Hogue knives

unwisefool said:
I think it was a special or preproduction version of the X5
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Extremely limited production run. I think they made 50 in total. It was similar to the X5 but with a machined blade with very large, noticeable step over features. I don't know why I thought that it would cut or be comfortable in hand, because it did neither.
 
Lapedog said:
How come I have never heard of the Beta 1 before? Was it a special edition or something?

What Hogue needs is a better designer. Elishwitz’s designs are not for me and apparently don’t draw crazy ammounts of attention.
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Allen Elishwitz seems like a nice guy, but I don't connect with his designs. I wouldn't mind seeing another designer partner with hogue. An Emerson-Hogue collaboration would be great, as I love Emerson's designs but don't like their execution as done by EKI.
 
I really would like to try a Micro Switch one day. Seems like a nifty little auto.

I hear good things about their quality. I guess they just never really blew up like a few other brands.
 
marrenmiller said:
Extremely limited production run. I think they made 50 in total. It was similar to the X5 but with a machined blade with very large, noticeable step over features. I don't know why I thought that it would cut or be comfortable in hand, because it did neither.
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Yeah I am not saying Eleshshwitz isn’t a decent designer but it seems clear to me not many are dying to try out his designs even with Hogue’s outstanding construction.

When I look at his tactical knife designs vs Emersons you can see Emerson gets “it” and Eleshwitz doesn’t. His designs look like what an AI computer might design a tactical knife as, not understanding how the design actually feels in hand.
 
grownstar said:
I really would like to try a Micro Switch one day. Seems like a nifty little auto.

I hear good things about their quality. I guess they just never really blew up like a few other brands.
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If they would have done a Hinderer or Emerson collab as their “coming out models,” they would have exploded i popularity.
 
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An EX-04 was one of my first purchases and it is outstanding. Also have an X-5. They both came out of the box just about perfect. Amazing edges, stupid smooth action with super solid lock up.
Great knives for the money.
Have also found CPM-154 to be a really good all around steel.
Would love to see them give another designer a shot.
 
I’ve had an EX-01, EX-02, EX-04, and a X5, and they’ve all been exceptional except for the X5’s pocket clip being poorly designed - too much tension to store in my pocket without pantsing myself and sticks out so much that it’s a hot spot and catches on things in the environment.

All of the knives had wonderful build quality, nearly ideal factory edges, and were very functional cutting tools. I probably carried the tanto EX01 4” model the most out of the models I have owned. They seem like the sort of knife that, if it clicks with you, would last you your entire life without issue. They were a bit chunky for me, ultimately, but, had I just slightly larger hands, they’d be my go-to knives.
 
I’ve got the X5 spear in blue. The first time I held it, there were sharp pointy hot spots everywhere. After a couple of days they seemed to disappear. I thought my hand just got used to it but then I put it away to carry my Cruwear PM2 I think. Two months or so passed and I picked it up again, no pointy hot spots. The action is incredibly smooth and opens with authority. Closes with a nice snap too. My only real complaint is the clip. Not for any hotspots or catching on things, tension and retention is good but it’s a an angle that doesn’t work in jeans. If I wore khakis or cargo pants it’d likely sit perfect in the slanted pocket, but I wear jeans almost 100% of the time so I don’t carry it often.
 
Comeuppance said:
I’ve had an EX-01, EX-02, EX-04, and a X5, and they’ve all been exceptional except for the X5’s pocket clip being poorly designed - too much tension to store in my pocket without pantsing myself and sticks out so much that it’s a hot spot and catches on things in the environment.

All of the knives had wonderful build quality, nearly ideal factory edges, and were very functional cutting tools. I probably carried the tanto EX01 4” model the most out of the models I have owned. They seem like the sort of knife that, if it clicks with you, would last you your entire life without issue. They were a bit chunky for me, ultimately, but, had I just slightly larger hands, they’d be my go-to knives.
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The 4 in ex01 tanto is my distinct favourite as well. I just find the handle has a very boxy feel to it, especially the corners by the handle jimping. I have the aluminum version which has a very Microtechy feel to it imho.
 
Tommy-Chi said:
They seem to be priced high for the steel they use, but then again so are Emersons. I think if they want to take the market by storm they should come out with a parallel line of knives, same designs, but better steels(M390, CPM-20CV, M4, CTS XHP, Elmax). They could raise the prices $50 to $75 per knife no problem and people would drool over them.
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Agreed but they wouldn't need to raise their prices anymore. ZTs are around 220 - 240 normally (which seems to be what Hogue X series manuals are at) and the Launch series from Kershaw is 50% cheaper with the same materials and the same C.O.O.
 
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 :)
 
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Been carrying my A01 all summer. In my opinion it's an awsome little auto. Perfect EDC. It came extremely sharp, and has a very high quality feel in a smallish package. It's about the same exact size as a mini griptilian, but the smooth aluminum backside of the A01 slides in and out of the pocket better. The safety button doesn't bother me, i just completely ignore it. The blade opens with authority which actually forced me to apply a drop of blue loktite to the pivot screw to prevent the extremely snappy action from loosening the screw. Now it is perfect and has become a favorite of mine, especially when wearing shorts. Made is USA and a great warranty sealed the deal for me and it's been worth the $.
 
J85909266 said:
I would really like to try the new Microflip in wharncliffe.[/QUOT

Former microflip owner here, but in drop point.

It was almost an outstanding knife. Action, blade edge, fit and finish were the finest I’ve seen. Absolutely flawless. My gripes were with the design. End of the handle came to an unnecessary sharp point that scraped anything it touched, including my hand. The pocket clip, while firmly mounted, had some side to side play due to flex that wore the finish on the scale it rested on. The firm detent caused me to use the clip for leverage, moving it slightly with every opening and wearing away a bit of the finish each time I opened it.
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I love Hogue for the simple fact they do their own thing instead of trying to appeal to the masses. And their designs are original and not the same ole same ole that too many other manufacturers follow. I own an EX 02 that pretty much replaced my other brands.

In terms of fit and finish. Hogue is on top of their game. I know many prefer the current trends, super exotic steels, and like the more popular brands. And there is nothing wrong with that.
But I myself couldn't care less about trendy or the next big thing. Which is my main reason for buying Hogue knives. I for one love Elishawetz's designs. And I have yet to find any other production knife that has tolerances as tight as Hogue. Or that I like enough to quit buying Hogue.

Hogue is now the only blade I carry or use for EDC. And I cannot wait to try out the X5.
 
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Mr opinionated said:
I love Hogue for the simple fact they do their own thing instead of trying to appeal to the masses. And their designs are original and not the same ole same ole that too many other manufacturers follow. I own an EX 02 that pretty much replaced my other brands.

In terms of fit and finish. Hogue is on top of their game. I know many prefer the current trends, super exotic steels, and like the more popular brands. And there is nothing wrong with that.
But I myself couldn't care less about trendy or the next big thing. Which is my main reason for buying Hogue knives. I for one love Elishawetz's designs. And I have yet to find any other production knife that has tolerances as tight as Hogue. Or that I like enough to quit buying Hogue.

Hogue is now the only blade I carry or use for EDC. And I cannot wait to try out the X5.
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...you know this thread has been idle for 2.5 years, right?
 
nick_30 said:
I've owned one, an ex04. They are seriously fantastic knives. Excellent quality, hand honed semi polished blade. I have been eyeing the x5. I don't know why they aren't more popular.
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I prefer 3.5"-4" blades. I think they are too pricey, and they look thick, and heavy.
The competition is stiff at the $200 price range.

I'm sure they are good knives, though.
 
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