Hogue exf01....Thoughts?

[tiogatires]

I have inbound a Hogue EXF01 in the 7" version. I've owned one before and traded it away, but always wanted to get another. Seemed like it had almost the perfect blade profile for me for general use. I don't see too much on these Hogue fixed blade knives here on BF so was curious who else has one and what are your thoughts on it?

As I remember, the handle could have been slightly larger and the Supplied Allen key was of poor quality, but that blade shape was one to be equaled and it came extremely sharp. As a matter of fact it may have been the sharpest knife I ever received, short of a few Doziers I've owned.

Lemme know what you other users think. I will post up again once I receive it (again).

 

[savedblake]

I received the 5.5 inch version from my wife for Christmas. I carried a Kabar inverted on my belt throughout my last deployment to Afghanistan and loved it. Was looking for something I could legally do the same within my home state here and this fit the bill.

Looked great and was hair shaving sharp out of the box. After Christmas, I chopped the limbs off our Christmas tree to give it a trial run. Cut several dozen 1/2-1" thick branches. After I got the sap cleaned off, it was still had a great edge. It's honed up nicely and seems to maintain pretty well with the light use I've put it through.

I'll be going down range again this summer, plan on carrying this on my hip. It's thick enough I'd feel comfortable prying if I need to. I love the window breaker (skull crusher per the Hogue description) on the butt end. The grip is very ergonomic and comfortable with chopping or more hardy work, though the scales are quite smooth. Could stand some scarring up or extra texture.

I agree on the included Allen key--pretty weak sauce. Mine was torqued trying to take the screws out. I ended up torquing another driver I had. I finally broke the lock tite after getting a heavier duty driver set. I emailed Hogue and they were very helpful and professional, sent me a replacement Allen key that works fine.

I tried wrapping the handle, found I liked the grips better. I put the screws back in sans lock tite and they've been fine without.

The included sheath seems pretty versatile and I may put it on my body armor, but I made a leather sheath for my belt that rides well inverted. It's been great carrying throughout the week the past two months, I will continue to run with that.

Great looking knife, am enjoying it much. I hope you're liking yours as much as I am mine!