This post contains affiliate links. We may get paid an affiliate commission if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of the links on this web page.
Last Updated: August 5, 2019
If you have been following Hinderer Knives on the secondary market, you will have noticed that the prices have fallen dramatically over the past couple years. A few years ago, it would have been hard to find a used XM-18 for less than $700. Some were fetching closer to a grand. Today, if you hunt around you can find them for close to retail ($385), and some online stores even carry Hinderer products. That’s right, you may actually have a shot at buying the knives from a retailer(!)
Buy the Hinderer XM-18 3″ at BladeHQ
I am not sure why the prices of Hinderers have dropped. It may be due to increased manufacturing capabilities so that supply actually begins to meet demand. Or perhaps the company is facing pressure from the rise of mid techs and high end Chinese knives. Or maybe it has something to do with excellent Hinderer / ZT collabs like the 0562CF driving down demand?
This is great news, regardless of the cause of the price drop. Personally, the reduction in price has allowed me to carry and use my 3″ XM-18. Don’t get me wrong, I carried and used my 3.5, but after shelling out over $500 for it I was pretty ginger with the knife. Plus it was really too big for me to carry regularly. I eventually sold it off. Now that the prices have come down to earth, I picked up a 3″ version of XM-18 to try.
General Dimensions and Blade Details
The XM-18 3″ has an overall length of 7″, a 3″ blade, weighs 3.6 ounces, and is made in the USA. While the XM-18 3.5 is an impressive piece of hardware, it is hardly an every day carry (EDC) item in my book. It is built like a tank, with a thick slab of titanium, meaty blade, and over-sized stand offs. The 3.5 is a much more substantial knife than the 3. The 3″ version of the XM-18 is better for my minimalist style of daily carry. As a result this knife has been getting a ton of pocket time. I would consider this to be either an EDC knife, or a collectible.
Hinderer used to only offer the production XM in a drop point (with a spanto or “slicer” grind). Over the past year or two they have rolled out a number of different blade shapes including a clip point, “skinner”, and the wharncliffe version shown here. Rick’s wharncliffe design has grown on me. The shape is attractive and the blade has been executed flawlessly. The knife is ground thin and cuts well. The edge is about as neat of an edge as I have seen. The grinds are crisp and the stonewashed finish is subtle.
My XM came in S35VN stainless steel – just like the blade on my 3.5, the new Chris Reeve knives, and a number of other higher end offerings I have sampled. So at this point I am very familiar with S35VN as a blade steel, but I have still taken the time to put this knife through its paces.
This XM-18 has spent many weekends clipped to my pocket, and has broken down innumerable boxes, and assisted with home improvement tasks. I like the combination of S35VN steel and wharncliffe blade; this is like the worlds most expensive box cutter. The blade tracks easily through material, and the straight edge results in pressure being uniformly applied throughout the entire cut. The absence of belly means that this won’t be a great hunting or filet knife, but the straight edge is useful for a lot of other jobs. I have had zero issues with corrosion and have not much need to sharpen (although it certainly dulls after use – this isn’t some miracle steel). I have mostly maintained the edge on my strop and it continues to shave hair and push cut paper with regular maintenance. S35VN is excellent stuff, and you will find the 3″ XM in S35VN to be a capable cutter.
Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip
Handle construction of the XM-18 3, follows Rick’s pattern of titanium lock side, custom stainless steel standoffs, titanium liner and G10 handle scale. A slotted pivot helps hold it all together. Everything has been executed with surgical precision. The titanium on my model has been stonewashed and has held up well. The filler tab is flush with the handle. Every detail has been carefully considered and masterfully executed. What I especially enjoy about the 3″ version of this knife is how light the handle is. It is significantly lighter than the 3.5, and despite everything being over built the knife still tucks away neatly into the pocket.
The XM series includes one of my favorite ergonomic features: the forward finger choil. As demonstrated on some of my all time favorites like the Paramilitary 2, American Lawman, and Sage 1, this forward choil gives the user several options in gripping the knife. I find myself using the choil for detail work, and not using it when breaking down a box or engaged in an extended cutting chore. If you ignore the forward choil, the rest of the handle is plenty adequate for a full grip, and the simple shape naturally conforms to the hand. There is a run of jimping on the spine. The jimping is wide, and it strikes a good balance between providing traction and not shredding your thumb. The corrugated G10 handle scale and jimping by the pommel provides additional traction. This little XM is not going to fall out of your hand easily.
The 3″ XM features the same titanium pocket clip found on the rest of the XM line. It’s a spoon style clip that fits into a recess machined into the handle. This is not a deep carry clip, but when mounted for tip up carry the knife buries into the pocket decently. While it isn’t my all time favorite clip design, it certainly works. The clip has good retention and is reasonably discrete. The handle has been milled for right side tip up or tip down carry, and a “filler tab” is included to cover up the recess in the handle.
