Hogue EX01 underrated?

R

ranger1983

Joined
Mar 24, 2011
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I decided to buy the Zero Tolerance 0560 based on all the good reviews and hype. I like the knife overall, dislike how difficult it is to open with the thumb stud, however. Anyways, to my point. I also own a Hogue EX01 4" drop point with green aluminum handle. Having both knives, I think that I prefer my Hogue. The ZT has the SVT pivot system, but my Hogue opens smoother and faster...and with a bigger blade (with ZERO blade play). The Hogue's blade has a stone tumbled finish that looks better to me than the ZT. It almost looks like a hologram of a lightning storm. The Hogue came with a beautiful polished edge which I have never seen before on a production knife. Many people say that they dislike the button lock, safety lock, and pocket clip on the Hogue, which I was skeptical of initially, but I've found that I really like all three. I'm not really trying to compare the ZT to the Hogue as they use different materials (154cm vs Elmax, G10/titanium vs aluminum), I'm just pointing out that the Hogue EX01 is a really fantastic knife for the money. I am truly impressed with it and was just thinking to myself today that I'm surprised it's not more talked about. Anyone else have one?
 
Yup, and I love mine dearly. Its a solid knife. Mine is the Gmascus, and it came with some rough machine edges, that hurt the hand during prolonged use, or heavy cutting. Some 600gt wet/dry took care of that problem, and now, its even better.

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Is it underrated? I think so, I think the more folks that get one, the better it will be recognized. Made in USA, no huge blade markings, and a solid performer, all the way.

Love mine, still carry it, though, I have to admit, my 0561 has been in my pocket since I got it. :D

Moose
 
I think the Hogue is a fantastic knife all around, and very underrated. Really and truly, I have never owned a knife so well made as the Aluminium 3.5" Hogue I bought a while back. I kind of regret selling it, but it just didn't end up seeing enough pocket-time...
 
I think it is the blade steel and $150-180 price tag that keeps popularity low. Titanium handles and fancy blade steel is what people will pay high price for.
 
I have to agree. I have the ZT 0550 and the Hogue drop point version. The ZT is very well made but frankly its a tank. The Hogue is a great design, well made and thought out. The materials and workmanship are first class. I have no issue with the the button lock, I'm not looking to take it into combat and it's a reasonable safety feature. I think the handle thickness makes them both a little too big for me personally to EDC but thats just me. The Hogue does not get enough press for sure.
 
I like the EX01 but I really want the EX02 flipper.

The thing that holds me back is the price because for 150-200 bucks, there are other things I want.

I think $120 is a better price point for them with 154cm.
 
I've heard nothing but good thigns about it, and has been on my to-buy list for a while now. Good to hear such positive feedback, maybe I need to bump it up a little
 
Hi Ranger -

Of course you already know that the "thumbstuds" on the ZT0560 are blade stops, not thumbstuds and not intended for flicking the knife open.

However, the ease or difficulty with opening with the blade stops is controlled by the depth at which the detent ball is pressed into the lockbar.

Deeper set will allow easier opening (possibly at the expense of ease of flipping with the actual opening device, the flipper, which is the intent of the design).

I adjusted a 560 that was a little hard to open by pressing the detent ball in a little further by hand - a touchy but doable adjustment.

I like the looks of the Hogue - nice looking knife, which in gmascus seems to sell for $150+.

I am not sure why this knife has not gained more notoriety, it seems very well made and rugged.

best

mqqn
 
I do believe that they also function as blade stops, however, the ZT website describes them as thumbstuds:

"FEATURES:
• Frame Lock
• Thumb Stud
• Lanyard Hole
• Flipper
• Deep-carry pocketclip; quad mounting"

Obviously, the flipper is a better and more efficient way to deploy the blade, however, I like having options. Thank you for the information on manipulating the detent though! Speaking of having deployment options, another thing I like about my Hogue is that I can deploy the blade using my middle finger on the backside, similar to a Spyderco but without using a hole. I just flick the thumbstud with my fingernail. It opens that smooth!
 
My Ex01 Gmascus is one of favorite knives. I really don't know what they did with heat treat on this one but it holds an edge like no other that have. So yes it's underrated for sure.
 
Question for you guys that have carried and used the ex01 alot: How is the lock up? any play or lock rock?
 
I really like mine I do carry it once in a while,the blade is a little thick so it's not really a slicer,but everything else is great-definitely underrated
 
i have a black alum tanto 4" and i would carry it more but the shinny pocket clip throws me off, other that that it is in my top 3 knives i own list
 
johnnytoxin said:
Question for you guys that have carried and used the ex01 alot: How is the lock up? any play or lock rock?
Click to expand...

Tight, snaps in place, and no blade play, what so ever. Gotta remember, this knife doesn't have washers, it has steel plates. Yup, steel plates, that also serve as the body attachment for the clip.

And the button lock will continue to lock up tight, even after wear, as the button has a slight taper to it, allowing it to seat itself deeper as the friction wears the sizing.

I would recommend the Gmascus over the aluminum, simple because, the aluminum gets COLD!!!! in the winter. Brrrrr.

And the Gmascus is sexier. :D

Moose
 
I've owned a few 3.5" and 4" versions in aluminum and g-mascus. I had a 3.5" version that I used the heck out of and it held up great! I had a hard time selling it, but I did! I like my douk douk better. But I'm a weirdo.
I have really really really considered picking up another one. So I think I will at some point. If the blade was thinner I'd be happier with it, but I suppose that I could always grind it down if I wanted.
If you're worried about not liking it, I'd say buy one at a fair price and if you don't like it, then you'll be able to sell it with a minimal loss. (probably $5 for shipping)
 
I just received my new EX01 Tanto Aluminum 3.5 today and I have to say I'm very impressed. Fit and finish is great, blade centering is perfect with no play, blade is sharp out of the box and the stonewashed 154 CM looks awesome. I've carried it for a couple of hours in jeans and it carries well and comfortably on the pocket clip.

I would have preferred different steel but it's made quite an impression that I'm already considering picking up a G-Mascus 4' drop point.
 
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