🔪 How Does a $200 Knife Perform? - Hogue EX-F01 5.5" Knife - Made in the USA
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- Опубликовано: 25 авг 2024
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Thanks to a friend who encouraged me to pick up this knife, we have a new blade to test out! This is the Hogue EX-F01 5.5" Knife and today I'm getting it out into the forest for a Field Test!
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Agenda Free Link : www.hogueinc.c...
Price : $200 on amazon at the time of filming; retail is $240
Weight of knife : 10.1oz
Weight of Knife and Sheath : 17.2oz / little over a pound
Made in the USA
Limited Lifetime warranty
Versions : At the time of filming, there are 23 different versions of this knife. I have linked to the Hogue web site and the version that I purchased. It’s available with different materials and finishes for a low-key visual footprint. It’s available with either a drop-point or Tanto blade profile. Tanto blade models feature a saw back.
Hogue : Hogue, well known for their gun related accessories was founded in 1968 by Guy Hogue and the company today is carried on by his son’s which I think is cool. While they are well known for their gun grips, stocks and hostlers they have ventured into the knife market with excellent results from what I have been told.
All Hogue knives are designed by custom knifemaker and former Recon Marine. Allen Elishewitz
This is my first experience with a Hogue knife with a friend of mine hounding me to death about his EX-F01 blade.
SPECS
• Blade Length: 5.5”
• Overall Length: 10.5”
• Weight: 10.4 oz
BLADE
• Style: Drop Point with Flat Grind
• Thickness: 0.235”
• Material: A2 Tool Steel
• Hardness: 57-59 HRC
• Treatment: Cryogenically Heat Treated - fire arms finish
• Finish: Black Cerakote®
• Flat Grind - Hand Honed Edge
Full tang
FEATURES
• Frame: Cocobolo Hardwood Scales
• Includes Ballistic Nylon MOLLE Sheath
• Lanyard/Lashing Holes
• Impact Pommel
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Thoughts :
The blade size is perfect for myself; this is a 7 inch version but for most tasks I find that 5.5” is the perfect balance of useability and utility. Not so big that it becomes awkward for certain tasks. Generally once you go pasted the 5.5” length, in my opinion the blade becomes excellent for very specific tasks such as battoning and less effective as an all around camp tool
Excellent balance.
Most comfortable grip I have ever experienced.
Sheath is fine but isn’t my personal preference. It doesn’t have any glaring issues. The quality is excellent and if you are into tactical, then it will serve you well. Cordura® Ballistic Nylon with bar-tack stitching. The sheath is ambidextrous and jumpable. MOLLE Compatible. - When fully seated, there is absolutely no rattle!
Excellent quality
Sharp
Thick steel
Well designed
Middle of the road design; Combat/Tactical/Survival type knife
A2 is known for its toughness and edge-holding ability. It will hold an edge better than 01 tool steel and 1095 and is more corrosion resistant. It takes a very sharp edge and is fairly easy to resharpen. The EX-F01 blade features a durable, non-reflective black, green, or tan Cerakote® ceramic coating that provides additional corrosion resistance.
Tool : The hidden storage spaces in the handle of the EX-F01 can be used to store small survival items. A Torx wrench nested in the handle allows easy removal of the scales to access the compartments. Milled recesses in the scales match up with the skeletonized compartments in the tang.
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Great review.
What jacket are you wearing? I think I saw something like this on ebay, chinese origin?
Hey Al, the jacket is from BIYLACLESEN and I picked this up on Amazon for around $40 I believe. There are a bunch of companies who make a similar product, all I believe are Chinese. So far though, the jacket has held up well and is warm....not sure how it will look in 6 months to a year; we shall see.
- Luke
@@TheOutdoorGearReview thanks!
I just searched that brand you mentioned on Amazon. They have some good looking products. Hope it holds up well for you. Great price
I've a similar Fleece Softshell Jacket from AliExpress, it's a great cheap one and I'm using it for about 2yrs already, hiking, fishing whatever and it's very warm I really like it. But, it's not waterproof or water resisted, so be aware of it.
