Thoughts About Hogue EX-F01? 5-1/2" Fixed Blade

[Dustbuster03]

Hello everyone! I was registered as another user but forgot my password, my previous account was Dustyshelves03. So this is my new account. When i get my taxes back this January i am thinking about getting a Hogue EX-F01 5-1/2" Fixed Blade. I was just wondering if anyone here on BladeForums has handled/own one and has any input on the knife. Ive done alot of research on this particular blade and cant really find any bad reviews, to me it looks extremely beefy and tough. 1/4" A2 Steel seems like it could take a rather intense beating for it to break. It is a quite expensive choice for me but i feel as if it would pay for itself because it would last forever... Would you recommend this knife as opposed to others similar to this blade? What are other choices with good steel and about the same size and price of around $250 +/- maybe $50... Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!!!

Knives I Own:
Spyderco: Endura 4 - ParaMilitary 2 - Ambitious
Benchmade: Adamas 375 Fixed - Osborne 940 - 5BLKW Rescue Hook
Kershaw: Skyline - Chive
S.A.K.: Ranger
Ka-Bar: BK 11

 

[bdmicarta]

Becker and ESEE are good choices for less money. What do you expect to do with the new knife that your 375 won't do?

 

[LCO213]

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Here's a picture of mine with the coating stripped away and given a forced patina. To be honest, if you want a knife you can abuse, it might be difficult to find a better option at this price. But, in my opinion, this knife isn't worth much more than that. It has a really thick blade, and thick edge, which affects it's cutting capability...maybe you could re-profile the edge, and it would work better. Don't get me wrong, this knife is a beast, and feels good in the hand. I just think it's a little too much knife for any practical purpose. I'm on a Fallkniven kick right now...have you seen the Fallkniven Northern Light series?