Hogue / Elishewitz - Awesome Knives That Should Get More Attention

ncrockclimb

ncrockclimb

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So, I recently decided to buy a Hogue / Elishewitz EX-01. Actually, I bought 3: an auto aluminum, a manual aluminum and a manual g-10. To say that these knives impressed me would be a gross understatement. Fit, finish, design, value, strength and (from what I can tell after a short time) durability on these knives is as good as any production knife I have seen and better than most. These are GREAT knives.

For those that don't know, Hogue worked with Allen Elishewitz to design all their knives. Hogue then made a significant investment, set up a knife manufacturing facility in California and are building all these knives in-house. Compare that to S&W or any number of large, well-known companies that simply leveraged their brand and entered the knife market with private label knives of questionable quality. The way Hogue has entered the market is enough to earn my attention and respect. Add that to the fact that they are making an amazing product, and I have become a fan.

I do find it interesting that despite how good Hogue's knives are, they are so seldom mentioned on the forum or in the knife "media." IMHO, there are very few production knives that have better fit and finish than Hogue, and in terms of value Hogue is arguably among the best.

So, what do you think of Hogue / Elishewitz? Are you as impressed with them as I am?

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In short, yes I am. This is my favorite - if you don't mind some (terrible) pictures. The Wilson Combat version of the EX-04. Mike





 
Your Wilson Combat version looks totally cool! That dual bevel on the blade is unique and imho a very appealing design. I am seriously considering an ex-04 auto for my next purchase.
 
While you don't hear them spoken of very often, it's not because people don't like them. I know that most people who have owned them recognize the quality and value. There are tons of them out in our community, but you don't see them come up for sale as often as other brands/models. That should tell you something in and of itself.
 
The Hogue folders are really well-made unique offerings. I have folders in all series except EX-03. All are made in the U.S. with 154CM stainless steel and have secondary locks. EX-01 and EX-04 series are button locks whereas the EX-02 is liner lock with either thumb stud or flipper opening. All are very smooth, nice grinds and sharp/centered blades. Each series has two blade shapes and two blade lengths. So, there are quite a few offerings. EX-01 and EX-02 can be carried tip up or down but right hand carry only. EX-04 is only tip down right hand carry.

Here are my Hogue folders:

  • EX-01 3.5" Drop Point Blade Tumble Finish Matte Black Aluminum
  • EX-02 3.375" Spear Point Blade Flipper Black Finish G10
  • EX-04 4" Upswept Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - Solid
  • EX-04 4" Wharncliffe Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - G-Mascus Blue Lava
  • EX-04 3.5" Wharncliffe Blade Black Finish G10 Frame - G-Mascus Blue Lava


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I would probably bite if they released an uncoated manual version of the 04 upswept. The 03 and the 01 look like decent knives but do not seem to be any different than several other knives. The 04 is a completely different animal but I hate coated blades... Just my opinion however. That Wilson is good looking though. Also I'm a tip up snob.
 
The EX04 wharnie is on my to buy list. I've had a couple Hogues pass through my collection and was impressed with them.
 
I've wanted one since they first came out. The green g Damascus tanto 4"" caught my eye and I'm really not into tantos in fact.out of 40 knives I only have one (halo V). It's on my list but honestly not in a rush to get one. In fact I haven't gotten a new knife since I bought my fallkniven volcano close.to 2 yrs ago. Nothing out there has made me interested enough. Very happy with what I have. Great looking knive though.enjoy and good luck with them.
 
I received a 01 in a trade a couple of years back. I really like everything about it except that flimsy feeling stock clip, so I replaced it with a STR lowrider and it made all the difference for me in pocket time:

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The lockup on my ex-02 is just as solid as the sebenza and strider I had. Flips well with good detent and a comfortable handle. Only complaint is the pocket clip I'm not a fan of.
 
They are very nice, I handled his prototypes before production and was disapointed when the productions had safeties, i assumed it was to keep machining standard in anticipation of the autos.
 
I have an EX04 four inch and love it. I look forward to buying some of the other mods.:thumbup:
 
bigmark408 said:
They are very nice, I handled his prototypes before production and was disapointed when the productions had safeties, i assumed it was to keep machining standard in anticipation of the autos.
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The safety was what kept me from buying one for so long. I do not like safeties. However, on the Hogue / Elishewitz knives it is placed so as to be unobtrusive. The mechanism on the safety very positive, and I have yet to inadvertently engage it. I too wish it was not there, but in reality it is not a big deal at all.
 
ncrockclimb said:
The safety was what kept me from buying one for so long. I do not like safeties. However, on the Hogue / Elishewitz knives it is placed so as to be unobtrusive. The mechanism on the safety very positive, and I have yet to inadvertently engage it. I too wish it was not there, but in reality it is not a big deal at all.
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the safety on mine engaged a few times when i was pulling the knife out of the pocket, so i went ahead and just completely removed it. it was easy to remove and i like the knife better without it.
 
JeremiahWeaver09 said:
the safety on mine engaged a few times when i was pulling the knife out of the pocket, so i went ahead and just completely removed it. it was easy to remove and i like the knife better without it.
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One of the reviews I read said that the first knives they produced had a weaker detent on the safety. Based on customer feedback, they made the detent on the safety stronger. I don't know if this is true, but I know that the detent on mine is strong. I purchased mine with every intention of doing what you did and removing the safety. However, I have found it to be a non-issues. YMMV.

BTW, miltmaldo, that is an awesome looking fixed blade!
 
I really don't understand why plunge locks aren't the number 1 favorite for tac folders. There doesn't seem to be a downside.
 
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