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Hogue
History of Hogue
The story of Hogue Inc. starts with Guy Hogue, a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer. Dissatisfied with the standard grip on his service revolver, Hogue decided to craft a custom grip that better fit his hand and improved control. This seemingly simple act of personalized comfort soon garnered interest from his fellow officers. Word spread, and before long, Hogue found himself crafting grips for others in the department. The demand became so significant that in 1968, Hogue Inc. was officially born.
The company's early success lay in its focus on quality and ergonomics. Hogue grips, initially crafted from wood, offered a superior fit and feel compared to factory-issued options. This dedication to user experience quickly translated into the realm of rifle stocks as well. Hogue's innovative designs and materials found favor with both competitive shooters and recreational hunters.
For nearly four decades, Hogue Inc. thrived as a manufacturer of firearm accessories. However, a significant shift occurred in 2010 with the introduction of Hogue knives. This move marked a new chapter for the company, one that would solidify its reputation for quality craftsmanship beyond the world of firearms.
- Hogue began making custom handle grips for his service revolver
- Backed by the popularity of his grips within the LAPD, Guy founded Hogue Inc in 1968
- Hogue grips were initially made of wood, and offered a superior fit compared to factory grips
- In 2010, Hogue would introduce its first knife
Hogue's foray into knives was not without careful consideration. The company, now based in Henderson, Nevada, leveraged its existing expertise in ergonomics and material science to create a distinct line of knives. Their first major offering was the Ex-01 folder, a collaboration with renowned knifemaker Allen Elishewitz. This tactical folder set the tone for what would become a hallmark of Hogue knives – a blend of functionality, durability, and innovative design.
Hogue knives have carved a niche for themselves within the knife market. They're known for their robust construction, making them ideal for heavy-duty use. Tactical folders, automatics, and OTFs (Out-The-Fronts) comprise a significant portion of their offerings, catering to law enforcement and security professionals. The Hogue Deka, a popular manual folding knife, exemplifies their commitment to both functionality and everyday carry practicality.
- Hogue entered the knife market with the EX-01 folder, a collaborative knife designed by Allen Elishewitz
One of the hallmarks of Hogue knives is the unique G-Mascus handle material. This proprietary material offers a distinctive visual appeal with its marbled patterns while maintaining excellent grip properties in various weather conditions.
Hogue Inc. takes pride in its American manufacturing heritage. All their knives are produced in the United States, ensuring strict quality control and adherence to the highest production standards. This commitment to domestic production resonates with many knife enthusiasts who value American-made products.
Hogue Inc.'s reach extends beyond knives and firearm accessories. They actively support the shooting community through sponsorships and a professional shooting team with members across the nation. The company also collaborates with renowned firearms manufacturers like SIG SAUER and Hecker & Koch, producing co-branded knives that combine Hogue's design expertise with the established reputation of these firearms brands. Additionally, exclusive Hogue knives are available through many large knife dealers, further solidifying their presence in the knife market.
Guy Hogue retired in 1987, leaving the company in the capable hands of his sons. Hogue Inc. remains a family-owned and operated business, ensuring that the core values of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction continue to drive the company forward.
- Hogue actively supports the shooting community, and even has a profession shooting team
- Hogue also actively collaborates with brands such as SIG SAUER and Hecker & Koch
From its humble beginnings crafting handgun grips to its current status as a leading provider of knives and firearm accessories, Hogue Inc. has come a long way. By prioritizing quality, innovation, and American manufacturing, the company has earned the respect of shooters, hunters, and knife enthusiasts alike. With a commitment to continuous improvement and a dedication to serving its customer base, Hogue Inc. is well-positioned for continued success in the years to come.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Hogue Mysto is a premium folding knife featuring a 3.4-inch upswept tanto blade crafted from CPM MagnaCut stainless tool steel, renowned for its exceptional balance of toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. The blade is finished with an Armor Black Cerakote for added durability. It includes CNC-milled 6AL-4V titanium handles that offer a secure grip and a deep carry ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip for easy carry. The knife uses Hogue's ABLE lock mechanism for reliable action and incorporates an anodized red aluminum backspacer. It measures 4.14 inches when closed, weighs 3.5 ounces, and is proudly made in the USA.
The Hogue EX-A01 features a 3.5” drop point blade crafted from 154CM stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. It sports a stylish Marble G-Mascus handle made from G-10, known for its strength and grip stability. This knife includes an automatic out-the-side mechanism with a push-button release and a slide safety lock. It measures 4.5 inches when closed and weighs 4.3 ounces. This model is designed by Allen Elishewitz and proudly manufactured in the USA.
The Hogue Deka Wharncliffe is a versatile manual folding knife designed by Allen Elishewitz. It boasts a 3.25-inch CPM 20CV stainless steel Wharncliffe blade with a stone-tumbled finish. This knife is equipped with ambidextrous thumb studs and uses an ABLE lock system. The handle is made from G-Mascus blue lava G-10 with a crosshatch texture, complemented by an ambidextrous stainless steel tip-up pocket clip and a lanyard hole. It measures 4.25 inches when closed, has an overall length of 7.50 inches, and weighs 2.3 ounces. This knife is proudly manufactured in the USA and designed for everyday carry.
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.