Xm-18 vs ZT 0301

I

iBlade

Joined
Jul 24, 2008
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Okay I know I am not comparing apples with apples here, one is a semi custom or custom knife and the other is a factory made blade.
One is made by Hinderer and the other is designed by Onion, one is recurve and the other is spanto...
I really like the look of the XM-18 flipper in Orange with a 3.5 blade, if it was a recurve I would be in love.

I love the shape of the ZT 0301 blade.
One is upwards of $450, the other around $250.

For those who own both, have owned both have played with both, whatever what can people tell me about the quality of these two blades viv a vis bang for your buck?
 
I don't know if this helps at all. I had an XM-18. There was nothing about the knife I didn't like. The construction is unbelievably strong but the design is very spare and elegant. It's stronger than most "tank" folders, but it doesn't feel like a tank.

My problem was that I was too shy in using it, due to the cost/value. I'd always go fetch a Spyderco or BM Griptilian when I had some real work to do. So, I sold it.

I don't know if you're like me, but I have a hard time beating on a $500 knife, even when it's designed to take it and beg for more, as the XM-18 indisputably is. Just not a good fit for me personally I guess.
 
I several XM-18's, and they are on of my very favorite knives in the world!! (I have first and second generation XM-18's, and they are full customs.) I DO carry and use them as well. I would vote for getting an XM-18, if you CAN find one. If you are looking, you WILL find one, eventually.
 
I'd get the ZT because Kershaw has some of the best customer service around. How long does it take to get a custom? Months or even a year? What happens when something goes wrong with your knife and you need it repaired? With the ZT you send it in and get it back in a couple weeks. Who knows how long it will take with a custom?
 
Hey thanks TKC, I always admire your kinves whenever you show, and you offer solid advice too.

I think the Orange flipper is what i want and its probably going to be a long wait...do yours have a flipper and can you tell me how they feel, are they smooth, are they assisted, in negatives with this knife - its to be a user, not a cushion holder!
 
Both are great knives, I own an XM-18. The 302 has a noticeably thinner blade compared to the XM-18 and with the spanto tip, the 302's tip doesn't look like it could hold up to as much abuse. That's not to say that the 302 has a fragile anything. Both knives have the flipper and the thumbstud and they both open using either method. For me, my decision would come down to 3 main factors:

1) How long am I willing to wait for an XM-18 to become available?
2) Am I comfortable using a more expensive knife for what it was designed to do? If not, the money will be wasted.
3) The most that any of my knives do is be a toy for me to play with. Cutting isn't a regular activity in my everyday lifestyle. Which one will I appreciate more while playing with the knife?

Both knives are tough enough for just about any reasonable tough usage for a folder. Both can and will cut anything that you would normally cut with a folder. Either way, you narrowed it down to two great knives. I was once faced with your dilema and it was an easy choice for me:

IMG_2917.jpg


IMG_2918.jpg
 
Mr.Kaizen1 if you are still there I have a question I would like to ask you about the second picture of your MX-18. Is the knive 3rd generation model? I have the same folder with the Hindere's name around the pivot but nothing on the lockbar stabilizer disc. Did you take the disc from the earlier model and put it on yourself?
 
i would much prefer the '18 but the ZT is good too.

is the '18 worth the extra$$? to me it would be but i dont know if the '18 will do anything any better than the ZT, i just like rick's stuff.
 
i have both as well, just got a XM-18 Gen 3 at the Chicago knife show, $500 big ones, and to me it is a grail knife. I like the ZT 302 alot but will probably never carry it, (and may sell it) as is so big and heavy. The assisted opening is not allowed in my community and it bothers me to have it in my pocket if God forbid I get stopped. I also have the Strider Sng and the Sebbie as well. Honestly, the XM has em' both beat for what it is worth. The XM is a custom, good luck in finding one at a reasonable price.
 
iBlade said:
Hey thanks TKC, I always admire your kinves whenever you show, and you offer solid advice too.

I think the Orange flipper is what i want and its probably going to be a long wait...do yours have a flipper and can you tell me how they feel, are they smooth, are they assisted, in negatives with this knife - its to be a user, not a cushion holder!
Click to expand...
Rick's knives flip smoothly, and with ease, and no wrist action needed. The XM-18 IS worth the wait. DO check Rick's site for his dealers, and then get on a list or two. The XM-18 IS meant to be used!! I DO use mine!! No, there are no negatives in the knife at all. No, his flippers are not assisted, and don't need to be. You WILL LOVE the XM-18!!
 
ZT0301 hands down, because if anythnig goes wrong, I can easliy replace it or have it fixed ASAP. Not tome mention I prefer Onion designs and recurves. To me, the ZT 0300 series is the definition of a beautiful tactical folder.
 
i have never owned a ZT knife but I can testify that the XM 18 is great knife. I just do not like the finger grove on the blade and prefer a little more cutting surface but it does not take away from it being a great knife
 
I own three ZT 0300 series knives so that speaks for my opinion of them. I think they are a top value in duty ready folders.

But I am on a list for a Gen 3 XM 18 so I will know the difference soon enough . . .

That said, if you can live with the size of the ZT you can't go wrong!
 
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ryosuke said:
Mr.Kaizen1 if you are still there I have a question I would like to ask you about the second picture of your MX-18. Is the knive 3rd generation model? I have the same folder with the Hindere's name around the pivot but nothing on the lockbar stabilizer disc. Did you take the disc from the earlier model and put it on yourself?
Click to expand...

This is the 3rd generation folder, but I didn't make any modifications to it. I bought it new from one of his dealers so I'm sure it came this way straight from Hinderer's shop. I'm not sure why there's a difference between mine and yours. He may have switched to the blank ones or vice versa at some point.
 
Um if you can find the XM-18 id say go for it.. and if you can find them for $450 or $500 id say buy as many as you find for sale. Recently I have seen the 3rd gen (semi-custom) go for around $600 and the 1st/2nd gen usually go for $800-900 and recently saw one for sale for $1000. They are getting expensive.
 
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