Here's a link, it's just the first one I found... you can search for some more and find better prices probably, check the sizes though, they usually write Chinese sizes, need to check the chart measurements before ordering.
aliexpi.com/6FMj
To me everyday is fantastic day above ground outdoors is a bonus I love being outside in the rain and sunshine you just see different things in general .
In morning listening to birds .life is good deep in a forests
Any day "above ground sober is a Good day, add the outdoors/woods, then it's a GREAT F'ing day..
Been my saying since Sept 3 1993. I like your way of thinking D Fox, my friend. Peace..
As a Journeyman Machinist of 30 years A-2 steel holds its edge. Depending how hard on the Rockwell hardness you might not want to pry with the blade. Hefty knife and very well made with nice sheath. Thanks for the tryout video.
What is Premium Japanese Steel AUS-8A ? Randall Harmsen can you help me out? I don't know the differences too well besides what I've used in field.
James Gibbs every country has its own grades of materials. USA standards are refined to holds standards. I am sure the Japanese standards are high with a great reputation. Chinese grades are terrible! Which I have seen in Tool and Die trade. Best doing some research into it. Japanese knife steel know for quality!
Friend stopped by yesterday with one of these knives and said it was too big for him...and gave it to me...! Will be looking forward to my next camping trip....this will be going along...
i've had my EX-F01 for several years now, and its still my favorite survival/camping blade. i have the 7 inch drop point version and it has shrugged off everything i've thrown at it, my only complaints are the cheaply made sheath/insert, and the black cerakoting. the sheath looks and seems great when you first buy it, but the nylon its made of is not pre-stretched and ends up loose and floppy around the insert after a while, and the insert in my sheath has two plastic ribs along the inside that force the blade to sheath crooked unless you put conscious effort into making sure it goes in straight. hopefully they've changed the manufacturing process to fix the issues with the sheath by now. as for the cerakoting.... im currently in the process of trying to find a way to remove that. i have always hated knives that have black blades because the black coating or paint always wears off unevenly, in turn making the blade look like crap in short order. thinking if i can get it cleaned up well enough, i may try acid etching the blade to give it a damascus look that matches the handle scales. oh... speaking of the handle, one more tiny but silly gripe... the "storage compartments" built into the handle.... they hype them as a major feature of the knife.... but seriously asking here... what could you actually fit in those two tiny holes that would be worth the effort? maybe one water purification tablet each? like i said, amazing blade, still my favorite so far, just wish they offered a high quality leather sheath for it, or at least a less cheesy nylon one.
thanks. Very useful feedback.
Great in depth review, I am eyeing the SIG Rosewood version of it, pretty pricey but certainty a beautiful looking knife!
That's a nice knife, I have been using Hogue knives in A2 for more than 10 years now. Materials and heat treatment can make a huge difference when you start using a knife hard. The bad news is that it's a gateway knife, introducing you to what's possible. A2 has been on the market for a little more than 100 years. After you use something like a Spyderco Proficient in S90V and carbon fiber you may never go back to a Mora. When you start sharpening these higher end, harder, tougher, more wear resistant steels you will discover that ceramic sharpeners are a very good thing.
Looks like a great knife. Personally most of my knives are 200-300$ and I beat them like the owe me money... Within reason. Not going out of the way to break them but I'm in no way babying them. 👍
Sharpened pry bar FTW!
Great and simple video, Luke !
Keep up the great work !!!
Expensive knives are good if they have a above industry standard heat treatment. So yea it's worth it in that case.
I was given a hogue folder a few years ago by my mother and it's my favorite knife by far. She even had my name and the year it was given to me put on it. It's my edc and the wear and tear I have on it from it's usage I feel gives it character. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
Man, Hogue just makes some really nice stuff. All of it. I have never owned or held a piece of their gear and felt it was substandard in terms of quality. My Fox/FKMD parang in that price range is my favorite knife and camping tool I own. Thanks for the input, Luke.
