Xm-18 or smf

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d762nato

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Can any body that has or have had an XM-18 and a SMF tell me which one they like better and why? Not being able to really handle either, I figured someone might have some insight on these two.It would be for Edc and self defense if needed. Not trying to start a flame war, just trying to decide between the two. Thanks in advance,
 
i think an xm-18 would be better for edc just based on size alone!! the smf is a big folder. you could prolly get one today if u wanted i think there are a few in the exchange right now! good luck
 
softrockrenegade said:
i think an xm-18 would be better for edc just based on size alone!! the smf is a big folder. you could prolly get one today if u wanted i think there are a few in the exchange right now! good luck
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You probably right on the size difference. They are pretty close in price is one reason i'm comparing the two also.
But i guess if you went down in size on the strider it would be closer to an Edc type size.
 
The XM-18 is just a better knife IMO - especially with regard to fit & finish and ease of carry (even the 3.5" version) I found the SMF to be a pretty hefty package, and they have been known to have some quality problems.

EDIT - I just wanted to add that, as good as the Hinderer is, I would find it hard justify paying the current aftermarket prices for one. They are probably fairly priced at the MSRP of around $400, but at $600 +/- ??????oooooof! There are a lot of great knives that can be had for that amount of cash.
 
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DallasSTB said:
The XM-18 is just a better knife IMO - especially with regard to fit & finish and ease of carry (even the 3.5" version) I found the SMF to be a pretty hefty package, and they have been known to have some quality problems.
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Thank you Dallas greatly appreciated. :thumbup:
 
I have a CC SnG and a custom bowie XM-18 (received it today),they're a comparable size.The SMF is bigger.
In fit and finish the XM-18 is way more superior to the SnG.

But I still like the SnG too.And I still edc it.It depends what I feel like packing in the morning.

If I had to buy just the one knife i'd go for an XM-18.To edc it the spanto standard blade is more robust.

It's what pleases the eye more that should let you deside.Both are good knives.
 
I had an SNG which I sold to get the XM (from Rick, not aftermarket). The SMF is the big bro to the SNG, and from that I can safely assume the same conclusions probably apply. The XM is a very well built knife, and a steal if you can get it for ~400. The Strider is a good knife, but it did not FEEL on the same level as the XM. The blade shape of the striders is better for EDC -- BUT the ergos, quality, overall feel, and just about every other category of comparison goes to the XM.
 
DallasSTB said:
The XM-18 is just a better knife IMO - especially with regard to fit & finish and ease of carry (even the 3.5" version) I found the SMF to be a pretty hefty package, and they have been known to have some quality problems.

EDIT - I just wanted to add that, as good as the Hinderer is, I would find it hard justify paying the current aftermarket prices for one. They are probably fairly priced at the MSRP of around $400, but at $600 +/- ??????oooooof! There are a lot of great knives that can be had for that amount of cash.
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if the retail price of the xm was $500, people would say the same thing.

imo, it is an incredible value at $375, and for $500-600, you are getting exactly what you are paying for. in other words, the reason people complain of paying aftermarket prices is that we all know they are way less from the factory. besides, smf's are all $450+. add gunner grips or concealed carry, and you are at $550, roughly the aftermarket prices on an xm.

consider emerson customs, which are all $550 at a show. aftermarket prices are typcially double that, sometimes more.

re the op, i found the smf way too big for regular carry, and i had a cc version. and there is no advantage over the xm regarding cutting edge length, durability, or anything else.

between the two, ill take the xm all day.
 
Thanks fella's it sounds like the overwhelming majority is leaning towards the xm-18 as far as quality is concerned. :thumbup: :cool:
 
The XM-18 I had far exceeded my SMF in quality and fit. If I would choose one again it definitly be the XM.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
imo, it is an incredible value at $375, and for $500-600, you are getting exactly what you are paying for. in other words, the reason people complain of paying aftermarket prices is that we all know they are way less from the factory. besides, smf's are all $450+.
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I disagree.
With the factory price you are getting your money's worth with the XM-18.
The SmF is about $150 overpriced.
 
As a side note; I have found that some of Rick's dealers mark up over MSRP. I just paid $495 for a new 3.5" XM-18. I know it's $100 over MSRP, but I felt like I won the lottery when I found one! An orange non-flipper will be here tomorrow.
 
Comparing the SMF CC to the 3.5" XM-18, I do not really see that much of a size difference in carrying the two. But I do think the XM-18 is a higher quality piece.

DSC_4271.jpg
 
Yeah, the better comparison is the XM-18 to a SNG. I have both. The SMF would be more like carrying a ZT301..which I also have. Too much in the pocket.
 
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