Hogue EX01 Aluminium handle: very impressed

A

augostos

Joined
Sep 15, 2011
Messages
378
Couple of months ago I suggested my friend several folders. He wanted to upgrade his Gerber to a more up-scale knife. He chose Hogue EX01 -- actually I never saw that knife before, offered it based on reviews.

Yesterday I was able to hold the knife, the one with 3.5" blade, Hogue EX01 with Alum. handles.

The quality is outstanding, I could compare it to my Socom Elite, and momentarily I wanted to switch the knives.

The knife feels light in hands, very high quality, and a nice feeling. Unfortunately, I couldn't get that same feeling from a Kershaw Blur. It was OK, but Hogue just blew me away.

What can I say? Just keep discovering.
 
I've been carrying my aluminum green 4" tan to EX-01 pretty much exclusively. The smoothness of the pivot is amazing, the lockup is perfection, and it's so cozy in my hand. It helps that it looks good too.
 
I love the G10 flavor. The clip is a little funky, but its otherwise an awesome knife. Very solid in the hand, with buttery smooth deployment. And I think that big slab of 154CM looks awesome.

 
Comeuppance said:
I've been carrying my aluminum green 4" tan to EX-01 pretty much exclusively. The smoothness of the pivot is amazing, the lockup is perfection, and it's so cozy in my hand. It helps that it looks good too.
Click to expand...

It's nice to hear from someone who uses one of these daily. I've been thinking about getting an ex-1. Had an EX-2 for a bit, but that handle was humongous, and I didn't love the liner lock. Do the button locks on the other Hogues ever wear down? I don't get how they work exactly. The ones I've handled in store were soooo solid and smooth.
 
It's steel on steel, so it's pretty sturdy. I've never heard of any issues with the button lock except for occasional complaints about stickiness. My friend that I gave an EX-01 to has done zero maintenance in the year and a half since, and it's still smooth/solid/centered all around.
 
The Hogue Knives designed by Allen Eleshewitz are very well designed and made. If you doubt the strength of the button lock Google "Hogue Elishewitz EX01 test" and check out the videos.

My favorite in the EX-01 series is the 3.5" Aluminum. The EX-02 flipper is also nice. Overall, my favorites are the EX-04 series.

  • EX-01 3.5" Drop Point Blade Tumble Finish Matte Black Aluminum
  • EX-02 3.375" Spear Point Blade Flipper Black Finish G10
  • EX-04 4" Upswept Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - Solid
  • EX-04 4" Wharncliffe Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - G-Mascus Blue Lava
  • EX-04 3.5" Wharncliffe Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - G-Mascus Blue Lava


fdff9db6-4e58-40aa-82ee-081438480878_zpspsum2dkd.jpg
 
I have an aluminum handle, ex-01, with a drop point blade. I received it in a trade and am very impressed with it. I'm really surprised that these haven't received the recognition that they deserve. They're American made and reasonably priced for such a quality knife.
 
I liked button lock, something different, but I think it is not a problem -- solid and dependable.
 
Is the pivot steel, like on the G10 model or does the blade run against the aluminum? That's what I've heard, but I just want a confirmation.
 
The Fort said:
I have an aluminum handle, ex-01, with a drop point blade. I received it in a trade and am very impressed with it. I'm really surprised that these haven't received the recognition that they deserve. They're American made and reasonably priced for such a quality knife.
Click to expand...

I've been looking into getting a Hogue EX-01 3.5" in aluminum, but I hear that it doesn't have washers, but instead runs directly on the aluminum itself unlike the G10 model which has a steel insert. I don't know if I want to buy a knife that runs steel on aluminum. Do you have any info on it?
 
From Allen in a different thread:

"The aluminum has always been with a bushing not a bolster plate. The blade rides on aluminum just like all aluminum autos currently manufactured. The G-Mascus and 03 are the only ones to have bolster plates."

I don't think it would be a problem, I am sure it would have faced a redesign if it had been prone to wear.
 
No lefty option is a deal killer on a knife that price- Ill drill moints for a $12 kershaw chill, but over a bill? Not going to get my cash.
 
I've had an EX-03 tanto (polymer frame) for quite some time, and recently picked up a Hogue/Wilson Combat Starlight tanto off the Exchange. I initially bought the EX-03 because I got a smoking deal and didn't care for the "G-Mascus" EX-01, but having since seen one in person, I could very well buy an EX-01 in either G-Mascus or aluminum next time around. The size and weight of my two are excellent, but the pocket clip is not one of my favorites.
 
Ladiesman217 said:
Thanks, would you recommend the G10 or the aluminum?
Click to expand...

I am not sure if this was directed at me, but personally I wouldn't worry about any strength difference between the two and would just get whichever one floats my boat aesthetically. I am sure they are both plenty strong. I like the looks of both, but the aluminum will probably show wear more easily and be susceptible to temperature if that is a concern for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top