ZT 561 vs Hinderer xm 18

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celticpride2133

Joined
Jan 30, 2012
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Hey guys, so I have seen several reviews of both but most of the time the discussion is based on the higher price of the hinderer. Well I am an EMT so the price is more reasonable for me. With that in mind, which are you picking and why? Thanks guys
 
I think the Benchmade 275 is probably the most high-end I would go for a strong work folder. Could get two and keep one as a back-up and still have saved some money...or get a few CS Recon 1 Spear Point. Maybe an EMT who owns the ZT and/or Hinderer can explain why either one's design and materials is worth more than twice as much when it comes to actual EMT work.
 
Get the XM. It's a great knife. I don't have the ZT, but have several other ZT's and a Gen 4 XM18 3.5. The XM18 is rock solid! I'm not sure why people need to chime in with irrelevant answers when you asked about two specific models. Some people don't understand the value of quality.
 
celticpride2133 said:
Hey guys, so I have seen several reviews of both but most of the time the discussion is based on the higher price of the hinderer. Well I am an EMT so the price is more reasonable for me. With that in mind, which are you picking and why? Thanks guys
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You're in an enviable position. Personally, I'd go for the XM 18 (or even XM 24) if I were you. The 0560/0561 should be easily available for at least a few more years. You can always get one later. And if you don't like the Hinderer, you can easily sell it for at least what you paid (if not considerably more).

BTW: The traditional BF answer is to buy both! :D
 
The 0561 is an amazing production knife. For the money its superb, very light for its size and has a great blade steel. Its also very beautifully made.

But...A Hinderer XM-18 is in a different league. Better in every way except that the 0561 is quite a lot cheaper.

Too be honest though, the 0561 is still a heck of a value and makes very little compromise. But an XM makes no compromises and would be my pick. They are both in a class of their own IMHO.

Hinderer makes such a good knife.
 
I'll just echo what's been said: "Get an XM." ESPECIALLY since you're an EMT. Getting an XM on the secondary is a whole different consideration but at under $400 for an XM-18, the value is incredible IMO. You definitely get your money's worth. I paid around $500 for mine and even at that price point, I am more than happy with it.
 
Since your an EMT I would probably go with an XM, though the disparity of quality isn't really there in my mind....Since rick sells to EMTs first I would support that (if I was in your shoes)

If you get the ZT I guarantee you won't be disappointed, it is a "full size" version of the XM
 
The problem with NOT getting the XM 18/24 is that you will be left with the question:
"I wonder what it would have been like to have an XM?"
It will eat away at you day and night until you finally succomb.
How do I know this, you ask?
 
If the money doesn't matter, certainly get the XM. It's also likely thinner than the ZT; easier to carry. I prefer the thinner handle thickness for equal blade thickness. And the XM blade-steel is top-notch.
IMO, no contest.
Sonny
 
Like everyone has said, take advantage of the sales strategy since you are an EMT and get the Hinderer. It is certainly worth the <$400 price tag. I used to have a 3.5" XM18 but sold it because I could not justify a $700 knife for what it was especially compared to customs in the $500 range. For $400 it is a good knife for sure.
 
I say get the ZT. I wasn't impressed with the 2 XM18s I had at all. I like the design of the ZT better too, just wish they made a smaller one too.

Although you could get the XM and them sell it.
 
shooterpunk said:
I say get the ZT. I wasn't impressed with the 2 XM18s I had at all. I like the design of the ZT better too, just wish they made a smaller one too.

Although you could get the XM and them sell it.
Click to expand...

I'm curious why you didn't like the XM18. And if you didn't like it why you bought two?
 
It makes sense to get the xm18 because you can get the discount and flip it if you don't like it. But after owning 5 or 6 xm18's I definitely like the zt better, both the 0550 and 0560. When I bought my xm's I loved them but back then the zt's weren't around. The 0560 is incredible, easily as good as the xm18 and IMO as good or better machined. The inside of the ti slab is relieved for weight savings, the handles are contoured, the clip is a low rider, the pivot has bearings, the steel is Elmax which is as good as what Rick uses.

The 0560 is a technological powerhouse that has everything the xm would if it were designed today and not years ago, IMO.
 
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