Hogue EX01 handle options

brendog10

brendog10

Joined
Apr 22, 2006
Messages
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I'm looking to buy a Hogue EX01. I know I want the 4" drop point blade. But I've been torn between the black aluminum handle or the "G-mascus" ones.
I like the look of the G-mascus better, but I assume that the aluminum is stronger and will last longer
So, can anyone help me as far as whether the "G-mascus" has any actual advantages over the aluminum aside form looks?
 
G-mascus version is a little lighter and probably won't show as much wear over time if you plan to carry it a lot. I have the green g-mascus and it's very cool and unique looking. Will probably get the black aluminum next.
 
The G-Mascus is quite strong. There are also inner steel bolsters installed for extra sturdiness. I chose the G-Mascus over the Al for the gripiness and the fact that it won't be super cold in the winter.
 
i have an aluminum one, and im pretty pleased with it. these are some of the best aluminum handles ive ever handled, i mean it almost feels like a plastic if thats the correct way to describe it. i dont know how rough/smooth the g-mascus handles are, but i like how the aluminum allows the knife to slide in and out of my pocket very easily.
 
I have a green G-Mascus 3.5" drop point and a black G-Mascus 4" drop point.

I haven't used or handled the aluminum. I went for the G-Mascus solely because I wanted G10 over aluminum but in the end, I think the steel bolster is a preference for me now too. Mainly because of how it appears they molded a washer into the bolster plate on each side. I happen to think one of the biggest reasons the Spyderco Gayle Bradley is so smooth is because of the PB washers between two smooth steel surfaces. Maybe, maybe not. Even though I like a lot of my Ti frame locks a LOT, I still think they aren't quite as smooth because the washer is against Ti on one side and steel on the other. Maybe, maybe not.

Regardless, I think the molded washers built into the bolster plate (or so it seems by my exterior inspection. I may be wrong) is a great idea and lends iself to the smoothness of the action on my two knives. And the action is SMOOTH. Not like the GB but close after a touch of quality lube.

I can pretty much say I won't be getting an aluminum scaled Hogue but mainly because I like the looks of the G10 models more and honestly, I wonder which one is really stronger.

I'm a newly acquired huge fan of these Hogues and although I know more are coming out, I'm not so sure the ones I have now aren;t the ones I would pick again out of A/O or auto or whatever. I wasn't sold on the plunge lock at first but if it holds up over time like it is now, it will be rock solid for a long time. Both mine are rock solid.
 
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I feel your indecision. I have an aluminum handled one (OD with 3.5" blade) & a G-mascus one, too (Black with 4" blade).

The G-10 version is lighter & more blade heavy balance-wise. It's grippier, but I find the Al one to be grippy enough.

It doesn't get that cold where I live, so that aspect's not an issue for me.

I do find the Al model to be more comfortable to handle, especially if I need to use it for long periods of time.

Strength-wise, I think they're pretty close. I'm not sure one's stronger than the other. The G-10 model as a metal inner bolster & they don't flex even under an extremely tight grip. I've had folders with either no liners or very thin ones that flexed under very tight grip, but the Hogue certainly isn't one of them.

I think it really comes down to balance & whether you prefer a metal handle or G-10 one. To me, the Al ones have better balance.

Good luck with your choice.
 
This is from from the designer:

"The EX01 is not the first high quality folder to only utilizing the anodizing surface as a washer. Almost every manufacturer out there has a knife similar to this construction.
You are correct type 3 anodizing is very tough; it is so tough I have actually sparked it on the grinder. The bearing surface of the aluminum washer is about .800; that's a big surface in contact with the blade. What will happen over time is the anodizing will get burnished. The blade and handles have been tumbled giving them a smooth surface. I don't believe you will wear out the anodizing. There are autos that have the same type of construction and I have never seen the type 3 anodizing wear. The knives I have seen had a sand blasted finish and not a smooth finish.
If the aluminum washer was kind of small like 1/2" or so, then I might be worried but spreading the wear and the contact over a bigger surface, the washer would be the least of my concerns. "

"There is not going to be any weird wear issues; the stainless bolster plates have been machined flat and tumbled and will burnish over time. You got to remember the washer size is huge which is distributing a lot of the force and the wear."


Someone posed these questions to Allen Elishewitz (designer of the EX01)-----

1) Having reviewed your test videos, do you expect the Gmascus to perform as well as the Al., or is there a trade off in going to the Gmascus?

2) On the Gmascus version, the blade pivots around the raised portion of the steel bolster plate? If so, will the plate burnish over time as well? Any weird wear issues?

3) What do you suggest for cleaning and lube, especially if the action gets muddy or gritty?

I'm so getting a 3.5...just can't decide whether to go Gmascus or Alum.

Here were his answers----

"Thanks for the questions.

1- I believe the aluminum will always be stronger than the G-Mascus. The aluminum does not have a machined pocket for the bolster plate.

2- Yes the stainless bolster plate/washer will burnish over time but it is already been machined flat and tumbled.

3- I use gun oil (CLP, Rem-Oil, etc...). "
 
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