Today, we'll take a look at the X1 Microflip, a knife from Hogue with a 10/10 deployment action, but some other issues that leave it a decidedly mixed bag.
For what it's worth, I've heard rumors that Hogue is A) Nicer about the warranty than the policy makes it sound, and B) considering making some changes to that policy. So, here's hoping this will be the last video with that proviso!
Being a firearms enthusiast, I'm super happy that Hogue have, and continue to make the crossover and make it well. Firearms companies have in the past, I think, done themselves a disservice by releasing something subpar to appease someone in marketing. Nice to see a company taking the peripheral product they produce seriously. Blade HQ ran a video a while back about Hogue's knife making department, and it's worth watching. Thanks for the review Nick. 🤙
Nick, I'm curious how you feel about this knife now that, as you mention, Hogue has amended their warranty policy to within more reasonable parameters, as well as putting on a more regular Hogue-style pocket clip. I just got my X1 today, & it has one of these just like the one on my Dekas. I agree with you wholeheartedly about the pocket clip being pecky, & that's really my main gripe with this really cool knife so far. The backspacer on mine seems to be different as well, as it is aligned finish with the scales for their entire length, including at the base of the handle. Mine also weighs in at 2.67 ounces, so I suppose they must have somehow saved 0.3 oz somewhere along the line. I'm glad to see all these improvements! It's almost as if they watched your review & made specific changes to many of the aspects of this knife you claimed could be better! 😃 Mine did come with some not-insignificant blade play, which shocked me because that's out of the norm for Hogue in my experience. But with a T8, I was able to tighten it in no time, & it's now solid as can be. The centering is also aligned very well. I've been opening & closing mine for oh, about 6 hours now, & I should probably stop soon because my index finger is starting to feel how a phantom limb must feel. So the action seems to still need some breaking in to make it easier to flip. But I can forgive that based on how much enjoyment I get out of flipping it repeatedly repeatedly repeatedly. I have large hands (not XL, just regular L), & the ergos are shockingly comfortable for me. I did not expect such coziness from a knife that barely fits my pinky finger, but here I am. In the end, I bought this knife for a song on a Labor Day sale with an extra email sign-up discount, but even if I had paid full price I think I'd be happy with the purchase. I agree with most of the points in your review, but I'm happy to add that with the improved warranty, flush backspacer, lighter weight, & updated pocket clip, this X1 Microflip is a pleasant surprise. I didn't intend for this to become a mini-review tucked into a TH-cam comment reply, but again here I am. Side note: Nick, because of you I can never unsee the profile of a bird face looking off to one side on flipper knives, & I love you for it. I'm very glad to have found your channel so early on in my recent, more active knife collecting. Thank you for everything you do! 😃
Nick, have you considered doing a "basic intro to pocketknives" video, where you explain for people who aren't super familiar with them what they are, how they work, and what the terms detent, slip joint, jimping, sharpening choil, etc mean? I've always enjoyed the way you explain things and would have loved to have had something similar as an intro guide when I was getting into the hobby.
I just picked one of these up with the intention of replacing the stupid clip. I didn't have to... it came with a nice slim profile clip with a perfect ramp. I don't see anything wrong with the ergos... For anyone on the fence I say get it. I really like this thing.
As usual, a great review! I’m on the fence about this knife, but I’ve never hesitated to remove a problematic pocket clip, unless it’s an important grip aid to opening a knife (some frame locks force you to use the clip to keep your fingers off the lock bar). Pocket clips weren’t even a thing for probably a century after production folders came on the scene. And I carry a knife with a “pocket pecker” tab in a dedicated pocket, so again, not a deal-breaker for me. So...I may just pull the trigger on this after all. UPDATE: just received the knife from Amazon. The backspacer is now flush with the end of the handle, and looks like it’s frn or g-10. Also, the pocket clip is a different model that seems easier to get in and out of pocket, without creating a hot spot. Hopefully, these changes are now on all Microflip models...
I've owned the micro-switch (auto) for a year now. I hated the clip and emailed Hogue about it. They sent me at no charge, a redesigned one. Much better. 👍
I am always impressed with the price/quality of Hogue knives. They all look like really good tools for the money. My problem always comes down to the aesthetics. Even with something where they are trying for the "EDC" market like the Deka just looks ugly, especially when you consider the pocket clips.
