Any Hogue X5 owners out there?

R

rpn

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I've been eyeing them for a bit and am tempted by the spear point version. But, I'm wondering how handle comfort is and how much real estate it takes up in the pocket.

Any thoughts and impressions are welcome!
 
They are amazing. Perfect fit and finish. Feel great in the hand. Perfect grind. Comes with a mirror edge. The Hogue EX05 has the strongest flipping action I have ever felt.
 
Wowza- there's a glowing report! Thanks Lapedog. :thumbup:
 
I have both blade styles in the large 4" size. There are some sharp points on the handle, just behind the index finger (obviously) and at the very end of the handle just behind the pinky (not obvious in pics but you feel it if you put your pinky there). If your hands fit the handle (as is the case with me and my medium sized mitts), there's no issue, but if you have really large hands, one point or the other may occasionally poke you. I'd think the smaller versions of these knives would only be comfy for those with small hands (either women or guys who wear a men's small glove size). The 4" versions take up quite a bit of room in the pocket. Here are mine along with a Kershaw Link for size:

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I love mine, but they are knives that ideally you should handle before purchase. I lucked out with mine, as I ordered them online without handling one first and they just happened to fit my hand perfectly. :thumbup:
 
I have a 4" version, great knife. I have no hot spots on the handles. flips open great, and I like how I can hold the button and flip it closed.highly recommend it. mine is the fde version, I just ordered the 3.5 blue with stonewashed blade, that one is real nice,too.very sharp out of the box, very nicely made. you should check out some youtube videos on it,too. definitely a unique and different style.
 
I don't recall hearing a bad word about......build quality, flipping action....flips so hard and so fast you won't believe it.....super smooth and the factory edge is awesome!!
I have the 3.5" and love it!!!! Awesome knife!!!
Joe
Here it is with a Millie and a Chubby.
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We recently became an authorized Hogue Dealer and the X5 is what made the decision easy for us. We have only had them in stock for a few weeks but being honest with you I agree with what G. Scott H. said. You definitely want to either handle one first or buy from a place that has an easy return policy. Our customers in the shop have either loved them or hated them. We have had very few that are are middle of the road.
 
I have at least one of each of the older Hogue models and they're all quality pieces. I've only been interested in the Blue Aluminum with thumbled blade but it's tough to find. It's exclusive to a firearms distributor so it never shows up at knife dealers.

My 7 Hogue Knives folders from top to bottom:

  1. EX-01 4" Drop Point Blade Tumble Finish Matte Black Aluminum
  2. EX-01 3.5" Drop Point Blade Tumble Finish Matte Black Aluminum
  3. EX-02 3.375" Spear Point Blade Flipper Black Finish G-Mascus Black
  4. EX-03 3.5" Tanto Blade Tumble Finish Polymer Frame Flat Dark Earth
  5. EX-04 4" Upswept Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - Solid Black
  6. EX-04 4" Wharncliffe Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - G-Mascus Blue Lava
  7. EX-04 3.5" Wharncliffe Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - G-Mascus Blue Lava

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Got a 3.5" model, ditto on it whipping open. I have small hands and it fits great and carries slim and light in the pocket. Love the locking button lock system too. Lately 3.5" blades are getting little usage with me, I find myself with a 3" or less with me or 3.8-4" (or both at the same time). The 4" X5 is on my wish list for this year.
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Lots of great feedback here...I appreciate it.

Whitty, I got more serious about considering it when I saw your thread on carrying Hogues.

Something about the handle design screamed it's either going to be great or not for me.

Mister X, got my Hinderer Bowie in my pocket now and will be switching out for my CQC 15 in a few minutes...nice knives! :D
 
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Finally got my elusive X5 Blue Aluminum. It's an excellent flipper that deploys reassuringly every time. Lockup is so solid that there's absolutely no need for a manual safety. Blade is sharp, centered with no play in any direction.

It looks great with the blue anodized aluminum and thumbled blade. It's a sharp and refreshing contrast to the rest of the X5 models with mostly black blades and handles. It's also $25 less. They're tough to track down since you won't find them at regular knife dealers but instead at firearms dealers.

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whitty said:
We have had very few that are are middle of the road.
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I'm one of those few middle of the road types. :)

I have the blue aluminum version and I'm a bit ... meh. I have three button lock manuals (in in order of increasing cost: the Hogue, a Freeman 451 and a Rod Olson).

The EX-05 flips nicely but not incredibly. I like the flip of both the other knives better. Lock up is very solid and centering is flawless on all three. The button lock has a nice feel -- as good as the Freeman but not as good as the Olson.

Looks are obviously very subjective. The anodized blue aluminum is really pretty but there is a LOT of blade real estate that doesn't do much for me.

In short, it's a very good knife but I have other button locks I like better and am actually planning on passing the EX-05 along. It hasn't put me off Hogues by any means but it just doesn't get any pocket time.
 
I have a Rod Olson M9 Quick Flick button lock flipper which is very smooth but the detent is on medium side.

My Spartan Pallas is also a button lock flipper with aluminum handles but a 3.75" blade and flips well.
 
I still haven't bought one (hoping to see one first) but it's high on my list. I was tempted by that thread where someone said they were going for $140, but pm'ed the op, never heard back and couldn't find which dealer it was with my search.
 
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