I like the way the 3″ XM carries. It feels even lighter than it’s 3.6 ounces would suggest, and the knife is as thin as my beloved Sage 1. For these reasons the 3″ has been getting a lot of pocket time, and it has proven itself to be a viable EDC option for me.
Deployment and Lockup
Hinderer sells the 3″ XM-18 in flipper and non-flipper variants. I have a flipper version, but it might as well be a non-flipper. The flipping action is pathetic. The blade barely makes it out to half mast – even when preloading the flipper. This is a shame. I still like the knife, but when you consider that a $30 Swindle flips better than this, it makes you wonder what is going on at Hinderer HQ. I have heard rumors that Hinderer was going to fix the weak detent on their new knives. I am not sure when this wharncliffe was made, but I don’t think they have been offering the blade shape for longer than a year. Thankfully, thumb studs are also included on the knife, and they can be used to “coin flip” the blade open. All XMs come with teflon washers, and my little 3″ is no different. The action is smooth, but personally I still prefer phosphor bronze (and suspect bronze washers would help the action).
The titanium framelock on this knife is extremely nice. It engages early and without stick. There is no blade play and the blade is perfectly centered. Hinderer has this part down to a science and it shows. This is an excellent framelock and it is certainly up for heavy cutting. Blade centering on my knife is perfect.
Hinderer XM-18 3″ Review – Final Thoughts
The high end titanium framelock flipper market has become fiercely competitive over the years, and shows zero sign of slowing down. Hinderer’s XM series has long been considered a gold standard for titanium framelock knives and high end carry pieces. If you get your hands on one it will not take long to understand why. The knives are beautifully made to exceptionally high tolerances.
Although the prices have dropped these are still far from cheap. Most people reading this probably think I am nuts to own a $400 knife, and that is OK. I’ll spare everyone the “value” discussion – either you want an XM (and are willing to pay for it) or you don’t. But at close to MSRP I think these are excellent knives, built extremely well, and I am surprised at how much I have enjoyed the 3″ XM. I bought it on a whim, and it has won me over. This is a great high end EDC option because it carries and cuts well, and oozes quality. I just wish the flipper actually flipped. That would be the cherry on top of this knife sundae. But as it stands there is still a lot to enjoy.
This is a rugged no-nonsense tool that will serve it owner well for many many years, and I think the 3″ version is practical for a normal guy to EDC if you can get around the price tag and sub-par flipping action. Recommended.
Rick Hinderer Knives XM-18 3″ – $425.00
From: BladeHQ
KnifeArt has a great selection of XM-18s, and occasionally they pop up on BladeHQ as well. And lately, they have been popping up on Amazon too. I recommend purchasing them at these retailers. Thank you for read.
The flipping action on the new models seems to be all over the place; people on BladeForums report that the have gotten newer (2015) models with great detents, and then others still have the same weak detent issue. I have no idea if Rick has gone back on his clearly unpopular opinion that the XM-18 needs to be able to be opened with inertia because pretty much any time it’s brought up, the overzealous Hinderer mods shut down the thread.
Interesting, Dave. If I recall correctly my XM-18 3.5 was more or less flippable (with some wrist action). That may have something to do with the heavy blade. This little 3 does not flip at all. For a knife that is otherwise so immaculate, it is odd to see this issue remain unaddressed in 2015. Thank you for stopping by.
Dan
So true what you said: ” I have a flipper version, but it might as well be a non-flipper. The flipping action is pathetic. The blade barely makes it out to half mast – even when preloading the flipper. This is a shame.”
That’s the case with my XM-18 3″ 20CV from 2 years ago with limp f;lipper action. However, I got a brand new XM-18 3.5″ in April 2015 and the flipper action is GREAT! I’d love to get a 3″ with great flipper action but there’s variability from one sample to another. One has to handle it before buying from a local store. I love the utility of a small Wharnie. Overall, the ergos on both my XM-18s are excellent.
Hinderer raised retail prices on May 1, 2015:
XM-18 3″ Retail Price $425
XM-18 3.5″ Retail Price $425
XM-24 4″ Retail Price $595
Hinderer moved to a new facility on May 28, 2015 with a lot more CNC machines, etc. for higher production capacity.
Ramin,
Thank you for the comment and updated price sheet. That makes more sense. It looks like I snagged mine for right around retail. My 3.5 flipped better than my 3″. It still wasn’t on par with a ZT, but it could at least get the blade open with some wrist action. The the blade of the 3″ has much less mass. If you combine that with a weak detent and teflon washers, well, the blade ain’t going very far. I agree, try to handle one or call the store if ordering online to see what the action is like first if you are expecting one with snappy action.
Dan
My XM-18 3.5″ from April 2015 flies out like a ZT! Surprising. Very strong detent so that it will not in my pocket or due to inertia. As a matter of fact, it is so strong that you can NOT open it via thumb studs. Perhaps the pendulum swung too far the other way but opening it via flipper only is fine with me.