I've got one of these. The clip on mine is different--much lower profile and not folded back on itself like that. I have a lot of trouble finding a balance between blade play and opening action like you did in your disassembly video. It's one of my favorite knives to look at and play with, but I hardly every carry it because the ergonomics are not that great with the aggressive detent and lots of hotspots around the handle. I will say it's miles better than the big old Hogue wharncliffe folder I've also got. That thing is very poorly made.
the distance between the index finger and the blade is an issue I have with more than one ultra-modern Hogue folder. between this guy and another one of their button lock/autos, they really need to work on it, because it can be a deal breaker for a lot of people. They are nice knives though, and they look pretty cool. I think Hogue is doing some really good work.
They got this on sale for like 119. Think I can pull the trigger at that price. Always been a pro tech and Benchmade guy. Gonna give the Hogue a chance at that price Hope I'm not disappointed.
The action on mine is a little mushy, but I have a feeling that it will improve as it breaks in. I do think that the button is pronounced like that, so that it can be better utilized when wearing gloves, thus the need and purpose behind the additional lock for the open position. As you said hogue makes knives for textural firearm utility professionals, who often need to be wearing gloves. Same deal with the huge flipper tab… ready access when using gloves. And again the sharpness of the back spacer isn’t suppose to be an issue, because the thought process is that you will be wearing gloves and it adds a point of contact in the plan for security when penetrating with the blade. They have also since improved the pocket clip addressing your exact complaints with it. :)
I just got mine, ordered the exact same one but I think they updated it, the back spacer is either G-10 or GFN and the scales cover the the sides of the back spacer so it doesn’t look like it’s sticking out more than normal. They also redesigned the clip to be more like those spoon clips.
Outstanding and thorough review, as always, Nick - Thank you! Thank you, too, for saving me a good amount of $$$ in discouraging my purchase of this knife and the Hogue X5! Interesting knives, but with the negative points (pun intended) you observed, I will pass. Be well.
I have the auto version, awesome little knife. Pocket clip is just annoying, had a tendency to grab your pants when pulling it out, only advantage is it helps hold the knife in deployment and closing. My back spacer is the same way
Id like to see you check out the A01 Microswitch, the California legal variant. I really like mine. The addition of the bottle opener to add to serviceable grip space was a great idea
Like Hogue knives , and this one is no exception. But , yes .....the pocketclips are not great. Good review,thanks for sharing. Hope Hogue is listening , there are improvements to be made...
I like Spyderco glass breaker that only pops out when you squeeze the knife while closed. You do that anyway when needing to break glass and then it wont be in the way then rest of the time.
I've been playing with my X1 for about 2 months now and I personally find the ergos good but the detent far too strong. Anybody have suggestions on how to soften the detent.
I've been looking at this knife for a while now, and couldn't decide if i should get it or not... But watching this two stage closing on a button lock over and over turned that maybe into a hard no. I understand that's how a button lock flipper can have great action... But it's just not something i could live with.
Thanks for another great review👊 11:12 Maybe this is why they call it the Microflip👌 This tacticool palmpoking little pocketpecker might just have to stay in my shoppingcart until it goes on sale😔
Just got one it is NOT easy to open.! I bought as a one handed flipper you have to injure you finger to open it. After the third time my finger flipper hurt so bad I could no longer open it. Kizer button lock and CRKT button lock flippers are superior one hand flippers. and fun to open. this goes in a box in a drawer never to be seen again.
Is yours a wharncliffe? The one I handled was a wharnie and that one also dropped shut rather easily. It was also one without the pointed backspacer and the newer clip. I'm not sure if there is a difference in the weighting of the two blade shapes or if they made some sort of improvement to the locking mechanism.
Hi Nick, this is my first view of your channel. I love how you think and how thorough you are. Did you happen to review this same knife in the auto version? The A-01 Microswitch? @GreggyGTV
This one is in some ways different from what's available now. The ones available at the moment have milling on both sides of the scales, have a different clip, and the backspacer is flush all the way.
Forgive me Nick but since your scales are now measuring in inches does your ruler measure ounces? (@2:18mins)Also how does Mrs Shabazz cope with you flipping at home? I'm no longer allowed to fidget flip any knife within earshot! Do you satisfy yourself whilst at work, or like me have to sneak off to the garden shed.😂👍
Just got mine in today (Wharncliffe), it came with a long low profile clip....so they changed it to a conventional clip. That's the only good thing about my X1. It came with rust on the jimping and flipper-pecker. The spacer is now made of black plastic (?) instead of stainless and doesn't protrude at the back anymore, so it is now flush with the scales. Mine does NOT flip out at all. It stops halfway out. Feels like there is no lube in there whatsoever. I cannot get it to fire 5 out of 10 times. Also extremely uncomfortable knife, worst I own. Sharp on all sides. The new pocket clip makes it even worse because it's exactly on the spot you put your fingers when flipping it open. Most disappointing knife purchase in a long time. And I REALLY wanted to like it, because it seems like a great company. Sending it back.