Looking forward to your EXF01 update Luke. Thanks for the informative update. I own a Hogue and they have lifetime guarantee and lifetime sharpening. That should make you feel better about spending the money for it.
After watching your video, I decided to purchase one online today. Thanks for the video’s and gear reviews Luke 👍
I just spent $425 on a Spartan Blades Difensa. $200 is usually the minimum I spend. There is a difference. In quality at the $200 mark and up.
I’ve got all kinds of gear throughout the years. Sog seal pup elite, sog hatchet, gerber’s etc. but when it comes down to load out for a 1-2 day scout mission with chance of confrontation…I run a hogue ex-f01 in 5.5” tanto all black, and a crkt kangee hatchet. (12.5” suppressed sbr 5.56, g45 glock 9mm, and mossberg 590s shockwave in backpack scabbard. Along with battle belt, body armor, and 18l backpack. This knife is a hilite along with the kangee for silent maneuvers.
I have the 7 inch version and think it's a great knife. I had no problems making feather sticks or a couple of piles of shavings for fire starting. The spine worked well for striking fire steel (only had one cheap one to experiment with). I second its incredible ability to baton wood. The campsite we were at already had several logs there. I didn't plan ahead and pack a camp axe, so I used the tool I had available. Many of the logs were 5 to 6 inches in diameter with one being closer to 9. I beat the heck out of that knife, but other than some slight wear to the finish, the knife kept smiling and is ready to go several more rounds. My old elbow was not so happy, and still hasn't quite healed up after almost 3 months. Great review and keep up the good work.
I never care how sharp a knife is as that never lasts and will never be that way again with me doing the sharpening. It looks nice though.
such a beautiful knife, thanks for review
You took the words right out of my mouth .. "ow Money ... Ow Money" lol Great review can't wait to see what you throw at it. If it survives and you still feel strong about I'd drop the cash on one it looks sweet
Beautiful knife Luke, love the handle wood design. Would really like to own one
Great review brother! $200 is a great price for what you get👍
Nice blade goodreview thanks for sharing
Would you do more knife reviews? This video was so helpful! I'm a sub, love your vids.
👍🏻👍🏻
Maybe you can do a vid about knife sharpening and what you use and recommend.
I think that would be cool, so many different sharpening systems and ways of doing it.
Excellent review Luke as well as some very nice filming. I think this one is worth $200 since you sounded so positive about it. Thanks man.
Great channel,great video,great looking knife..I've spent more than $200 buying multiple cheaper blades that have all failed. I have no problem spending that on one knife as long as it never ever lets me down(with reasonable expectations)
Looks like a solid blade
Appreciate this review, alot of people dont know about so ill definitely keep up with you vid for the update
The people at Hogue are awesome! They are based in my area and their store is fun to go to.
My serrated Kbar cost 60 bucks, does all the same stuff, plus it takes a beating 😎
Gorgeous knife and that Coco Bolo handle (scales) is a work of art.
Hello Luke, thank you for sharing this fine review. That is an awesome looking versatil knife.
The very best to you and Susan.
🤗
I had a moment of revelation during that video Luke! How many hours of my life have i watched you sawing wood? Still it seems im not bored yet 🤣
Excellent knife, I have that same model, just different scales... the only complaints I had, is the tool that came with it fell out of the holder (of course). That was bound to happen anyway. Not a big deal, because those little torx bits are readily available anywhere. Also the sheath is nothing special, it does the job, but a formed leather sheath would have been much better.
If you didn’t do the review, I wouldn’t have known about it. Thanks for your efforts. It was fun.
I have no problem spending a good amount on a knife. My favorites are the customs I designed and had made for me. Use them all, customs and production.
many years ago i bought a busse of the same size when they were easy to get. it has served me well. that hogue should do the same for you. for what you get it is well worth it.
Thanks for ALL your help answering my silly messages!! I love that knife. I keep buying knives a little more expensive each time but my Dad has given me some also. My favorite is a small one the Opinel #8 Alpine Adventures Collection hiking version. I don't think I could handle that big a knife and not hurt myself.