By the way, the Rick Hinderer Knives form on BladeForums closed down on September 30, 2015. They may have gotten tired of arguing the same old arguments. Regardless, there are good information in the stickies.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/849-Rick-Hinderer-Knives
Ramin,
Wow that is really cool. Glad they are dialing some of these in. I am a member of BladeForums but mostly lurk. I like the knife reviews section and the sales corner. That said, the forums can be a wealth of information.
Dan
With the thousand or so Zero Tolerance Hinderer models, I can’t justify something more expensive or “better” than my ZT0561. Plus the pitted/machined “3D” titanium and G-10 looks a million times better to me than the slab sided XM-18.
Thanks, Dan. I must confess I like the size of this little 3″ more than the 0561, but I agree – the 0561 is a real nice knife, and it makes the argument for a genuine Hinderer less compelling.
Dan
Let’s not forget, however, the fact that the Hinderer XM18 is a platform for modding and original hardware swapping.
Also FYI the link in the second paragraph goes to a review of the ZT0562CF and not a review of a 0560.
Thanks, Dan. Fixed.
Dan
Man, that’s a good looking wharnie blade.
I was so frustrated with my inability to flick my Spanto 3.5″ open, that I was ready to sell the thing. I researched everywhere on the net to find a solution. I discovered that it was a problem with how I was holding the thing…I was trying to flip it open, but one of my fingers was on the Lock Bar. You have to learn to hold the knife without pressing on the lock bar and the thing will flip open with ease overtime. I simply couldn’t believe that this was my problem. I can flip it easily with the flipper or the thumb studs with no problem. Chances are, you are trying to open it, but one of your fingers is touching the Lock Bar.
The other thing that made all the difference to me with these knives is learning how to adjust them. Follow this information and you’ll have the perfect centering and adjustment every time. Hope this helps–these knives are amazing, they just have a couple of user tricks you need to learn!
HOW TO CENTER THE BLADE ON XM-18
1. Open blade to 90 degrees and tighten pivot so that it is really tight.
2. Close the blade and loosen frame screws so they aren’t tight, but still holding the frame together.
3. While the blade is still in the closed position, pull blade towards the side you want the blade to move. In my case, I pulled the blade toward the liner/scale.
4. While pulling blade, tighten the frame screws.
5. Loosen the pivot and adjust it to the desired tension.
These instructions helped to “reset” my blade. Now while in the centered position, my blade has a little more resistance. This is the way I like mine to be.
Hey Ron,
Thanks for the tips on opening and centering the blade. I never had an issue with my XMs, but I’m left handed so it’s a little different for me. A finger on the lock bar can be a problem on a lot of framelocks. Thanks again.
Dan
On the bad flipping action,I ripped this directly from the Hinderer site:
***A side note for those of you who can’t flip your knife open to your liking, this is not a warranty or service issue. There are plenty of threads on the subject in our online forums at bladeforums.com and usualsuspects.net as well as youtube videos that can help you. Oil, pivot adjustments, and technique is where you will find your answers….The same goes for blade centering, lots of threads and info on the forums to help you out.
Call me crazy but if I am paying $400 + on a FLIPPER knife the damn thing better FLIP, hence being called a flipper not a Half Flip manual manipulation knife! I find the blanket statement on his site to be condescending and in the realm of dickish. I believe part of fit finish and overall quality is that the knife functions as intended and to void the warranty because someone is just trying to make the knife function like a flipper should is just down right horrible. Take the flipper off or make it work, you are charging Glock prices for a knife after all. Just my .02, sorry about the rant Dan. Love your site!
Yeah, it’s that kind of stuff that totally turned me off of Hinderer knives. Rob Orlando accused me of batoning with an XM-18 that had peening over of the end of the lockface, which as it turned out others have had problems with too. For a company that charges so much they have many escape routes to avoid warranty work. The other reason was that unless super oiled and pivot loosened, it would not flip reliably. I was using proper technique, finger off the lockbar, etc., etc. This is on 3 XM-18’s and even an XM-24, which you figure would be easier with the heavier blade.
Those two put together made it very hard for me to want to put money into the company. Rick by all counts seems to be a stand up fellow; the little Hinderer bros’ network that perhaps is more a result of his workers, is a little hard to choke down, along with the bad customer service.
A lot better options out there now, even with Kizer and Reate. But for me, I’m all Chris Reeve now – superior fit and finish, in reality for almost all use, just as tough – and unbeatable customer service. Even if it was a lesser product, I’d go CRK for the service. But thankfully it is a better finished and more refined, and just as reliable, product.
Updating this by saying that the triway pivot systems now installed on all XM models make flipping a breeze. I have an XM18 M390 no choil Spanto from DLT Trading and it flips like a breeze
Hey Simon, Thanks for the update. I haven’t handled a Tri-way pivot XM yet. Sounds like I need to pick one up!
Dan