ZT0562 CF v S35VN v Elmax?

[RBid]

Thanks for this comparison. I have three knives with Elmax (the 0562 being the third). I must have ordered one of the last ones that my regular online dealer had, because they are now out of stock. What's interesting is how the Hinderer XM series is moving towards this knife by adding a lock bar insert and bearings. I've never held a XM-18 3.5", but the reviews say that the 0562 is a little less overbuilt, which based on this knife, is fine by me.

I’ve handled quite a few Hinderers at this point, side by side with 0562s. I prefer the 0562. It feels better in my hands. I think the XM-18 is a little better looking (primarily lock side), but the 0562 looks fine. All of the differences are subjective points. I couldn’t make a case that either is an objectively superior cutting tool. All of the blades are thick. I suppose I could nitpick and point out that most Hinderer blades are even thicker than the 0562’s .16”. Hinderers also use a beefier pivot size, which... I believe is irrelevant. I’ve never heard of anyone having a problem resulting from pivot size.

Uhm... yeah. The differences are nitpicky. Go with what you prefer.

 

[sharp_edge]

Thanks for this comparison. I have three knives with Elmax (the 0562 being the third). I must have ordered one of the last ones that my regular online dealer had, because they are now out of stock. What's interesting is how the Hinderer XM series is moving towards this knife by adding a lock bar insert and bearings. I've never held a XM-18 3.5", but the reviews say that the 0562 is a little less overbuilt, which based on this knife, is fine by me.

Both ZT 0562/0562cf and Hinderer XM-18 3.5" are well built folders. I guess people say xm-18 is more over built because xm-18's hardware stainless steel is better, the xm-18's standoffs are thicker, and it appears the liner and lockside of xm-18 is slightly thicker than ZT 0562. BTW, the jimpings on 0562 are either non-existence or useless while those on the xm-18 are very functional. I don't know about the latest gen of xm-18 with a steel lockbar insert, but the two gen 4 that I have both have solid lock up and I see no reason why I'd prefer the lockbar insert on Hinderers (although I won't object to it).