XM-18 slip joint review?

osvcap

osvcap

Joined
Oct 25, 2011
Messages
116
I lurk on here more often than I log in. I have not found many reviews around about the slip joint. I was wondering what you all thought of it compared to the frame lock xm-18.
 
Well, I finally gave in and bought one. I chose the black G10 with the sheepsfoot blade. Comparing to the few reviews and videos I found, I was reluctant but figured I would try it out. Anxiously stalking the package on the UPS app, it arrived today in the dispatch office. I immediately took the thumb disk off.

So far it feels similar in hand to the frame lock XM-18 though a bit thinner. From what I can tell the pivot screw and two along the spine do not hold the scales in place. The holes for these points have a slight gap around them as if the scales are placed on and held by 3 smaller screws on the centerline. The gaps are big enough to see the liners glistening in the sunlight. The clip side, it appears, uses 1 screw in center. The screws holding the clip and gap filler hold the ends of the scale in place on that side.

The pull is a little light. I would compare it the blade of the Victorinox Cadet blade. There is no half stop but you can feel a less rounded area, I guess, beginning about 75 degrees into opening. Mine does not have that “soft stop” at 90 degrees as one reviewer called it. If my hand were a little more flexible, I could pinch the blade in thimb and forefinger, hold the frame with ring finger and almost pull blade open.

I expected it to be sharper out of the box but I have not had much reason to use it today. I am on board for a while so I’m sure I’ll put it to use before the end of hitch.

So first impressions; I’m somewhat satisfied so far. Except for those gaps I mentioned, the rest is what you would get with any Hinderer.

I know ‘pics or it didn’t happen’ I’ll get around to upgrading membership to post some.

So, should you buy one? Don’t know. I bought one thinking I would rather buy it and not use it, then they eventually sell out with no more available and wonder what if I should have bought one. If you have to have a Hinderer and can’t legally carry a locking one, go for it.

I’ll update later as I get more use from it, but for now - keeping the pointy end between the red and green and the barnacle side under my feet.
 
I got a Spyderco Byrd slip joint. A few sogs incoming as well. For a guy who spends some time in NYC, it's gonna have to work.
 
Sog came in. Terminus Nice knife. stiff slip too. Also got a boker slip and am waiting on a spyderco with the 110sv later this week. I will update on that when it gets here.
 
Kreyzhorse said:
Thanks for the review. I'm on the fence about these but overall love the Hinderer XM knives .
Click to expand...
I have 2 3” XM-18 framelocks. I don’t use them as much as I should. I like the feel of the G10 on both sides of the slippie.
I was concerned about not getting a good edge when sharpening. I’m no expert. I don’t need mirror polished edges or perfect angles for that matter. The hardest use I might put a knife through is cutting boxes, and cutting lines of different types and sizes. A few swipes on a DMT diamond stone and I’m good to go. I slightly rounded the tip on KO Work Sharp, but whatever.
I have no worry about it being non locking and have not had any incident where it closed on me. If you buy one and decide you don’t like it, you could probably swap it.
 
Mikel_24 said:
As far as I know, you don't need to be a paying member to attach pictures!

Good looking knife!
Click to expand...
Never said anything about having to be a paying member to post pics. I’ll fix it.

Hooray! I’m finally a paying member. Here is my first picture, if anyone is interested to see it. (Disclaimer: You do not need to be a paying member to post pictures.)

There. Better?
 
osvcap said:
Never said anything about having to be a paying member to post pics. I’ll fix it.
Click to expand...

I was referring to the first post, it gave the impression that you were not posting pictures because you didn't have a paying membership.

But it's all good!;)
 
Mikel_24 said:
I was referring to the first post, it gave the impression that you were not posting pictures because you didn't have a paying membership.

But it's all good!;)
Click to expand...

No worries. Not trying to be smart a$$, but nicotine withdraw has me on edge. Happy New Year to ya’.
 
osvcap said:
Well, I finally gave in and bought one. I chose the black G10 with the sheepsfoot blade. Comparing to the few reviews and videos I found, I was reluctant but figured I would try it out. Anxiously stalking the package on the UPS app, it arrived today in the dispatch office. I immediately took the thumb disk off.

So far it feels similar in hand to the frame lock XM-18 though a bit thinner. From what I can tell the pivot screw and two along the spine do not hold the scales in place. The holes for these points have a slight gap around them as if the scales are placed on and held by 3 smaller screws on the centerline. The gaps are big enough to see the liners glistening in the sunlight. The clip side, it appears, uses 1 screw in center. The screws holding the clip and gap filler hold the ends of the scale in place on that side.

The pull is a little light. I would compare it the blade of the Victorinox Cadet blade. There is no half stop but you can feel a less rounded area, I guess, beginning about 75 degrees into opening. Mine does not have that “soft stop” at 90 degrees as one reviewer called it. If my hand were a little more flexible, I could pinch the blade in thimb and forefinger, hold the frame with ring finger and almost pull blade open.

I expected it to be sharper out of the box but I have not had much reason to use it today. I am on board for a while so I’m sure I’ll put it to use before the end of hitch.

So first impressions; I’m somewhat satisfied so far. Except for those gaps I mentioned, the rest is what you would get with any Hinderer.

I know ‘pics or it didn’t happen’ I’ll get around to upgrading membership to post some.

So, should you buy one? Don’t know. I bought one thinking I would rather buy it and not use it, then they eventually sell out with no more available and wonder what if I should have bought one. If you have to have a Hinderer and can’t legally carry a locking one, go for it.

I’ll update later as I get more use from it, but for now - keeping the pointy end between the red and green and the barnacle side under my feet.
Click to expand...

FYI, screw sizes are T5 for the 4 scale screws,
and Phillips 01 for the clip and filler tab. Scales
come right off after removing these 8 screws.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top