Well made, very nice knife. Love the grip scales. The quality seems to match the price. For someone looking to spend less, I've had great service from my Ontario RAT-7 (7 inch blade). The RAT-5 might work for someone looking for a smaller knife. Thank you for the review Luke. S&H Brother
$200+ is a big investment! But what a beautiful knife & tool that one is for sure!!!
My camping go to tool is my Estwing hatchet, “no worry of broken handles”, or my tomahawk for chopping, where I can quickly make a new handle, only carrying the head if weight or bulk is an issue, then good folding saw for wood collecting.
Appreciate your honest review. Excellent job! Just subscribed.
Oh wow! that is a beautiful knife...It is very expensive,,but just looking at it I can see why! I love it..great review and thank you for sharing.
This Hogue knife is super nice. They also make other good knives... automatic, folders, and fixed blades. The Hogue Deka is one of the best lightweight everyday carry knives.
If you're going to be relying on a blade as much as one might in the woods, there's no point in going cheap if the item's just going to fail. I've got a few great knives at $25 (hell, the KaBar Dozier-designed folders come in around $16 sometimes and those ROCK), but I also have, use, and love several that're far more expensive. If it was all I was going to have out there, that Hogue looks like it'd be well-worth the investment.
Having said that, I'm not a huge fan of the tool-steel blades, though I acknowledge their toughness, and that handle, while beautiful, just seemed too slick for my comfort. And I'm more of a Kydex girl, m'self. BUT.. that's a beautiful blade (I love the blade shape), and a compelling review. I may have to check out Hogue's offerings. Thanks, as ever, for your vids!
Never disregard a knife for its sheath tho, just saying great quality knife deserves a good costume sheath made for it
It's basicly the modern rambo knife. All you really need to add is a small utility pouch.
I would love to see an episode on Cpap equipment for backpacking.
Wow what a great request! I have sleep apnea so that's why I can't go camping any more.
But I'm not sure he would be the right person to test it. You would need someone who has sleep apnea.
With the way it worked , seems reasonable to me .
Great video. Luke, have you done a review on that chest pack? If so I've missed it. What kind is it, and where can I check it out?
I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken, but I believe that is a Hill People Gear chest rig.
As long as it's a good quality knive I have no problem with 200 dollars
I work my knives hard even throw them, glad to say i havnt broken one yet love the tanto as well
Really liking this blade if u ever want to trade I have around 100 blades fixed and folding from great companies including Hogue folders BHK kabar Japanese made sere 2000 folder Hogue’s EX-05 tops manly knives and many more to many to remember.
That is a beautiful knife. I love that hardwood grip. Made in the USA. This may be my next knife.
Good channel and weather ain't too bad🌞
Hey Luke how you doing buddy I know you are one of the most honest review people on RUclips and you don't give a damn what people think about it you tell the truth about it no matter what and I love that because you are agenda free anyway brother another great visual as usual keep up the great work God bless you all
I like my custom knife from my buddy who makes them custom to order. At burning river forge in Ohio.
Would i be able to order a custom knife from him ?
Eugene Rob yes. Email me at mcf1289@gmail.com
In my opinion...its a fighting knife that can also bushcraft, as opposed to something like an ESEE 5 that is a survival/bushcraft knife that can fight....I have one and I'm thoroughly impressed with it...just my $.02
As knives go, $200 is not a lot of $ and you can spend a lot more, and not get a knife as good as that Hogue. Like everything, prices went up (as of 2023) and will now pay over that $200 now, more like 220-230 ish. A2 is not a "super steel" but with a good HT, very tough. If they used some modern super steel, it would cost north of $300 easy.
Thank you very much for this review, I really like this knife, and so far, this is the best review I have seen. This is on my shopping list, just have to find a way to traffic this past the wifey...
It's a beautiful blade, but a beast!! Reminds me of my Rat 5
Awesome knife, very well made. The sharpest knife I have used/ own made by Cutco/Kabar. Out of Olean NY. Not cheap, but not 2 bills. Thanks all!
