Are Hogue knives any good?

T

TheEdge01

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Apr 3, 2015
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Hey guys, as the title says, I’m looking for opinions about Hogue knives. I like several of their designs but haven’t held one to see how it feels. From what I’ve seen, they get decent reviews from online sellers. Some folks complain about the detent and blade being hard to open. For those of you that have owned and used Hogue knives, please tell me what you think. They look well made and durable but do they perform well and are built to last?
 
I've been looking at the X5 4" Folders Modified Wharncliffe and Spearpoint), from what I read they are well made, work well but the coating shows wear relatively easy (on the handle) and the handles are prone to getting dinged up due to being made from aluminium. Fit and finish and sharpness out of the box are very good. I haven't pulled the trigger mostly because other knives simply took priority/were higher on the "I want list" but generally it seems that people are happy with them, especially for the money. I'd give them a shot if there weren't the upcoming ZT's and the WE Zeta on my list.
 
Hogue knives are excellent and very well built. I have an EX-01, 3 EX-04s, and two X5s. The only ones with strong detents that might cause some finger discomfort until you get used to them (and they break in) are the X5 flippers. If there's a Hogue you like, buy with confidence.

edit: If you are specifically looking at the X5, I'd try to go somewhere and hold one first or buy from someplace with a good return policy. The larger 4" models work great for me (chubby medium size hands), but the 3.5" model I had was quite uncomfy due to handle shape and size.
 
I can second that. I have a 4 inch ex01 tanto and two ex04s a 3.5 wharnie and a 4 inch trailing point.

They are excellent blades with great fit and finish and exacting standards. The aluminum handled ex01 has a feeling in hand I would describe as very similar to aluminum Microtechs. In many ways it reminds me of my Socom Elite.

Also they have the nicest edge of any knife I have ever gotten out of the box. Not necessarily the sharpest. (Though my examples have all been extremely sharp) No other production knife I own came with a mirror edge.
 
G. Scott H. said:
Hogue knives are excellent and very well built. I have an EX-01, 3 EX-04s, and two X5s. The only ones with strong detents that might cause some finger discomfort until you get used to them (and they break in) are the X5 flippers. If there's a Hogue you like, buy with confidence.

edit: If you are specifically looking at the X5, I'd try to go somewhere and hold one first or buy from someplace with a good return policy. The larger 4" models work great for me (chubby medium size hands), but the 3.5" model I had was quite uncomfy due to handle shape and size.
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Two that caught my eye are the EX01 with aluminum handles and satin blade, and the EX02 with G10 handles. The only thing I really find unappealing as far as looks go on the EX01 is the pocket clip, it looks like I could remove the screws and use it to eat a bowl of cereal.
 
I have owned several and tested a few more and all were well built and sharp knives. I don’t think you can go wrong. If you like a particular design my bet is it will be well executed. The only grip I have is that most of their knives are not lefty friendly.
 
My EX-01 is a favorite. Excellent fit and finish and the action they achieve without any washers or bearings whatsoever is bloody impressive. My biggest gripe would be that I feel the safety is unnecessary (I might like it if it locked the knife closed, instead) but it also doesn't get in the way, so it's a bit of a moot point.

Detent on mine is strong, but certainly not ridiculous. That said, prolonged illness has cost me my calluses and so I find the conical thumbstud a little more uncomfortable these days, unless I flick it with the thumb nail. Of course, if my hands are feeling a bit too baby soft, I can always hit the button lock and flip the blade out that way with zero discomfort. ;)
 
Another vote of confidence here.
I have an EX 04 and an X5. Both extremely well built and priced fairly.
I sent an e mail just to say how happy I was with them. Got a response within the hour.....thanking me!!
Great knives from a great company.......if you like one, go for it.
Joe
 
I had one but didn’t use it and ended up selling it. The knife seemed well made and there weren’t any quality issues but that particular knife just wasn’t for me. I wasn’t nuts about the blade shape or mostly G10 handle. If you like one of their designs I think it would be a fine knife.

i.ashx

i.ashx
 
palonej said:
Another vote of confidence here.
I have an EX 04 and an X5. Both extremely well built and priced fairly.
I sent an e mail just to say how happy I was with them. Got a response within the hour.....thanking me!!
Great knives from a great company.......if you like one, go for it.
Joe
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Wow!!!! That’s impressive, it is definitely easier for a customer to give a company business if you truly feel appreciated. How does their 154cm compare to Benchmades?
 
Just as a heads up about the clip, it looks like there is a deep carry clip they sell for the EX01. It will run you a few extra bucks but it shouldn't look as goofy.
 
Shmavey said:
Just as a heads up about the clip, it looks like there is a deep carry clip they sell for the EX01. It will run you a few extra bucks but it shouldn't look as goofy.
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Thanks!!! I will look into that, I understand Hogue wanting something exclusive to their brand but the pocket clip is hideous.
 
TheEdge01 said:
Wow!!!! That’s impressive, it is definitely easier for a customer to give a company business if you truly feel appreciated. How does their 154cm compare to Benchmades?
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Agreed! It wasn’t just a ‘thank you’ e mail either. It really impressed me!!
I saw no difference in the steels. Held an edge just fine and not a bear to sharpen.
Joe
 
I work at a dealer that sells Hogue knives and am thoroughly impressed with a majority of their knives. They're extremely well built with a good action. I like their flippers and don't think the detent is too hard. The X5 and Micro Flip are probably my favorites by them. See if you have a dealer near you so you can try some out first before buying them. Certain ones are a little big/small.
 
I almost bought the OTF until I saw how big it was. Hear some good things about it though.
 
How strong is the locking mechanism? I did read one review about someone claiming the lock on their knife busting up from light batoning. Not that I will do this, it just raises a durability question.
 
I have 6 X5s of different configurations and snagged one of their Beta 1 knives. The handle shape may or may not be comfortable depending on your hand size, grip preference, etc... As far as construction goes they seem top notch to me. I enjoy button-lock knives but they usually don't have very good action. Hogue machines a pocket inside of one of the scales where a detent ball and spring get mounted. To me, the action feels awesome and there is a secondary lock in case you are worried about releasing the button lock.
 
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Baton??? Ok I’ll bite, why???
I have used my EX4 as a work knife for years, HVAC. It has stood up to some nasty shit with no problems at all. Any doubts??? They have a safety.
Baton??? With a button lock folder?? Ummmmm no.
Joe

TheEdge01 said:
How strong is the locking mechanism? I did read one review about someone claiming the lock on their knife busting up from light batoning. Not that I will do this, it just raises a durability question.
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