Hogue/Elishewitz EX01 Knives

CL01

CL01

Joined
Apr 19, 2007
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I recently found myself in the position of having 2 different Hogue/Elishewitz EX01s & thought I'd comment on my impressions of them.

The 1st one, which I've had for a week, is an aluminum handled one in OD & with the 3.5" Drop-point blade.

The 2nd one, which I just got today, is a G-Mascus one in black & with the 4" Drop-point blade.

Prior to getting the 4" model, the comparison pics I've seen made them look pretty close in size. They're not.

The 3.5" model is 4.5" closed & the blade's 3.5", of course. The 4" model is 5" closed.

One thing I like to compare on folders is their width while closed in the pocket. This is just the blade spine, while closed, to the opposite handle edge. The 3.5 model measured 1 3/8", while the 4 measured 1.5". 1/8" doesn't seem like much, but it's nearly that much wider throughout its length & a full 1/2" longer.

Probably the main complaint I've heard about the EX01 is the choil/cutout. I guess it's a ways from the end of the handle, but in comparing it to my Emerson Mach 1, the EX01 is about the same. I find that my thumb rests on the end of the handle & for fine blade-work, I can move the thumb up towards the spine fully on the jimping.

Both knives open/close very smoothly & I'm able to fully open the blades with a good thumb push & maybe a slight wrist movement.

Judging from the videos I've seen by Mr. Elishewitz showing the components & size/thickness of the pivot & lock, these are very well built knives that are not going to break.

The G-Mascus version has no liners. It's thick G-10 throughout, but there's a fairly thick metal plate that houses the lock & pivot. I don't this being an issue at all. On the aluminum handled version, there are no liners, but I don't think there needs to be.

The blade's are 154CM (At 58-60 RC) & stonewash finished. This steel, while maybe not the latest/greatest, is a perfectly good, functional blade steel.

Both knives also have a lanyard slot built into the back of the handle (Not a hole through the handle).

I found the ergos to be excellent on both knives. I prefer the size of the 3.5, but admit the 4.0 model's blade size is nice.

As to which one (Aluminum or G-Mascus) &/or 3.5 vs 4.0, that's more difficult to say. I kind of like the size of the 3.5 better, but do prefer G-10 handled knives to aluminum ones, although I thoroughly enjoy my Sebenza (A Ti handled knife). It's a tough call & something you'll have to decide. I do think the texturing on the G-Mascus version probably give a bit more grip than the aluminum ones.

All in all, both knives are excellent, well-built folders that should last you a good long time even through years of hard use.

These knives are a winner, IMHO.
 
Yeah, I know, I need to add pictures. Unfortunately, I wrote the review late at night & worked all day today. Hopefully I can take some pics tomorrow during the day when there's some light.
 
Does the aluminum-handled version have the same steel plates that support the pivot and lock parts like in the G-Mascus version?
 
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How does it lock? Looks almost like an Axis...I can't see a cutout for a liner lock anywhere.
 
J.Vervoorst said:
Does the aluminum-handled version have the same steel plates that support the pivot and lock parts like in the G-Mascus version?
Click to expand...

No they don't. Only the G-10 (G-Mascus) versions have the steel plates.

As to the lock type, it's a button-lock, not an axis-lock. I'm not familiar with other button-locks, but this one's well thought out as well as the steel parts being hardened.
 
I have the 3.5" tanto in black G-Mascus and I too am amazed at the quality, feel, and action (both opening and closing). I have viewed the lock strength demos and noticed that they are all performed on the aluminum handled version. I wonder how well the G-Mascus version would perform under those stresses. Given the steel bolster plate used in the G-10 version, I beleive the lock could endure a substantial amount of stress. However, I'm am curious to see how the G-10 handle would hold up. Either way, this is a great knife and IMHO, worth $100 more then the asking price.
 
I recently came into a 4" black G-mascus drop point, and it's kicking my Chris Reeves out of my pocket.
The handle is just gorgeous and feels great in the hand, the opening/closing action is the kind of smooth you only feel in the most well-made of knives, comparable to Reeve, Spyderco, and similar. There is no blade play in any direction. One of the aforementioned youtube videos shows that the bolster plates in the G-mascus handle are machined with significant raised portions on either side of the plate - the washer sections protruding and on one side, and the tube for the button and plunger protruding on the other. No way is that easy. Those plates started life as pretty thick blocks of steel.
As to the lock, button locks aren't generally a first choice in hard-use knives, but I have a lot of faith that this one will do just fine. The components are well-designed, oversized and heat-treated, and appear to be very strong and hard-wearing. Again, the videos seem to support this; the lock fails with 180 pounds or so hanging off the end of the handle (630 or so ft/lbs on the lock). All the examples in the videos are aluminum handles, as has been mentioned, but based on my experience with fiberglass knife handles, I think the g-mascus handle would be much the same, with the lock failing well before the frame would. G-mascus is still G-10, and G-10 is incredibly tough stuff.
I absolutely love this knife; it feels great in the hand, balances predictably, and is a hell of a smooth operator. The edge was mirror-polished out of the box, and has been holding up well so far in its first few weeks of use. I'm excited to see how the knife as a whole will do over the years.
 
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