It's a great knife. I have the 5.5 with the micarta handles which aren't as pretty as the cocobolo wood but offer a little better grip in wet conditions. Looking forward to your long-term review.
Cheers,
Mike
It is expensive, but a really great knife. Quality for sure, so worth it.
Cheers Luke have a great weekend
Well I got the tango 7" version. Just ordered it. If I had to be honest if it performs well in my area I might make it my go to knife but it going to have to be a capable as my okc rat 7
Think of it this way, how much is it worth if and when your life may depend on that knife? Suddenly $200.00 isn't too much right? You buy it to use it and if product is built right it'll be around for grandkids.
Is this, somehow, going to save my life significantly better than a $75 Mora Garberg? $200 isn't too much for a knife collector. It also isn't too much for just the exact right knife. But is this it? It seemed to have some interesting features... but it has to compete with a $75 Mora Garberg... not sure if it has $125 worth of extra interesting features.
@@merpius I won't deny the Mora is a good knife. Can you use it for a speed? How about taking on a mountain lion or bear? I've never seen someone chop wood with a Mora either.
I've never broken or worn out a $20 stainless heavy duty Mora. This $200 knife is for knife collecting.
@@bobbyharper8710 well good for you. May come a day that the certain set of circumstances that you will. I have a Buck knife very similar to that 200.00 one but I favor a couple made by Hoffman Richter for survival and bush crafting. Ones if need I can drive into a tree and literally stand on it as a step without bending or breaking. I'm 275 lbs. Wanna try that with Mora?
@@bobbyharper8710 they're stainless too but I've never seen a Mora 1/4 inch thick. Not saying there aren't just that I've not encountered one.
Excellent presentation!
I hear a bird call similar to the Swainson's Thrush here in Northern California. Must be a North Carolina kind of Thrush. I love to hear that sound in the woods. Beautiful knife too. Glad to see American made products. We have so many great craftsmen in this country and I am willing to pay a little more for American made stuff. Cheers!
I have a $16.00 dollar knife I have beat the living sh** out oh it.and I have never sharpened it and still shaved with it. It's a Camillus titanium knife it's 4 1/4" long. Dennis
Dennis Cheslock If you’ve truly beat the piss out of it, there’s no way you can still shave hairs with it. Sorry, I call B.S. on that. I’m sure it’s a great knife though
@@rgmALC that knife has been one of the best knife owned
Yeah, if you've really used it that much harder there's no way it still shaving sharp on a $16 knife. At that price point it's made of crap steel.
@@lyman135 no it is one on first knifes made out of titanium
@@dennischeslock7782 They don't make the blade out of titanium. It's the handles and the frame. And they don't make $16 knives out.of titanium.
At $200, I’d like a kydex or at least a leather sheath!
If you get the tanto with different scales has a different sheath
I agree, but the nylon sheath that comes with this knife is the best nylon sheath out there.
As a knife geek it’s a value at $200. Hogue EX folders are quality as well.
Some things like tools are ment to spend a lot of money on so you can beat on them like they ow it back to you
Good knife
I had a $100 limit for knife budget. Stretched that and picked up the Tops BOB for $140. $200 is too much for me. But, spend a little money on a quality blade for the job you expect it to perform. Nice blade!
Love the chest rig. I definitely like the design, the handle is looks cool. Two hundred dollars for a knife is fine, if you are someone who really does a lot of camping, or is constantly going out on day hikes.
After having bought a few low production, high quality handmade knives, I think spending that kind of money on a tool that you very well could be betting your life on is a smart investment. I really like the look of that knife for sure! As for that general size and use type blade I keep landing on either the ESEE 5 or one of the 6 variants.
Great stupid tough knife. I bought the same one years ago. Great for processing fire wood. Coating does not last long though.
Great knife, May have to looking to purchasing one
Loved the music at the end, by the way!
Not a bad price for an A2 knife from a name brand. Im going to look into that one; thanks.
