How are Jake Hoback Knives in 2020?

kylemiller

kylemiller

Joined
May 18, 2016
Messages
533
Afternoon gents. Got a question for the experienced. Right now my main rotation consists of Strider, Shirogorov, Chris Reeve and Microtech, just to give you an idea of where I'm coming from. I also like Hinderer construction, but the aesthetics and grind thickness never did it for me. So that one is subjective. Construction and quality is good to go.

I've been looking at Hoback recently. I like the looks of the Sumo, Warhorse and a few others. The Warhorse is a pretty penny to get into and I've noticed the secondary prices for his stuff is nearly a 50% bath. Too much for me to take if there are problems, but it's the one I'm most interested in.

So what are your experiences? I'd like to hear the good, bad and inbetween. I like a thin edge and don't enjoy having a "tune" a knife to make it operate properly. I also really prefer locating points in the handle besides the pivot (looking at you Spartan) so I don't have to worry about reassembly if I need to clean one myself.
 
I have had a few of Jakes knives over the years and they all have been really nice, but sold for one reason or another. I think his knives compare favorably or better across the board to what you listed already owning.

I got a Sumo last week and it's been in my pocket almost exclusively since. The action is ridiculous, better than the few Shiro's I've owned. That's in large part to being a button lock but build quality always plays a part as well. If the blade's not centered it's not going to roll as smooth, etc. It has an extreme fidget factor and I am not even a fidgety kind of guy. You can open it in about 8 different ways with equal satisfaction.

Mine measures .0265 behind the cutting edge :thumbsup:

Internal and external milling and finishing are flawless :thumbsup:

Pocket clip works well :thumbsup:

4 finger grip for my size 17 fingers :thumbsup:

Great blade to handle ratio:thumbsup:

4.6 oz :thumbsup:

The only gripe I can say is that once I missed the flipper tab, I'd have liked it better if it were 1/16" longer, but that's getting really nit picky and I prefer other opening options better anyway.

Right now very few knives that seem to be fetching a premium. Ask me what I had to take to sell my last Shiro 111.. Jake's been around a while and like many makers his work is easier to get now. There are also some that are put off by "ps23" appearing discreetly on the knives. If you did have a problem and liked the knife Jake would take care of you. He's a good human and probably the most generous knife maker in the business when it comes to freely giving out his innovations and designs to other makers.

No regrets on this one.
 
Also worth adding that all of Jakes knives include take down tools and he encourages their owners to take them apart for cleaning and maintenance as needed :thumbsup:
 
kylemiller said:
Afternoon gents. Got a question for the experienced. Right now my main rotation consists of Strider, Shirogorov, Chris Reeve and Microtech, just to give you an idea of where I'm coming from. I also like Hinderer construction, but the aesthetics and grind thickness never did it for me. So that one is subjective. Construction and quality is good to go.

I've been looking at Hoback recently. I like the looks of the Sumo, Warhorse and a few others. The Warhorse is a pretty penny to get into and I've noticed the secondary prices for his stuff is nearly a 50% bath. Too much for me to take if there are problems, but it's the one I'm most interested in.

So what are your experiences? I'd like to hear the good, bad and inbetween. I like a thin edge and don't enjoy having a "tune" a knife to make it operate properly. I also really prefer locating points in the handle besides the pivot (looking at you Spartan) so I don't have to worry about reassembly if I need to clean one myself.
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Can you not find a used one so that depreciation is already built in?
 
Thanks for the responses. I have no problem with the PS23 inscription on the knives. The only one I seem to be able to turn up used is the Kwaiback, and I just can't do anymore kwaiken. Might be the least practical EDC blade shape out there. The Warhorse and Sumo are the main ones I'm after. But that Kwaiback does reach some firesale prices. Might try one out the next time I see someone bathing it.
 
Got a sumo myself about 2 weeks ago and its been getting alot of pocket time. Im a personal fan of chunky blades or ones that aren't really the norm and this fits in great. The different opening options for it are a neat feature and the action is very smooth. It's my only hoback so can't say about his other stuff, but my Grimsmo has been in the case alot more recently. I like that the knife is not overly big but still has a big blade look and feel because of the way its designed
 
I recently made a trade with an expensive knife to pick up one Jake’s knives. I looked at his knives over the years and the only thing back then that kept me away was cost, and for some pieces weight being more than I wanted in an EDC. Happy to say I have ZERO regrets. Mine is one of his customs, the Tradecraft with a 3.2 inch blade and 4oz or lighter. I honestly don’t see his knives taking a bath any worse than just about every maker on the secondary, unless you are talking Holts. I also find a Japanese Tanto very usable.
4A950B14-20D3-4E0C-9ADF-F3A67C1BC57C.jpeg
 
Very nice, I've thought about getting one of these a few times, that's the nicest I've seen.

My Sumo is still getting a lot of pocket play. I really think the price point is a bargain for as nicely finished and smooth it is, mine works completely on gravity with seemingly no friction even in the slightest from the bearings. It may end up being one of his models that appreciates, he didn't make a ton of them.
 
I had one of the original a10 hobacks from him. While I dont share his appreciation for scripture, his knife was an outstanding creation and I would not hesitate to buy anything with his name on it. Stand up guy and a stand up knife.
 
I have a Kwaiback and a Husky. I like bigger knives but must say that the Kwaiback is my current favourite EDC. The blade geometry is fantastic for every day chores and is the perfect size. Still a substantial knife but almost unnoticeable in the pocket. My other favourite EDC is my Custom Knife Factory Sablya. I would buy another Hoback in a heartbeat.
 
The Kwaiback design is very easy on the pocket, you don't notice the carry weight and the Japanese tanto style works great for a multitude of chores for me, from yard work, small food prep and then easy carry like opening packages and mail. PVK has/had some nice examples of the Tradecraft, not inexpensive though at $900 - $1,300. Yet it is the first expensive knife I've owned that I just grab and use despite it's cost and don't even think about it. All other expensive knives I've owned just ended up being flipped before being used. Appears I missed out on a deal for one that was only $500 all in DLC. I picked up a blue custom anodized model with an apocalyptic blade just yesterday. 3.2 inch blade with a 4inch handle and 4oz, perfect EDC.

JH-Tradecraft-AutoC8BAPVK-2.jpg 20190902-_14F8906_inset-dice-left.jpg
xJH-Tradecraft-AutoDLC-2.jpg
 
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I met Jake at the Blade show around 10 years ago and he is a super nice guy. No experience with his knives since I'm not a fan of large over built folders.
 
banana-clip said:
I met Jake at the Blade show around 10 years ago and he is a super nice guy. No experience with his knives since I'm not a fan of large over built folders.
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Probably worth another look, more of his models are EDC size/weight these days than not.

A8 Slimline: 4.7 oz
Sumo: 4.6 oz
Kwiback CF: 4.6 oz
Tradecraft: 3.9 oz
Enoch: 3.1 oz
 
I still haven't got my hands on one. I'm still looking and watching the occasion vid. I think it might end a situation like Medford and I, where I really love the quality and general way they do business, but the subjective designs just don't do it for me enough. I'd probably still pull the trigger on a Warhorse on the used market to give it a test drive. Might inspire me to go deeper into the line up. Curious to see if I can get a finger in that choil.
 
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