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The X5 Flipper Breaks New Ground for Hogue

September 7, 2016

The last time we checked in with Hogue, the company had just finished modernizing their brand. This time they’ve turned their attention to bolstering their product line. Hogue will soon be shipping their first button lock flipper knife, called the X5. The knife features a new patent-pending blade retention device and marks a number of other firsts in the company’s design catalog.

“The patent-pending retention system works in place of a ball-bearing detent,” Hogue Knives explains. “Our system uses precise machining, tight tolerance, and a retention board.” The result is a manual flipper that eliminates clumsy or incomplete flips. The system is also designed to make a very satisfying clicking sound when closed, much louder than a detent ball falling into place. “This blade simply does not function like any other flipper on the market,” says designer Allen Elishewitz.

Hogue X5 Flipper

The X5 is available in two different blade configurations. Users have a choice between a compound-ground, modified wharncliffe blade, based off of Elishewitz’s Black Dolphin custom knife, or a spear point with a harpoon-style swedge reminiscent of the Elishewitz White Swan. Both configurations are offered in 3.5”- and 4”-bladed versions. Including options for blade coatings and handle colors, there are a total of nine X5 variations.

The steel on the X5 has been upgraded to CPM154, the powder metallurgy version of Hogue’s standard 154CM. CPM154 is a particularly fine-grained and tough steel, and Hogue hand sharpens and hones each X5 blade to emphasize these characteristics.

A brand new deep-carry Hogue clip rounds out the list of distinctive features. Compared to the spoon-style clip on the EX-01, EX-03, and EX-04, and the skeletonized clip on the EX-02, the X5’s clip is smaller and more discrete.

A week spent carrying the 3.5” spear point model left a positive impression. Hogue is competing in a crowded segment of the market, where expectations have never been higher. Even so, the X5 stands out as a quality piece. The spear point blade can function well in both utility and self-defense roles and came screaming sharp. The material choice of aluminum and G-10 is a humble combination, but the execution and machining is top-notch, and the button lock is secure and easy to use.

Potential buyers should be aware that the 3.5” model has a relatively short handle. If you’ve got big hands and like to maintain a four-finger grip, consider the 4″ model instead.

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If you dig the curvaceous, tactical look of an Elishewitz design and you’re in the market for a high-end EDC, you won’t be disappointed with the X5. The knife will be available at leading dealers later in September.

Knife featured in image: Hogue X5 Flipper

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