I like you Nick but honestly you think every knife is big. No matter how small a knife is every single review has the phrase "this is not a small knife" basically every time.
I actually like the fact that they dont want you to take it apart. Less work and maintenance for me and in my experience with most knives, it's never necessary to take apart anyways. I have knives that I have used for years and never took apart because they've never needed it. Also it inspires confidence that your getting a tool that does what it's supposed to do whether you take each screw out and oil everything every 3 months or you don't. Just serves to prove that all that maintenance is unnecessary. Any oil that needs applied for the action can almost always be done from the exterior. I change the oil in my car. Not my stainless steel knife.
Just because of your comment about the truck driver backing up I unsubscribed from your channel. If it wasn’t for truck drivers you wouldn’t have any knives to do reviews on or become popular.
Get your point about the button but I guess that's the locks job. You can't be to lazy man. No fan of pointy things jabbing me while I play with my toys or tools. ah
On the flipper tab, I understand what you're saying about it being pointy. But I think you're completely forgetting it's secondary use. To keep your hand as safe as possible during a thrusting motion. Knives are used for many things, I think you regularly ignore self defense as a use. (exampled by you constantly complaining about "weirdly shaped flipper tabs" that are obviously for hand security for thrusting motions)
I guess every idiot is entitled to his opinion. You are not a design engineer nor a machinist. Instead of assuming why things are the way they are on a precision made product why don't you call Hogue in this case and ask.
For what it's worth, I've heard rumors that Hogue is A) Nicer about the warranty than the policy makes it sound, and B) considering making some changes to that policy. So, here's hoping this will be the last video with that proviso!
Cold steel 4max scout video in the furture?
Being a firearms enthusiast, I'm super happy that Hogue have, and continue to make the crossover and make it well. Firearms companies have in the past, I think, done themselves a disservice by releasing something subpar to appease someone in marketing. Nice to see a company taking the peripheral product they produce seriously. Blade HQ ran a video a while back about Hogue's knife making department, and it's worth watching. Thanks for the review Nick. 🤙
Kiwi Comanche now if they would discontinue that abomination 1911 wraparound grip and do the firearm community a service.
Nick, I'm curious how you feel about this knife now that, as you mention, Hogue has amended their warranty policy to within more reasonable parameters, as well as putting on a more regular Hogue-style pocket clip. I just got my X1 today, & it has one of these just like the one on my Dekas.
I agree with you wholeheartedly about the pocket clip being pecky, & that's really my main gripe with this really cool knife so far.
The backspacer on mine seems to be different as well, as it is aligned finish with the scales for their entire length, including at the base of the handle. Mine also weighs in at 2.67 ounces, so I suppose they must have somehow saved 0.3 oz somewhere along the line. I'm glad to see all these improvements! It's almost as if they watched your review & made specific changes to many of the aspects of this knife you claimed could be better! 😃
Mine did come with some not-insignificant blade play, which shocked me because that's out of the norm for Hogue in my experience. But with a T8, I was able to tighten it in no time, & it's now solid as can be. The centering is also aligned very well.
I've been opening & closing mine for oh, about 6 hours now, & I should probably stop soon because my index finger is starting to feel how a phantom limb must feel. So the action seems to still need some breaking in to make it easier to flip. But I can forgive that based on how much enjoyment I get out of flipping it repeatedly repeatedly repeatedly.
I have large hands (not XL, just regular L), & the ergos are shockingly comfortable for me. I did not expect such coziness from a knife that barely fits my pinky finger, but here I am.
In the end, I bought this knife for a song on a Labor Day sale with an extra email sign-up discount, but even if I had paid full price I think I'd be happy with the purchase. I agree with most of the points in your review, but I'm happy to add that with the improved warranty, flush backspacer, lighter weight, & updated pocket clip, this X1 Microflip is a pleasant surprise.
I didn't intend for this to become a mini-review tucked into a TH-cam comment reply, but again here I am.
Side note: Nick, because of you I can never unsee the profile of a bird face looking off to one side on flipper knives, & I love you for it. I'm very glad to have found your channel so early on in my recent, more active knife collecting. Thank you for everything you do! 😃
Nick, have you considered doing a "basic intro to pocketknives" video, where you explain for people who aren't super familiar with them what they are, how they work, and what the terms detent, slip joint, jimping, sharpening choil, etc mean? I've always enjoyed the way you explain things and would have loved to have had something similar as an intro guide when I was getting into the hobby.
