Alright... I've been on an old-fashioned slip-joint kick. It's true. However, I haven't totally abandoned modern knife designs. In fact, shown here is one of the "kings" of modern tactical; the Rick Hinderer XM-18.

I think... though I'm not sure... that this is a first gen XM-18. Dig that green G10 handle scale! Black is cool... but it's nice to see another color every once in a while!

The action on this extremely overbuilt knife is crazy smooth! Pretty much Sebenza-smooth... but a lot "faster". That said, the blade retention is terrible. In fact, quite a disappointment considering how outrageously expensive these knives are! You wonder? Just try one on the forums or eBay. Are they worth that kind of money? Well... built as well as they are, they'll outlast us. If Rick's popularity holds, the investment value may turn out well... though, frankly, this reminds me of the housing boom... where home values are artificially inflated. Still... with titanium all over the place, the XM-18 is undeniably impressive. The ergos are outrageously well done. I've never felt a more comfortable knife in my hand. In any event, I've fought getting one for quite some time. Finally gave up fighting it and took the greenback-laden plunge. I have to admit that it's hard not to just keep "fondling" this knife.