Hogue EX01 Blade Play

W

Wrathhog

Joined
Jan 16, 2017
Messages
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Just got an EX01 that has some vertical play. Granted, it takes some pressure to move it, but it's still there. I have no reason to believe the knife is unsafe but I think at this price point any amount of play is unacceptable. Just wanted to get opinions on how much play is too much and at what price point do you expect absolute solid lockup? Side to side play I can live with or just tighten the pivot, but vertical play almost brings out the OCD in me.
 
In my experiences, Hogue's button locks are vault like! Is your knife used? Make sure there is no crap in the engagement area. I can't stand play in any direction, drives me nuts to where I sell the knife.
 
Knife was brand new. You can't see it move so much as feeling the click when you move the blade up and down. I almost think the bolsters are moving ever so slightly in the cutouts of the g10. Tightening pivot didn't help either.
 
My expectations for traditional knives and modern knives are different.

With traditional slipjoints, I'm fine with a bit of blade play at any price point I've ever paid (my highest was around $300). I don't need or want an overbuilt, hard-use feel from a slipjoint, and a bit of blade play has no impact on the ways I normally use them. More than a bit, though, and I'm not likely to buy/keep the knife.

For modern folders, I expect no blade play whatsoever in any knife from a reputable manufacturer. I might tolerate a bit in a knife under $30, since I'd likely be buying it as a beater, but certainly not in any knife north of $30. It's an instant turn-off that I look at as a canary in the coal mine in terms of other potential problems -- if there's blade play, what else is wrong with the knife, or might go wrong down the line?
 
I read on a another forum where Allen Elishewitz personally said that based on the design and the type of lock that a very slight amount of blade play is to be expected. The only button lock I have ever picked up with no blade play at all was a Freeman 451. Other than that all have had some very slight and very hard to notice blade play. I do believe it is common for the type of lock. The kicker from what I have seen is that the blade play that used to be acceptable with button locks is practically gone. I have also heard from customers that any slight blade play they noticed seemed to get less noticeable over time.
 
whitty said:
I read on a another forum where Allen Elishewitz personally said that based on the design and the type of lock that a very slight amount of blade play is to be expected. The only button lock I have ever picked up with no blade play at all was a Freeman 451. Other than that all have had some very slight and very hard to notice blade play. I do believe it is common for the type of lock. The kicker from what I have seen is that the blade play that used to be acceptable with button locks is practically gone. I have also heard from customers that any slight blade play they noticed seemed to get less noticeable over time.
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I would classify this as "slight" play and more than likely within their tolerances. It just wasn't the vault like lockup I was expecting based on feedback from other owners. Maybe my definition of "vault like" is a little different than other folks'.
 
Honestly every Hogue button lock I own, (only 3) all have rock solid lockups with zero play and amazing actions. I am sorry your Hogue came this way. I am not sure if the vertical play makes the lock unsafe.

Will Hogue fix it for you?
 
If I understand you correctly, what you are describing as blade play is not noticeable under normal using conditions, but you can force what you think might be some miniscule play if you work at it. If I am understanding you correctly, you might want to stick with fixed blades because I think it is going to be a rare folder that will satisfy you. If I am misinterpreting what you said, I apologize.
 
How hard are you moving the blade up and down??
Are you really forcing it to get the click??
 
I'd give it some time the lock is in essence a cone that moves into and out of part of the tang a little gunk can mess that fit up and give you some play. I'd roll with it for a couple months and if it's still there send it in for repair.
 
I agree with giving it some time.
I have 2 Hogue's......and EX04 and an X5. If I gorilla the blades I'll get the slightest amount of play....really torque them and super slight play. Almost unnoticeable.
I've had both for some time and have never had an issue with either.
Joe
 
popedandy said:
If I understand you correctly, what you are describing as blade play is not noticeable under normal using conditions, but you can force what you think might be some miniscule play if you work at it. If I am understanding you correctly, you might want to stick with fixed blades because I think it is going to be a rare folder that will satisfy you. If I am misinterpreting what you said, I apologize.
Click to expand...
After reading your post I grabbed a ZT 0350 that happened to be on my coffee table. I can't force any play using much more force than it takes with the Hogue. I also found my PM2 to be just as tight as the ZT. I don't own but a few button locks so it may be par for the course with those locks.
 
Wrathhog said:
After reading your post I grabbed a ZT 0350 that happened to be on my coffee table. I can't force any play using much more force than it takes with the Hogue. I also found my PM2 to be just as tight as the ZT. I don't own but a few button locks so it may be par for the course with those locks.
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Thanks for taking the time to check and respond, and thanks for being so courteous about it.
 
palonej said:
How hard are you moving the blade up and down??
Are you really forcing it to get the click??
Click to expand...
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say it takes about a 6 to force play. After using it more today, I've found after I flip it open I can force the click with my thumb on the spine of the knife with very light pressure. Forcing the click the opposite way takes much more pressure.
I don't think the knife is unsafe in any way, just not the "vault like" lockup these knives are supposedly known for. I emailed Hogue and asked if slight play was normal with the EX01 and if so, would it tighten up with use. To my surprise, I received a reply in less than 24 hours. They said send it in so they could take a look. I still think I may use the hell out of it for a few weeks and see if it changes.
 
Not surprised they got back to you so quickly! I had a few questions and I got an almost immediate response.
Very helpful and extremely nice people.
Let us know how you get it resolved....meanwhile, go cut stuff!
Joe

Wrathhog said:
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say it takes about a 6 to force play. After using it more today, I've found after I flip it open I can force the click with my thumb on the spine of the knife with very light pressure. Forcing the click the opposite way takes much more pressure.
I don't think the knife is unsafe in any way, just not the "vault like" lockup these knives are supposedly known for. I emailed Hogue and asked if slight play was normal with the EX01 and if so, would it tighten up with use. To my surprise, I received a reply in less than 24 hours. They said send it in so they could take a look. I still think I may use the hell out of it for a few weeks and see if it changes.
Click to expand...
 
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