The 'too valuable to use' problem is real. Would you pound a $200 knife? Maybe not as readily as a $50 knife that performs equally well. I have a friend who loads his home defense weapon with Glaser rounds, which are so pricy they are sold in a six pack. When target shooting some time ago, I asked him how they aligned with his sights. He said he didn't know because he had never fired one... they were too valuable to waste on a target. He may need to use them in a defensive situation someday and has no idea where they will hit unless he is actually pressing the muzzle against the attacker. If $200 is a really substantial purchase for the individual, I believe they would be better served with something they can use or break or lose without cringing. Just my opinion, of course. Great channel, by the way. You're my go to guys.
Nice looking knife Luke. I have a Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 knife that was almost $200. I like it, but like you said, I haven't really tried to beat on it too badly. Most I ever spent on a knife,
Great looking knife.
I would expect with use the coating to wear and show metal over time. So for that reason I would want a none coated one. Plus leather sheaf.
I would glad have this knife.
That sheath is so big might as well get the 7in knife
True about being a lot of money but people know it’s going to be quality so they buy really good stuff even though it’s a possibility of losing it. Like you see here bought a great knife because it can hold up against these torture tests.
Nice.
The knife looks decent and the handle looks VERY nice but this size and style is a crowded space with many similar knives coming in at a far cheaper price.
Built in pouches on sheath would be nice
“ Broad shouldered and fairly muscular”, sorry, but I’m still laughing my ass off! 😂
hi luke could a 62 year old man do what your doing are keep to camping sites ?? i just want your advice im from northern ireland...love your videos...good health and happiness to you and your beautiful family
Looks to be an amazing knives, just one thing, I would like to see a head to head comparison when you do the testing videos, just feel that we will get a better understanding on the performance of a product when we see it against another
Great review, Luke! I agree that this knife deserves a better sheath and it should be leather...custom made, of course. Those scales are off the charts and the quality of the steel is quite obvious. The price is high but as always you get what you pay for and I would be willing to invest in it. BTW I like how you mounted the knife on your chest rig. I mounted one of my Schrade knives on the front of my chest pack however I used industrial Velcro and it takes some effort to remove the knife sheath from the pack.
love the knife. also would like to know what chest pack you are using I need one of those
Thank you 👍.
Feather Sticking courses available... on literally any other bushcraft vid.
I will be interested to see how you feel about the finger groove and stepped junctions between the slabs and the tang after spending some real time doing proper feathers, notches and other camp chores while ungloved. I see hotspots in your future. I am certainly not wishing them on you, it's just that it isn't a very utilitarian design feature. That definitely was born in a boardroom, not on a trail. Elishewitz blade designs, however, are usually good slicers in my experience, and I'm sure this will be no different. I can see their marketing plan here, with the Cerakote, exaggerated pommel, 1911-esque cocobolo, "tactical" black nylon (I didn't notice a Cordura label, though) sheath, and multiple lashing holes. I'm sure they will sell a lot, particularly on ARFCOM. I do like the way that the swedge appeared to stop before the tip, where the spine seemed to widen again. That should lend it to good batoning. A2 isn't bad steel, and while I do not like secondary v edges, it appeared to be finished well. Let's be fair, though, the reason it was blowing apart those pieces of bucked wood before the knife got any deeper, is due to the geometry of a 1/4" wedge being forced into it with the baton.
If this comment comes across harsh, please know that it isn't my intent. It's just that when I'm in my lane and I see a company or product's shortcomings, I sometimes fail at holding my tongue. All this toward the product, the market, and the interwebs, not you, personally. I have watched your videos for some time now, and i appreciate that you seem sincere, transparent, and fair.
Keep up the good work.
Beautiful knife and great review! Do you have any tips in sharpening and maintaining knife and hatchet?
Look forward to your second review. Seems expensive for it compared to a LT Wright and other custom knives.
I enjoy all your videos.
Great first impression! Did you ever make the follow-up (final) review as you mentioned? I'm very curious on your opinion after thorough use of it.
Im still rocking the Becker Campanion BK2!
great knife! wish I had one