I live in Paso Robles, CA, where they craft the knives, and was just in the Hogue Pro Shop yesterday, actually. At the Pro Shop they carry every knife they create, so it’s fun to stop by and handle each one. Every employee has their own favorite they carry, and they never hesitate to bring theirs out to tell you what they like about it...and it’s not even a “sales” feel, it genuinely feels like they’re showing you baby pictures or something. Definite pride in their product.
I had a chance to sit down one-on-one with Neil Hogue last year and go over each knife. Pretty cool experience. He offered to let one of his demo’s go for a ridiculous price, and I chose the EX-F01 (w/dark earth Gmascus scales and 5.5” sand blade). I already had the EX-F01 w/cocobola handle & black blade, but it’s honestly too pretty to use. Sounds silly, but pictures online don’t do that combination justice, it’s pretty enough to make out with!
Yesterday I went in to pick up an EX-F02, with the gmascus scales (not a fan of rubberized handles, so I was stoked when they came out with these this year) and they were out. So they had one sent over from Henderson, NV, which will be in tomorrow...BUT...there in the case was a new style EX-F01. It’s a blacked-out tanto with a definite tactical feel to it, in the new retention sheath. I’m not generally a tanto fan, but wow. Just wow.
What I like about Hogue is that they make quality products. I’m a fan of their fixed blades (obviously the EX-F01), and the folders can look a little space age but the action is smooth. Was playing with the auto-open blades yesterday, they’re just so fast & smooth it’s silly. I like that they’re made in the USA. It seems not everyone is an Elishawetz fan, but man, if you hold & use an EX-F01, it’s like butter. And that’s not to even mention the sheaths, of which both styles are just beyond any sheath I’ve used. So well thought out and crafted.
My new knife is sitting next to me as I write this, I get the giddies every time I look at it
