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Hogue Deka Knife Review
- Pros: Premium CPM-20CV steel. Lightweight design at 2.2 or 2.3 ounces. Deep-carry pocket clip for improved functionality and aesthetics. Fewer screws in the handle for a cleaner look and easier disassembly and reassembly. Improved internal frame design, contributing to a cleaner appearance. Buttery smooth ABLE Lock, despite the changes in the internal frame. Renowned designer Allen Elishewitz behind the knife's design. Made in the USA with a good warranty and a reputable brand name.
- Cons: The price point may be higher than some other EDC knives on the market. Some users might prefer the aesthetics of the original Deca's design. The pocket clip screws are not recessed, which could potentially snag on clothing (but I did not experience this issue).
Greetings, knife enthusiasts, and welcome to my Hogue Deka review! I could not be happier to bring you one of the first deep looks into the newly re-engineered Hogue Deka. As you well know, Hogue has really gotten big on my radar over the past year.
Once I finally got their knives in hand, I started to find out just what was so special about them. Let’s dig into the details and compare this new version to the original Deka.
Key Takeaways
- The newly re-engineered Hogue Deka is a prime example of a good Hogue knife, with impressive improvements over the original version.
- The new Deka features a deep carry pocket clip, which is a significant upgrade from the original clip in terms of both form and function.
- Hogue has reduced the number of screws in the handle from 14 to 8, resulting in a cleaner, more streamlined design and easier assembly.
- The internal frame has been redesigned, allowing for the removal of screws in the middle of the handle and contributing to the cleaner appearance.
- Despite the changes in the internal frame, the ABLE Lock remains buttery smooth, just as you'd expect from a Hogue knife.
- The Hogue Deka is an all-time great EDC knife, taking everything into consideration, including price, design, and construction.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Overall Length | 7.50" |
| Blade Length | 3.50" |
| Cutting Edge | 3.25" |
| Blade Width | 1.00" |
| Blade Thickness | 0.11" |
| Blade Material | CPM 20CV |
| Blade Style | Clip Point |
| Blade Grind | Flat |
| Finish | Black |
| Edge Type | Plain |
| Handle Length | 4.25" |
| Handle Width | 1.125" |
| Handle Thickness | 0.44" |
| Handle Material | G-10 |
| Frame/Liner | Steel |
| Weight | 2.39 oz. |
| User | Right Hand, Left Hand |
| Pocket Clip | Tip-Up |
| Knife Type | Manual |
| Opener | Thumb Stud |
| Lock Type | Crossbar Lock |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Size Comparisons
Let's compare the Hogue Deka to some other popular knives you might be considering:
SOG Terminus XR LTE
The Hogue Deka is in the same ballpark as the SOG Terminus XR LTE in terms of size. These two knives, along with the Benchmade Bugout, are very close in size, making them ideal for everyday carry.
Benchmade Bugout
The Hogue Deka is very close in size to the Benchmade Bugout. However, if it came down to choosing between the two, I would absolutely go with the Deka. In my opinion, you really have to get aftermarket scales to make the Bugout a good knife because I hate the Grivory scales.
Civivi Elementum
The Civivi Elementum is another knife that's around the same size range as the Hogue Deka. I included it because so many people have an Elementum, and it's considerably less expensive than the Deka, giving you a good idea of the size.
Differences Between the New and Original Deka
There are three main differences between the new Hogue Deka and the original version:
1. Deep Carry Clip
The new Deka features a deep carry pocket clip, which is a significant improvement over the original. The old clip wasn't terrible, but it just didn't fit the knife's design. The new clip looks fantastic, feels great in the hand, and provides excellent carry functionality.
2. Fewer Screws, Cleaner Design
The original Deka had a whopping 14 screws on the handle, which could be a hassle when disassembling and reassembling the knife. The new version has only 8 screws, resulting in a much cleaner look. They also got rid of the filler plate, which was an eyesore on the original model.
3. Improved Internal Frame
Hogue redesigned the internal frame of the Deka, making it shorter and more efficient. This change allowed for the removal of the screws in the middle of the handle, further contributing to the cleaner appearance. Despite these changes, the ABLE Lock remains buttery smooth, just as you'd expect from a Hogue knife.
Video Review
Conclusion
Guys, the re-engineered Hogue Deka is just a winner. Everything about it is pretty amazing. When it comes to my list of all-time great EDCs, taking everything into consideration, this knife would absolutely be one of those knives without a doubt. It's a prime example of a good Hogue, and I could not be happier with it.
Between the deep carry clip, fewer screws for easier assembly and better look, and the improved internal frame with the smooth ABLE Lock, this knife is a home run.
After reading this Hogue Deka review, let me know your thoughts on it. Do you consider it one of the best EDC knives of all time? I want to know because I sure do!
As always, thanks for reading, and until the next one, I'm out!
