XM-18, Large Sebenza, Small Sebenza or SNG

Ankerson said:
Nice. :D

If the XM-18's were available at reasonable prices and readily available I would say yeah. :thumbup:

At current prices they make Striders look cheap. :eek:

For the current price of an XM-18 you could buy either a SmF or CRK and have a lot of change left. ;)
Click to expand...

:confused:

Gen3 XM-18s run around $500-$575 on the second hand market... My DGG DC SnG cost $500. A CC or DGG SMF runs around $550-$585 depending on blade finish... What money would be left over for the CRK?
 
Ankerson said:
Nice. :D

If the XM-18's were available at reasonable prices and readily available I would say yeah. :thumbup:

At current prices they make Striders look cheap. :eek:

For the current price of an XM-18 you could buy either a SmF or CRK and have a lot of change left. ;)
Click to expand...
Yup.
Aftermarket prices are still pretty high. I was fortunate to get one at retail ($395). Like I said in the review, it is not worth $600-$800.

I would still be willing to pay $100 over retail for one, but not much more.
A nice micarta CRK goes for around $450.
An Sng CC or GG goes for about $475.
An aftermarket $500 XM-18 is not totally unreasonable considering how good it is. The prices are starting to come down to around this level now.

Supply and demand, coupled with a bad economy, is starting to effect the scalpers.:D

Mine is not for sale.
Besides, nobody would want it now, its all scratched up and dirty.
 
So-Lo said:
:confused:

Gen3 XM-18s run around $500-$575 on the second hand market... My DGG DC SnG cost $500. A CC or DGG SMF runs around $550-$585 depending on blade finish... What money would be left over for the CRK?
Click to expand...


I said OR..... ;)

I know what Striders cost, my SmF CC SW cost me $550 and my SmF RW-1 was $500.


bearcut said:
Yup.
Aftermarket prices are still pretty high. I was fortunate to get one at retail ($395). Like I said in the review, it is not worth $600-$800.

I would still be willing to pay $100 over retail for one, but not much more.
A nice micarta CRK goes for around $450.
An Sng CC or GG goes for about $475.
An aftermarket $500 XM-18 is not totally unreasonable considering how good it is. The prices are starting to come down to around this level now.

Supply and demand, coupled with a bad economy, is starting to effect the scalpers.:D

Mine is not for sale.
Besides, nobody would want it now, its all scratched up and dirty.
Click to expand...


They are finally starting to come down then. LOL
 
My personal preference for overall design in order would be:

1) XM-18
2) SnG
3) Sebenza

Those choices probably have more to do with aesthetic differences anything. All have strong reputations for being more than capable for reasonable knife tasks.

The Sebenza will definitely be your best slicer. I tried slicing mushrooms up the other day with my XM-18 and it just wasn't working. I believe the SnG has the best warranty. Some have complained that it's difficult to deal with Strider and their warranty because they couldn't get a hold of anyone at the shop. Their policy is to just send the knife in with a note and they'll get it back to you when they get it back to you. I've read quite a few posts that that process worked just fine. People have gotten their knife back in 2 weeks, etc. Some have a problem because there's minimal to no communication and they don't know when their knife will be ready.

Hinderer Knives and CRK have exceptional reputations for customer service. CRK has been more in the public eye for a longer period and they have maintained that reputation. That doesn't happen by accident. If you're doing questionable activities with your knives that may be construed as "abuse", I believe the SnG and the XM-18 will be the way to go. However, I'm not quite sure what CRK's policy is for "abused" knives, ie, I don't know if they will refuse to work on the knife or if they will just charge some fee.

As far as I know, for the SnG or the XM-18, it doesn't matter how your knife was abused, so long as it wasn't modified, they will fix the knife. I think Hinderer Knives may charge a fee. That is, unless the failure was due to poor workmanship to begin with. That probably won't be an issue with an XM-18, but if it is, they'll handle it for free.

Design wise, the XM-18 seems to be built to take more lateral stress both to the tip and the general pivot area than the other two. Hinderer knives is also widely known for consistency in quality control. Strider Knives has had some complaints about questionable quality. Personally, that hasn't stopped me from ordering a custom SnG. I've read many more satisfied reviews of Strider Knives in general to be worried about the few(er) complaints. Other people may be bothered by that. It will come down to personal preference. Chris Reeve Knives in general probably has the best reputation for overall, consistent, high quality for a knife in their price range. Design wise, I think I just feel it's too plain I guess. That's probably due more so with the fact that the design was created a while back, compared to the XM-18 at least. Every year, all of the makers are constantly trying to come out with something new and I think that has spoiled me and many others where we start looking for the latest features. It may be hype and I may have fallen for it, but it is what it is. Many others find the Sebenza to be exactly what they need in a folder. Okay, that's enough bs from me. I think this post has gone on long enough.
 
Last edited:
BTW, I also carry a 3" Case Trapper for most slicing tasks. It's also great for when I'm around others and think it might make someone nervous to see me use the XM-18. If slicing will be a high priority, I might stay away from the XM-18 and the 3/4 grind SnGs. Don't get me wrong, the XM-18 can do just about any slicing that I need, but for delicate slicing, the Case is just going to work better. It's a thinner blade stock with a hollow grind and a thinner edge.
 
to me the striders focus more on ruggedness than anything else, the hinderer seems to be a jack of all trades that does everything decent but not extremely well. the sebenza is more refined. either way you will be happy with what you get because they are all very high quality. i prefer the CRK knives personally.
 
gundude73 said:
to me the striders focus more on ruggedness than anything else, the hinderer seems to be a jack of all trades that does everything decent but not extremely well. the sebenza is more refined. either way you will be happy with what you get because they are all very high quality. i prefer the CRK knives personally.
Click to expand...

I tend to see pocket knives in general as a Jack-of-all-trades kind of tool, but I know what you're getting at.
 
I like the XM 18 and if you can not find one then a
large Sebenza. If you dont want to spend that much then
one of the Kershaw ZT series like a ZT 200 or if you want a
little smaller a ZT 350. Those are very tough folders that are backed by
Kershaw who always backs there knives well
Good Luck. Kevin
 
I'd also consider the Umnumzaan in tanto version, if you're looking for a CRK that closes the gap for rugged uses. Being lucky enough to have owned all three, I'd consider the Sebenza(or Umnumzaan) or XM-18, but would also be quite happy with the Strider. I tend to like objects that aren't likely to attract attention, so the CRKs appeal to me. I also favour the better blade/handle ratios of the CRKs, as they pack more blade into the handles relative to the overall lengths. Based on owning all three, I feel anything that would damage the CRK is probably on the brink of damaging either of the other two as well. I don't feel "under-knifed" by carrying a CRK in comparison to the other two models. If you could grab an XM for a decent price, I'd get that one first just to see if it's for you, but I'd be happy with any of your choices:thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top