Custom Hoback MK Ultra Worth the Price over the UHEP?

C

cda555

Joined
Nov 17, 2015
Messages
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I recently put a pre-order for the Jake Hoback MK Ultra UHEP ($325). I have wanted one of these since he first announced the design on IG. He also has some custom MK Ultras on his site for $750. So, would you guys pay the extra $425 for the custom? One thing I don't like, which I believe the custom has and the UHEP does not is the "Ps 23 Hoback" engraved on the scale. It looks glaring/out of place to me, and takes away from the sleek look of the knife. Also, I tend to like lanyards, and I don't think I could put on on the custom (whereas I might be able to hang one off the stand off of the UHEP). Here are the specs:

UHEP:

Frame:.125 Thick 6061T6 Aluminum Mil Spec Type III Natural Hard Anodizing
Blade: .125 thick AEB-L Steel
Clip: 6Al4v Titanium cold forged
Hex/standard pivots
Stand offs instead of a backspacer


Custom:

Frame: .125 Thick 7075T6 Aluminum, Mil Spec Type III Natural Hard Anodizing
Blade: .125 Thick, CTS-XHP Stainless Steel
Clip: 3D Machined 7075T6 Aluminum, Anodized to Match the Frames
Proprietary/custom pivots
Backspacer

I am fairly new to higher end knives, so I don't have a lot of experience with different steels. So far I have a couple of Kershaw Blurs, a BM 940-1, a CRK small Sebenza, and a Shirogorov Neon in the mail.

Thanks in advance.
 
If your new to high end knives, it most likely will not be worth it to you, or if your asking then the money probably won't be worth it to you, if you are a collector or have mainly high end knives then the differences in the action and mechanics of a custom hand fitted knife vs a midtech will be noticeable. Stick to the midtech you already ordered for now, the Hobacks and Beggs are some of the nicest midtechs around that feel like some customs, I just listed the carbon fiber special edition preorders on my site, and ordered the MK ultra's as well and will list them for preorder too! I'm excited for them also!
 
KnifeHabit.com said:
If your new to high end knives, it most likely will not be worth it to you, or if your asking then the money probably won't be worth it to you, if you are a collector or have mainly high end knives then the differences in the action and mechanics of a custom hand fitted knife vs a midtech will be noticeable. Stick to the midtech you already ordered for now, the Hobacks and Beggs are some of the nicest midtechs around that feel like some customs, I just listed the carbon fiber special edition preorders on my site, and ordered the MK ultra's as well and will list them for preorder too! I'm excited for them also!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. I think I am just really excited to get it, and I know I would get it faster with the custom. I hear nothing but great things about his UHEP knives, so I think you're right... I will be happy with the UHEP.

BTW... Your site is going to be the death of me. I almost bought that Monkey Edge Hoback Kwaiback this weekend. I got all the way to the place your order part and backed out. A 4" blade is just too long for my tastes. Plus, $1100 was a little out of my budget. Great stuff on your site though.
 
I usually buy customs, have 3 of Jake's A10's. I ordered the UHEP MK Ultra because I really wanted to try out AEB-L steel, I have heard great things and can't wait to try it, especially in one of his knives! I love the heat treat done on my A10's S90V steel(really everything about them though, they are probably my favorite EDC's, great hard use knives)!! I'm sure he will do a great job on these as well.
 
ATJ999 said:
I usually buy customs, have 3 of Jake's A10's. I ordered the UHEP MK Ultra because I really wanted to try out AEB-L steel, I have heard great things and can't wait to try it, especially in one of his knives! I love the heat treat done on my A10's S90V steel(really everything about them though, they are probably my favorite EDC's, great hard use knives)!! I'm sure he will do a great job on these as well.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I am really curious about AEB-L steel too. I have read that it is insanely sharp, and that if heat treated properly it is very good. I know Jake knows how to heat treat with the best of 'em. His knives have always caught my eye, and he was the first knife related person I followed in Instagram. I heard that he is going to try to get them out by June 30th, and I can't wait.
 
AEB-L is a steel normally used for razors, extremely fine grain structure. I've owned several paring type knives in very thin AEB-L stock, one caveat is that it will spot.
 
I ordered both. I wanted the MK Ultra UHEP but am terribly impatient so jumped on the Custom MK Ultra as soon as they popped up on his sight. Personally the Custom is well worth the money, I carry it regularly.
 
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