The EX-02 Flipper is a collaboration between Allen Elishewitz and Hogue. Hogue is primarily a gun accessory manufacturer but recently broke into the folding knife market with the EX-01. These models feature design informed by Elishewitz’s extensive experience as both a maker/designer and martial artist coupled with Hogue’s impressive manufacturing capabilities.
This knife features a broad spear point profile. Measuring in at 3.375″ (3.3″ shoulder to tip) it offers great utility due to a fairly wide, 1.1″ base. Although spear points are geared toward penetrating cuts, the width allows for a good amount of belly, comparable to drop points of a similar scale. This geometry adds great slicing to the repertoire.
The primary bevel is a flat grind that takes the 154 CM steel down considerably. A secondary bevel produces a keen, mirrored cutting edge. A swedge streamlines penetrating cuts. Following along the spine, there is a run of jimping before the handle for added control. The Hogue and Elishewitz logo’s tastefully appear laser etched on the black surface.
The blade is opened with a flipper. A very strong detent and phosphor bronze washers ensure a fast action. The combination of safe blade retention and reliable deployment is above average. On opening the tang meets a liner lock. This part of the mechanism is also excellent and without play in either direction. While putting a good amount of downward pressure on the blade, the locking leaf does not flex or shift. For added security, there is also a manual safety that prevents accidental disengagement. Although I’m not a fan of safeties in general, this is unobtrusive and works as expected.
The handle of the EX-02 is built around a partially back spaced assembly. Two blackened stainless liners form the base. These have cut outs to save weight and added jimping around the edges to add detail and grip. The amount of work on the liners is appreciated, there were no short cuts in design or machining here.
This model is clad in Hogue’s proprietary G-Masus scales. This G10 is patterned and leaves an interesting detail when contoured. Although considered black and grey, there are also layers of an earthy tone. The color nicely contrasts the primarily black finish.
The back-spacer on the knife is injection molded PPS. Poly-phenylene sulphide is extremely resistant to wear, chemical solvents and heat. It is also very hard and lightweight. This component is contoured to include a lanyard pin and terminates in a pointed pommel. The handle shape does a great job of supporting the use of this feature as a non-lethal impact weapon. The flat, broad shoulder comfortable accommodates the user’s thumb. Jimping around the handle and on the flipper locks everything in tightly. At first glance I found the transition from handle to blade boxy, however, the shoulder width is necessary for properly leveraging the pommel.
When open, the handle has a large first finger groove. The flipper serves to extent this, offering an effective front guard. The over-all shape is fairly straight but very comfortable. Subtle contouring on the scales finish off the great ergonomics.
For carry the knife has a tip up and down clip. The cut-out design is attractive and slides in and out of the pocket easily due to its wide end. People who like the “spoon shaped” clip on the EX-01 should also like this one. Personally I prefer this clip as it is much more discreet.
To conclude, the EX-02 is an excellent knife. The handle ergonomics equally support the use of the folder as both a cutting or impact tool. The broad, spear-point profile is very capable of utility tasks despite it’s leaning toward thrust cuts. The over-all fit and finish is exceptional and a great value for the price point. The G-Mascus and thoughtfully matched hardware bring attractive detailing to this utility driven design. This knife would easily fit the role of an EDC, back-up or self-defence knife. Hogue also offers a larger version with a 3.75″ blade well suited for professional use with varied G-mascus colors.
Pros
Great ergonomics
Effective non lethal option
Excellent fit and finish
Very solid deployment and lock-up
Cons
You’ll want two
Specs
Over All Length: 7.875″
Weight: 4.04 oz
Blade
Length: 3.3″ (shoulder to tip)
Cutting Edge: 3.375″
Thickness: 0.15″
154CM Stainless Steel HRC 57-59 (Cryogenically Treated)
Black Finish
Lock
Stainless Steel Liner with Manual Safety
Handle
G10, Black and Grey G-Mascus
Length: 4.625″
Clip: Stainless Steel Flat Wireframe, Reversible
Layard Pin
Made in the USA
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