I'm curious, does anyone actually prefer the HOGB8 over B8LE if have both?
For now, the Basic 8 LE is my go-to belt carry as a just-in-case big knife for potential (unexpected) survival situations.
For example, I like the B8LE for belt carry in off-trail wilderness situations where I might have to build shelter or split wet wood to get to dry wood for a fire. It’s nimble, strong and light, and paired with a good folder is a perfect just-in-case carry option for me.
The HOGB8 adds the ingredient of indestructibility for use in situations that might wreck a lighter blade, especially when a few extra ounces are a plus rather than a minus—for example as an emergency tool in a vehicle, for rescue breaching/intrusion/extraction, or for task-specific work like breaking down heavy objects where you expect and intend to be hammering on a blade or hammering/prying with it.
As the HOGB8 is only about 4 oz heavier than the B8LE and matches it in all dimensions other than blade thickness, I understand why anyone who doesn’t mind the extra weight would prefer the HOGB8 across the board. I may get there myself—time will tell.
As it stands, the B8LE is my “just-in-case” single-blade belt carry and my HOGB8 is for in-vehicle emergency carry and specific, intentional heavy-use/abuse applications.
I wouldn’t want to give up either one.