I just picked one of these up with the intention of replacing the stupid clip. I didn't have to... it came with a nice slim profile clip with a perfect ramp. I don't see anything wrong with the ergos... For anyone on the fence I say get it. I really like this thing.
I got the teal X1 microflip for Christmas and I'm loving it lol
nice one, I'm thinking of picking one up too.
As usual, a great review! I’m on the fence about this knife, but I’ve never hesitated to remove a problematic pocket clip, unless it’s an important grip aid to opening a knife (some frame locks force you to use the clip to keep your fingers off the lock bar). Pocket clips weren’t even a thing for probably a century after production folders came on the scene. And I carry a knife with a “pocket pecker” tab in a dedicated pocket, so again, not a deal-breaker for me. So...I may just pull the trigger on this after all.
UPDATE: just received the knife from Amazon. The backspacer is now flush with the end of the handle, and looks like it’s frn or g-10. Also, the pocket clip is a different model that seems easier to get in and out of pocket, without creating a hot spot. Hopefully, these changes are now on all Microflip models...
I handled one of these and was really suprised how good the action is.
I've owned the micro-switch (auto) for a year now. I hated the clip and emailed Hogue about it. They sent me at no charge, a redesigned one. Much better. 👍
2.97 inches on the scale.... Hmmmmmm
I am always impressed with the price/quality of Hogue knives. They all look like really good tools for the money. My problem always comes down to the aesthetics. Even with something where they are trying for the "EDC" market like the Deka just looks ugly, especially when you consider the pocket clips.
I've got one of these. The clip on mine is different--much lower profile and not folded back on itself like that. I have a lot of trouble finding a balance between blade play and opening action like you did in your disassembly video. It's one of my favorite knives to look at and play with, but I hardly every carry it because the ergonomics are not that great with the aggressive detent and lots of hotspots around the handle. I will say it's miles better than the big old Hogue wharncliffe folder I've also got. That thing is very poorly made.
I;m in the UK so can’t get into knives, it just ain’t worth it, however, I cannot help but listen to your reviews Nick. Awesome. 😀👍🏻
Sure you can. There are lots of quality UK legal knives out there.
This is my new favorite knife reviewer he's like the Saul Rosenberg of knives
Thanks for showing it up close.
the distance between the index finger and the blade is an issue I have with more than one ultra-modern Hogue folder. between this guy and another one of their button lock/autos, they really need to work on it, because it can be a deal breaker for a lot of people. They are nice knives though, and they look pretty cool. I think Hogue is doing some really good work.
They got this on sale for like 119. Think I can pull the trigger at that price.
Always been a pro tech and Benchmade guy.
Gonna give the Hogue a chance at that price
Hope I'm not disappointed.
Hello, can you tell me the height of the descents of the blade on this knife and the width of the blade?
The action on mine is a little mushy, but I have a feeling that it will improve as it breaks in.
I do think that the button is pronounced like that, so that it can be better utilized when wearing gloves, thus the need and purpose behind the additional lock for the open position.
As you said hogue makes knives for textural firearm utility professionals, who often need to be wearing gloves.
Same deal with the huge flipper tab… ready access when using gloves.
And again the sharpness of the back spacer isn’t suppose to be an issue, because the thought process is that you will be wearing gloves and it adds a point of contact in the plan for security when penetrating with the blade.
They have also since improved the pocket clip addressing your exact complaints with it.
:)
I just got mine, ordered the exact same one but I think they updated it, the back spacer is either G-10 or GFN and the scales cover the the sides of the back spacer so it doesn’t look like it’s sticking out more than normal. They also redesigned the clip to be more like those spoon clips.
Good to know!! I just ordered the all blacked out version today. I like the chunky style of it!!
When is the deka review coming?
Yeah I need to know if I can buy it, need my knife dad's endorsement.
I always assumed the "push to close" was due to a secondary detent, to avoid gravity knife issues - similar to the Smock.
Definitely the vibe I get from mine.
I've always thought they helped to suck the blade in when you close it, so it doesn't bounce back out
How the hell do you have a 4 month old comment on a video released today?
@@CNYKnifeNerd he posts previews of some reviews for his Patreon patrons
Outstanding and thorough review, as always, Nick - Thank you! Thank you, too, for saving me a good amount of $$$ in discouraging my purchase of this knife and the Hogue X5! Interesting knives, but with the negative points (pun intended) you observed, I will pass. Be well.
