XM-18 VS Les George VECP

You can't "always pick up an XM". I'd do it. I've owned 2 VECPs and both are now gone. The XM isn't going anywhere....
 
Here are a few comparison pics, these are my favorite mid techs in the 3.5" category...
The difference in the ergos between the VECP 2 and the XM-18 are pretty pronounced, but overall the dimensions and quality are similar.
Hope this helps...

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Hey Millie, going back to Locutus' idea of buying it from a dealer and then returning if you don't like it... If you want to go that route, GPKnives had some XM-18's last time I checked a couple days ago. I know for sure cause I had signed up to be notified when they got some in stock and got an email last week. In fact, just checked now and they still have 2 XM-18's 3.5'', both flipper spanto in digicam scales, for $850 a piece. Also just to add, I don't have a VECP nor have I ever handled one, but I got a couple XM-18s and I love them. After I got my first one, I liked it so much that I had to get a back up one while I could. Like Maprik said, I also believe you can't always pick up an XM. They are not easy to come by in my experience. Hope this helps.
 
Built like a glock eh? Your looking for a bear grylls gerber fixed blade my fine sir! Lol I kid. I own both, two completely different knives if you ask me. The VECP is my favorite double ti scaled knife in my collection, it is also my favorite non-flipper I have. But I also am deeply in love with my XM-18, best all around knife I've owned. If I was asked to pick one or the other I'd have a tough time but I'd have to go with the hinderer. Honestly you will one day be able to own both, just start a little change jar or put a couple dollars aside each month, like $50 a month or so. Whatever your choice is I'm sure you will forever cherish the knife you pick, good luck!
 
The Ergos on the VECP are top notch. I would think a Hinderer slicer grind would be a good compromise.

If Les would make a left VECP, it would be the only knife I owned.
 
I would never sell one to get a second. Get both. Wait a while to give time to see which you really prefer. If one then no longer makes the cut, sell it.
 
Its really just personal preference. Both knives are excellent. It's good advice to own both for a while and decide. I owned a VECP 2.0 sold it and bought the XM. After a while I missed the VECP so jumped on a cheap 1.0 on the exchange. But it never got any pocket time due to the XM so after a few weeks of collecting dust and being admired a bit I sold it. The XM just appeals to me more. The ergonomics and design are just better to me. Of course, your mileage may vary. And don't forget all the cool aftermarket scales and stuff that you can choose to make it your own.
 
There's only one way to find out. Trade it. If it doesn't wow you, you could always sell or trade it for another VECP.
 
Wait, trading the VECP and $200 for the XM-18? No chance. I'd maybe bite on a straight up trade, but there's no way I'd cough up an extra $200.
 
Tony8179 said:
Wait, trading the VECP and $200 for the XM-18? No chance. I'd maybe bite on a straight up trade, but there's no way I'd cough up an extra $200.
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Yep you are right and I have to pay $200 bucks to get the hinderer in the trade!!!!! That's why I am asking for your input brothers!!!
 
Keep the VECP and keep your eyes open for an XM for around $700. Buy it and compare. If you prefer the XM, sell the VECP for $500. If you prefer the VECP sell the XM for the same price you paid for it.
 
Maprik said:
Keep the VECP and keep your eyes open for an XM for around $700. Buy it and compare. If you prefer the XM, sell the VECP for $500. If you prefer the VECP sell the XM for the same price you paid for it.
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I was in the same boat not too long ago. Except my option was to sell a Large micarta Insingo Sebenza and get the XM. Instead of doing that, I saved a bit and sold a couple other knives that weren't being used and kept my Sebenza. I was very impressed with the quality of the XM. The spanto grind is awesome, the options for scales is cool. As much as I liked the XM, I realized that it was just "too much" for my uses. I ended up trading it and in return I got a Sebenza 25 and $400.00. Granted, I had an Orange g10 and CF scale and bronze standoffs too but still, I would have sincerely regretted trading away my Sebenza. Now that I have the 25 though, I realized that I am completely satisfied and it has become my ONE folder. I traded the Sebenza 21 for a couple nice fixed blades for camping and some cash. Moral of the story, If you like your VECP, keep it, save and buy an XM off the exchange for around $700 like Maprik said. If you like it better and can't swing both, sell the VECP. If you end up preferring the VECP (like I did with the Sebenza), sell the XM for what you paid and be happy that you tried it and added it to your pool of experience.

P.S. The folks over on the Hinderer forum (many of which have posted in this thread) are great!!
 
MRaymond said:
I was in the same boat not too long ago. Except my option was to sell a Large micarta Insingo Sebenza and get the XM. Instead of doing that, I saved a bit and sold a couple other knives that weren't being used and kept my Sebenza. I was very impressed with the quality of the XM. The spanto grind is awesome, the options for scales is cool. As much as I liked the XM, I realized that it was just "too much" for my uses. I ended up trading it and in return I got a Sebenza 25 and $400.00. Granted, I had an Orange g10 and CF scale and bronze standoffs too but still, I would have sincerely regretted trading away my Sebenza. Now that I have the 25 though, I realized that I am completely satisfied and it has become my ONE folder. I traded the Sebenza 21 for a couple nice fixed blades for camping and some cash. Moral of the story, If you like your VECP, keep it, save and buy an XM off the exchange for around $700 like Maprik said. If you like it better and can't swing both, sell the VECP. If you end up preferring the VECP (like I did with the Sebenza), sell the XM for what you paid and be happy that you tried it and added it to your pool of experience.

P.S. The folks over on the Hinderer forum (many of which have posted in this thread) are great!!
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But there is my problem I will never be able to shell out $700 for one!!! I have a wife and daughter and I am the only one with a job lol. If I ever get a XM this is my only chance should I do the trade and $200 or just forgwt about it. That's my debate guys.
 
Millie Maniac said:
But there is my problem I will never be able to shell out $700 for one!!! I have a wife and daughter and I am the only one with a job lol. If I ever get a XM this is my only chance should I do the trade and $200 or just forgwt about it. That's my debate guys.
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Ok, if you have that big of an itch and you just HAVE to scratch it (with an XM). Make the trade. If you don't like the XM, I am sure you could turn around and get another VECP + $200 from another member. Just saying.
 
MRaymond said:
Ok, if you have that big of an itch and you just HAVE to scratch it (with an XM). Make the trade. If you don't like the XM, I am sure you could turn around and get another VECP + $200 from another member. Just saying.
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Cool deal man that's what I wanted to hear man!!!! I appreciate the advice.
 
GP Knives has a couple of XM-18 3.5" for sale, FYI. As of 18 Apr 13. They probably won't last long.

Are we enablers, or what? :)
 
Locutus D'Borg said:
GP Knives has a couple of XM-18 3.5" for sale, FYI. As of 18 Apr 13. They probably won't last long.

Are we enablers, or what? :)
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Yeah I saw that..... ROFL

Think I will pass on those..... ;)

Someone could almost buy a Strider SMF CC for just the markup on those......

Or a Umnumzaan and have change left.......

Or a VECP.....

And that's just talking about the markup.......

But if one can get an XM-18 at Rick's price I would say flip a coin and choose......
 
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