Hogue 34370 EX-03 3.5" Folder Drop Point Blade Tumble Finish Polymer Frame - Matte Black

I bought this knife to carry as a slightly larger option to my favorite E.D.C., the Spyderco Native. For that purpose, this knife has performed on all accounts.It came sharp and centered. The blade steel, 154 CM, is an excellent choice by the maker, but I would have liked to see CPM 154 CM for slightly easier sharpening. The button lock is strong and does the double duty of also acting as the detent stop when the blade is in the closed position. It is easy to open and close with the right hand and should appeal to fans of the full size Benchmade Griptillian.As for the negatives, the blade is simply not very well balanced. The ultra-light injection molded frame is a great weight saver, but the relatively thick blade stock wants to fall out of your hand when centered over the finger choil. The pocket clip is a lot like your favorite reclining chair from college: comfortable but ugly. And it is definitely out of place on what most would consider a "tactical" folding knife. To be honest, it reminds me of a duck-billed platypus.Ultimately, I gave the knife five stars for a reason. I wanted a knife to use in place of my Native, and this knife really did the trick. It is light, has an adjustable pivot, is easily opened and closed with one hand, and has a quality blade steel that will stay sharper than most. If you are looking for more pizazz, consider the EX-01, which is the same blade with a G-10 handle. All in all, this knife is a solid performer with good features and good steel.

The media could not be loaded. Only drawback so far wish the handles were g10 I think they are gfn, that said great knife. With a flick of the wrist and 90* vertical on the blade it deploys without holding the crossbar lock to assist. None of my other American made will do it without the crossbar being held.

For the cost I don’t get it. Reviews were great but not sure why. Action is average. Not centered at all. Can’t take apart due to loctite, I think. Tried with wiha bits to loosen the pivot and it won’t budge. Has weird play in the blade when closed. Clip is all kinds of ugly. This one is gonna be returned I believe.Update: I reached out to Hogue, and they are more than happy to fix it under their warranty. I've always loved Hogue, and their quality is usually top notch. Every now and then I'm sure one that's not as good as the rest slips throught. Tank of a knife, and some of the initial problems I was able to fix and now it's buttery smooth. Still not centered, and like an idiot I took the safety apart and it has a small spring I haven't a clue how to get back in. So long story short buy Hogue, they're worth it.

It is a good knife, but its scales are almost too lightweight, and it should have a small flipper tab for easy opening.

I own both the EX 01/04 and love them both respectably....purchased this one in the 3.5" version to add to my EDC rotation....Hogue knives are American made, using high quality materials, and 154CM as the blade steel of choice....the handle on this is made of some plastic material, though not the cheap type....this knife is built and constructed to last.....jimping on thumb rest area is adequate, but could be a little more aggressive......lanyard hole at rear will fit a single strand of 550 cord, but not a double strand.....knife has a pommel of some sort at the rear that can be used in a nonlethal way as in applying pressure to pressure points, but I doubt is uses as a glass breaker.....knife is sharp out of the box.....the opening action is very smooth....no blade play in any direction...lock up is solid....knife is blade heavy, so ensure that whenever you decide to fast open it, (it is not assisted, but is fast,) you have a secure hold on it to prevent it from slipping out of your hands.....knife is restricted to right side tip up or down.....feels comfortable in hand and pocket......I would recommend this knife.....a solid all around EDC and tactical back up.Specification:Overall Length: 8.125"Blade Length: 3.5"Closed Length: 4.75"Blade Style: Drop pointHandle Material : Glass Filled Black PolymerWeight: 4.128 OZ.

I just got this knife to put in the EDC rotation, and let me warn you: be prepared to rub your thumbs (L+R) raw the first weekend you carry it. The blade deployment action is like a well struck bull whip...crack!...do it again...crack!...do it again. It is definitely blade forward heavy with the light FRN/GFN handle, so be sure to practice your whip cracking over carpet while you get used to it. The blade: what a belly on that thing, and what an edge. I haven't sharpened it yet, but will update the review after I do. Yes the pocket clip looks like a platypus, but the tension on it is SPOT ON PERFECT - better than 5 others I have from Gerber, Spyderco, Kershaw, and Boker. There is ever so slight blade play (though in line - not lateral), but it wasn't there in the beginning - I think it is the result of literally thousands of openings/closings (crack!) in just a couple of weeks of owning. The handle, though uber light, seems literally indestructible and fits like a glove. I love this blade (my wife does not - there it goes again - crack!), and I will forgive the slight imbalance due to the beefy blade and lightweight handle.

I have always recommended the Gritilian to friends as the one and only pocket knife (if you can only have one). It is reliable, relatively good for the money. It cost about $120. The Hogue EX3 cost about the same. They both feels good in hand, but the Hogue just looks more aggressive. The more expensive Griptilian would be the better knife, but it cost quite a bit more, try $60 more. I like the Hogue EX3 more aggressive look, the way it feels in hand and it's fit and finish are excellent. Would I recommend it over the basic Griptilian? YES

Houge is a high end brand. This unit though, has a stiff action that lube did not help. Blade was also dull. I am hoping after continued use it will loosen up and become a better knife. So far, not so great.