The Rick Hinderer XM-18 3.5" is a large and solid pocket knife that is made to be used. A top-quality work knife. The finish is simply perfect; grip wherever you might need it and curved wherever possible. As such it feels amazing in hand. When opened the flipper will keep your hands away from the edge. As such you never have to worry about slipping during the more demanding cutting tasks.
The blade is made from CPM 20CV-steel. A premium type of powdered steel, which means that the steel has a very fine structure. As a result it retains its sharpness for a very long time. 20CV is also stainless. In addition, this is a 'Fatty' edition, which says something about the thickness of the blade. With the 4.7 mm thick spine it is a remarkably sturdy blade. In between the flipper and the edge you can find a finger choil. With it you have more control over the blade during the more detailed tasks. The stunning finish on the blade is striking. It is a stonewashed DLC coating.
This is the newest generation of XM18's with the Tri-Way-Pivot system. The knife is enhanced with ball bearings but you also receive bronze and teflon washers to make sure you can decide which bearings system you prefer. There is also a steel lockbar insert which makes the lock even more sustainable.
When opened a solid framelock neatly keeps the blade in place. A characterizing detail here is the lockbar stabilizer. This is a round disc on the side of the titanium handle. It ensures that you cannot overstretch the lock. You can always carry the XM-18 with you with the titanium pocket clip. This tip-down pocket clip is mounted to the right side, but with the philips screwdriver you can easily turn it into a tip-up pocket clip.
The Rick Hinderer philosophy is: a knife is a tool that should work for you, never the other way around. For that reason Hinderer Knives are made to be used. This XM-18 is the perfect example.
