would provide a better grip when wet. I have held a Eklipse and Sebenza but never got them wet.
 
I have a few full Ti Hinderers. But when working, I use G10/CF copies. Allows me to put on concrete or asphalt without getting snail trails. Hinderer textured CF is awesome.
 
When it comes down to it I think having both eventually is the best answer! Both are different and serve different purposes.
 
Also want to mention the free spa treatment. Titanium handles can be easily scratched up (doesn't matter which finishes). It's a shame that RHK does not offer spa treatment (while CRK for free). Also, it needs 4 or 5 different tools to completely disassemble an XM-18 while only ONE simple tool is needed to disassemble a Sebenza.
 
sharp_edge said:
Also want to mention the free spa treatment. Titanium handles can be easily scratched up (doesn't matter which finishes). It's a shame that RHK does not offer spa treatment (while CRK for free). Also, it needs 4 or 5 different tools to completely disassemble an XM-18 while only ONE simple tool is needed to disassemble a Sebenza.
Click to expand...
Stonewash Hinderer helps a lot, but no doubt CRK'S spa service is a valuable plus
 
Criteria to consider with winners listed for each:

Cutting Ability: CRK
Pocketability: CRK
Disassembly and Maintenance: CRK
Warranty and Customer Service: CRK
Customizability: Hinderer
Factory Edge: CRK
Blade Shape Options: Hinderer
Country of Origin: Tie
Action: Tie. (The CRK hydraulic action is legendary, and the Hinderer tri-way system is special and unique.)
Price: Hinderer (although with some customization, this can flip.)

There's lots to love about both. And being a southpaw, I love that both have made lefty options available. However, CRK has a lot more lefty options available. End of the day I own a dozen CRKs across small and large Sebenzas, large Inkosis, and an Umnumzaan. I own one lefty XM-18 and an Eklipse (both lefty.) I'll take the CRKs over the Hinderers, and if I was going to buy a Hinderer it would be the Eklipse over the XM18.
 
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