XM-18 or ZT 560?

rye_a

rye_a

Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
874
I know that this is hugely subjective, but I am having a terrible time deciding between a 3.5" XM-18 and a ZT-560 for my next EDC. I have access to Hinderer-direct pricing for the XM-18, but even at the non-inflated pricing it is still nearly twice the price of the ZT.

The ZT is within my budget while the XM would be a stretch, so can anyone who has experience with both knives tell me why it is or is not worth going with the Hinderer?
 
I have both and at direct pricing its a no brainer to stretch the budget IMO. The xm-18 is much more pocket friendly and the attention to detail/resale value make it worth every penny.
 
If I could get a 3" XM for direct price, I would pick that over a ZT0560. I like my 0560, but would rather spend the extra few bucks to get the XM.
 
I have both and the Hinderer is leaps and bounds better than the 0560. It is very pocket friendly and is all around a much higher quality knife!
 
The hinderer xm-24 in Australia is $1400 and I honestly can't justify using a knife at that price. I went with the 560, because I know I'll use it instead of letting it be a safe queen.

It's like comparing a high-end Mercedes to a Rolls Royce.
 
benm11 said:
I have both and the Hinderer is leaps and bounds better than the 0560. It is very pocket friendly and is all around a much higher quality knife!
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Now lets hear your reasoning why you THINK the XM is leaps and bounds better than the 0560, and that its all around a much higher quality knife ??.
 
I went through this. I also get direct pricing. You're looking at $250 or so for the 560 and $375 for the XM. This is a no-brainier. Get the XM. Even if for some reason you hate the XM, you can sell it and buy three or four ZT's :D
 
[What I want to know is; How do I get direct pricing???]

I understand now.

Thank you, sir!
 
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I've had both. The xm was easier to carry. The 0560 is a great knife but just a tad too big. If you can get direct pricing it's a no lose situation because you can use it like it was meant to be used and if you ever need to sell it you will make more than you invested in it.
 
I have the ZT560 and carry it every chance I get, easily my favorite knife. That being said I would not pass up on the chance to buy a direct priced xm-18. If you dont feel like it was worth it sell it on the secondary market and make enough for three ZT560's
 
Get the Hinderer. You will have a bit to save up to cover the difference in pricing since its not 3.5 time yet. It's coming, but just not yet. The XMs are produced in batches one size at a time.

If you are able to order direct, thank you for your service / career decision.
 
Rick Hinderer will only deal with you directly if your a LEO, EMS, Active Military and Fire Safety personal, there might be more, if you do not fall in to this category you need to buy then from a secondary dealer or private sale for a large mark up. Just the way he chooses to do business take or or leave it but he makes one hell of a knife but so is the 560 from ZT for far less.
 
I'm just gonna butt in here, even though nobody asked. I was able to buy direct from Rick a couple years back. Due to finances, I had to sell. When I did, I decided to sell on the secondary market for the price I paid (I think I charged $400 to cover shipping). It is a privilege and honor to pick up the phone, order an XM-18, pay $385, and have it two days later. I dont think anyone selling thereafter has the right to turn some big profit. Rick sells them to first responders to use, not resell and make money. My opinion. Carry on.
 
Well, I've definitely decided on the Hinderer. Now I just need to be patient enough to wait for the next run in January...
 
Why wait? You can buy them all day long here on the Exchange.
In the last month, I've bought a XM-18 3" Slicer grind and a XM-18 3.5" Spanto.
Sonny
 
jeepin said:
Now lets hear your reasoning why you THINK the XM is leaps and bounds better than the 0560, and that its all around a much higher quality knife ??.
Click to expand...

I actually ended up selling my 0560 because I really didn't care for it. The xm is overall more dense and compact than the 0560 making it better for pocket carry. Personally I think the grip is a lot more comfortable on the xm. Other personal preferences include the grind, stonewashed finish, smooth lock side on the xm. Also, the xm has overall higher quality workmanship.

Another thing that bugged me with the 0560 is that they milled out the lockbar side and steel (whereas titanium on xm) liner to save weight whereas I would prefer to leave those as is to add to the tank like natures of the knife.

These are just my opinions, I'm not trying to start a flame war or anything because I am also a fan of zt and I have a half dozen of their knives that I really like. The 0560 was just not for me.
 
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