I was thinking about buying a hindered xm18 with the spanto grind the other day, and this question came into mind: why is the xm18 worth 200 dollars more than a ZT 0562 which has the same if not better materials, and the fit and finish open Zts are definitely good. Am I just paying for the hindered brand? I don't mean to put down the XM 18 in any way, in fact I see it as an amazing knife with beauty and function. Feedback is appreciated thanks😃
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ZT 0562 vs Hinderer Xm 18
- Thread starter Dsun
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ZT is under the umbrella of KAI brand, a large company/corporation. Think Walmart.
Hinderer is a small team of workers that can't produce the volume that ZT does. Think farmers-markets.
Hinderer is a small team of workers that can't produce the volume that ZT does. Think farmers-markets.
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- Apr 25, 2012
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ZT has for years focused on the wants of the user. When KAI had a manufacturer's forum section here the rep would routinely talk about how they focused on detent strength, grind evenness, blade centering, etc. Hinderer IN MY OPINION, doesn't care about these things. It's why I've owned several ZT's and haven't owned a Hinderer. There is nothing wrong with them, but FOR ME, ZT is more concerned with the same things I'm concerned with. Nothing against Hinderer, like others will say, they make fantastic knives. They are just not for me. Maybe you should try to eventually buy both and see which you prefer.
Barman1
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ZT F&F is great for a production folder but Hinderer is just a cut above.
I'm a fan of both but if I had to choose just one it would be the Hinderer, even for a couple hundred more.
What I don't like are collaborations of great brands that get shipped elsewhere for cheap 8cr... construction and sold for thirty bucks a unit in a big box store plastic clam shell pack. IMO it completely devalues the collaborators brand...but maybe that paycheck is worth the sellout.
I'm a fan of both but if I had to choose just one it would be the Hinderer, even for a couple hundred more.
What I don't like are collaborations of great brands that get shipped elsewhere for cheap 8cr... construction and sold for thirty bucks a unit in a big box store plastic clam shell pack. IMO it completely devalues the collaborators brand...but maybe that paycheck is worth the sellout.