Description
The Hinderer XM-18 3.5 BPU Stars and Stripes Fatty Harpoon Tanto Folding Knife is a rare early battle-worn Hinderer configuration built on the full-size XM-18 3.5 platform. The original text has been normalized from “XM18” to XM-18 and from “Harppon” to Harpoon. With an overall length of approximately 21 cm, this piece combines the thick and powerful Fatty build with Hinderer’s highly collectible BPU (Battlefield Pick Up) finish and patriotic Stars and Stripes theme.
The blade is made from S35VN steel and features a Fatty Harpoon Tanto profile. The Fatty configuration is especially desirable because it uses a thicker blade stock than a standard XM-18, giving the knife a stronger, more substantial presence in hand. Public reference listings describe the XM-18 3.5 Fatty Harpoon Tanto as having a 3.5-inch S35VN blade and an overall length of about 210 mm, matching the provided 21 cm specification. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The blade carries Hinderer’s BPU battle-worn treatment, giving it a rugged battlefield pickup appearance rather than a clean production finish. The Harpoon Tanto geometry adds an aggressive raised spine and reinforced tanto tip, making the knife visually powerful while maintaining strong tactical utility. Early unnumbered BPU examples are especially interesting to collectors because they represent an earlier phase of the BPU series before later numbered releases became more common.
The handle features a Stars and Stripes theme with a G10 show side and titanium frame lock construction. The setup is further enhanced by a “1776 Independence Day” bald eagle pocket clip and matching Stars and Stripes filler tab, giving the knife a complete patriotic presentation. The classic spacer-based construction reinforces the older-generation Hinderer character and gives the knife a more traditional, solid mechanical feel.
As a rare early unnumbered BPU Fatty with Stars and Stripes hardware, this XM-18 brings together several highly collectible Hinderer elements: S35VN steel, Fatty blade stock, Harpoon Tanto geometry, BPU finish, patriotic themed hardware, classic spacer construction, and early unnumbered status. For collectors who value old-school Hinderer variations and distinctive BPU themes, this is a standout piece with strong visual and collector appeal.
📐 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Brand / Maker | Rick Hinderer |
| Model | XM-18 3.5 BPU Stars and Stripes Fatty Harpoon Tanto |
| Overall Length | Approx. 21 cm |
| Blade Material | S35VN |
| Blade Style | Fatty Harpoon Tanto |
| Blade Finish | BPU (Battlefield Pick Up) Battle-Worn Finish |
| Handle Theme | Stars and Stripes |
| Handle Construction | G10 Show Side + Titanium Frame Lock |
| Hardware | 1776 Bald Eagle Pocket Clip / Stars and Stripes Filler Tab |
| Construction | Classic Spacer System |
| Lock Type | Frame Lock |
| Edition | Early Unnumbered BPU Version |
| Collectibility | Rare Fatty BPU Stars and Stripes Harpoon Tanto Configuration |
