mini-comparison: BM Grip vs Hogue EX-01

[fishface5]

I picked up a Hogue EX-01 in trade out of curiosity about the button lock. Its the drop point version in Green G10 Gmascus. As it turns out it has one issue that I don't love so I will be moving it on. But before I do I wanted to share some impressions with folks who may be totally unfamiliar with it, as I was before obtaining this one.

Short version - this thing is fantastic in every way, except that for my taste the index finger cutout places the finger much farther from the edge than I prefer. Even farther than the Griptillian, which for me is too far.

Longer version - wow the fit & finish is great! It immediately draws a comparison to the Griptiliian due to similar size, and both have locks that permit the knife to be opened and closed one-handed which I like very much. To the Hogue's credit it is of WAY nicer construction than a Griptillian; on the other hand it is definitely easier to open and close the Griptillian by using the Axis lock than it is with the Hogue's button-lock. However the Hogue locks open BANK VAULT TIGHT. No play. My Grip has a little bit of vertical play when open - not enough to make any difference in use, and I'm not sure if that's true for all grips or just mine, but there is something satisfying about having a blade that locks open so solidly.
The Hogue also has an additional lock which when pushed into place prevents the button-lock from being depressed, which is a nice touch.

Blade length is almost identical. The Grip's blade is pointier but the Hogue's blade is of thicker stock, as are the beefy inset liners. The Gmascus feels and looks great, and is SO MUCH nicer than the cheesy Zytel on the Grip. The G10 and thicker steel make the Hogue a wee but heavier than the Grip but nothing that feels significant in the hand. The Hogue's handle is flatter than the Grip so it takes up less pocket space, while still providing excellent ergonomics - except for my personal twitch, which is that I like my index finger to be as close to the edge as possible without resorting to the Spyderco choil approach.

I really like the pocket clip on the Hogue, it is effective and unobtrusive to the eye and has no hot spots or sharp edges to annoy the hand. The Grip's clip allows tip-up only but for either the right or left pocket, whereas the EX-01 is tip-up or tip-down but right pocket only (unless you clip it backwards in the left pocket).

Now in terms of blade steel I haven't really put the Hogue through anything more challenging than opening boxes and a little garden work. I got it used, the prior owner said well-used, but aside from some very light scratches on the blade it appears new and sharpened up quite nicely.

Basically if only this Hogue fit my hand the way I wanted I would say that my EDC needs would be well-filled. I am very very impressed with the machining/construction of this knife! Alas for me the search must continue . . . . .

 

[Professor]

FF5,

You might give a look to the BM Pardue-designed Presidio series - they make large and small comparable to large and small Griptilians. The handle design allows you to choke up further toward the blade. The trade-off, though I do not care, is that, like with traditional slipjoints, the back of the blade that contacts the stop pin is exposed when the knife is closed. A very small concession given the control afforded by the handle design, plus you get full steel liners and several scale options. It's less-pronounced on the Presidio's since they employ a thumbstud rather than a hole.

Here's my BM mini Bone Collector that shares the Presidio's handle profile:

And a pic when closed to show you what I was talking about with the back of the blade:

The ergo's are great, and given what you're looking for, it may be worth a look and a fondle if anywhere near a retailer. Take care!

Prof.

 

[chiral.grolim]

Is that large flat section above the guard/groove on the EX01 an unacceptable index placement? I choke my CS Recon 1 that way all the time, letting my middle finger rest in the groove. There is no protection against slipping onto the blade, but it does allow closer index placement.

 

[chiral.grolim]

Btw, gorgeous modification of those Bonecollectors :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Professor]

Btw, gorgeous modification of those Bonecollectors :thumbup::thumbup:

Thank you kindly, Sir. Got a fresh batch I'm working on for some friends.

 

[fishface5]

Btw, gorgeous modification of those Bonecollectors :thumbup::thumbup:

yeah those look great! I will have to check that model out.
Chiral to answer you question, one could place their middle finger in the Hogue's index-finger cutout and place the index finger on the handle closer to the blade but it feels odd to me to do so.

 

[Sonnydaze]

Is that large flat section above the guard/groove on the EX01 an unacceptable index placement? I choke my CS Recon 1 that way all the time, letting my middle finger rest in the groove. There is no protection against slipping onto the blade, but it does allow closer index placement.

This is the same situation that I find with the Grayman Dua. Although I love the general height, width, and length of the Dua's grip, I am uncomfortable placing my index finger close to the blade with my middle finger in the groove. I have been told that some folks are okay..holding it in that manner.