Decided to try this exact model at $112, currently out of stock. I wonder how long it’s going to take.
I have the auto version, awesome little knife. Pocket clip is just annoying, had a tendency to grab your pants when pulling it out, only advantage is it helps hold the knife in deployment and closing. My back spacer is the same way
The design shortcomings can be laid at allen elishewitz door. Hogue just makes it with nice quality control.
Id like to see you check out the A01 Microswitch, the California legal variant. I really like mine. The addition of the bottle opener to add to serviceable grip space was a great idea
I thought it was only autos that couldn't be over 2"?
Great review. Thank you for your time.
Liking the Hogue knife reviews. I'm curious about the Hogue Deka. Just got my Doug Ritter and really impressed
Like Hogue knives , and this one is no exception. But , yes .....the pocketclips are not great. Good review,thanks for sharing. Hope Hogue is listening , there are improvements to be made...
Strange my micro flip came with a completely different pocket clip....
Does this mean a review for the Deka is coming soon?
I like jimping, but that's crazy 🤪, looks really cool, great review!
I like Spyderco glass breaker that only pops out when you squeeze the knife while closed. You do that anyway when needing to break glass and then it wont be in the way then rest of the time.
Love these knives!
I've been playing with my X1 for about 2 months now and I personally find the ergos good but the detent far too strong. Anybody have suggestions on how to soften the detent.
Try lubing it a little. May smooth out the detent and make it less sticky. You could also loosen the pivot a little if u choose.
I own the Microswitch version of this knife and it's an amazing knife
I've been looking at this knife for a while now, and couldn't decide if i should get it or not... But watching this two stage closing on a button lock over and over turned that maybe into a hard no. I understand that's how a button lock flipper can have great action... But it's just not something i could live with.
Thanks for another great review👊 11:12 Maybe this is why they call it the Microflip👌 This tacticool palmpoking little pocketpecker might just have to stay in my shoppingcart until it goes on sale😔
I've had it in and out of my cart a few times. Think I'll pass.
Just got one it is NOT easy to open.! I bought as a one handed flipper you have to injure you finger to open it.
After the third time my finger flipper hurt so bad I could no longer open it. Kizer button lock and CRKT button lock flippers are superior one hand flippers. and fun to open. this goes in a box in a drawer never to be seen again.
My Hogue drops all the way into the handle as long as the button is depressed. I wonder why yours is different.
That's interesting. I've got one of these too and the drop is the same as Nick's.
Is yours a wharncliffe? The one I handled was a wharnie and that one also dropped shut rather easily. It was also one without the pointed backspacer and the newer clip. I'm not sure if there is a difference in the weighting of the two blade shapes or if they made some sort of improvement to the locking mechanism.
Can you take a look at The CRKT Piet?
It's a beautiful thing.
Hi Nick, this is my first view of your channel. I love how you think and how thorough you are. Did you happen to review this same knife in the auto version? The A-01 Microswitch? @GreggyGTV
Can you do a Deka review?
Looking forward to the full Shabazz review of the Hogue heated toilet seat.
This one is in some ways different from what's available now. The ones available at the moment have milling on both sides of the scales, have a different clip, and the backspacer is flush all the way.
I love my Hogue Ritter RSK and the reason I have not purchased the Deka and other Hogue knives is the warranty. @DougRitter @Hogue
Its just legal wording as a protection from the ultra-stupid.
Their warranty is amazing.
@@CNYKnifeNerd I will not purchase any more Hogue knives till they get with the times.
Forgive me Nick but since your scales are now measuring in inches does your ruler measure ounces? (@2:18mins)Also how does Mrs Shabazz cope with you flipping at home? I'm no longer allowed to fidget flip any knife within earshot! Do you satisfy yourself whilst at work, or like me have to sneak off to the garden shed.😂👍
Keep the knifes just replace the wife 🤣🤣🤣. Just joking around.
Just got mine in today (Wharncliffe), it came with a long low profile clip....so they changed it to a conventional clip. That's the only good thing about my X1. It came with rust on the jimping and flipper-pecker. The spacer is now made of black plastic (?) instead of stainless and doesn't protrude at the back anymore, so it is now flush with the scales. Mine does NOT flip out at all. It stops halfway out. Feels like there is no lube in there whatsoever. I cannot get it to fire 5 out of 10 times. Also extremely uncomfortable knife, worst I own. Sharp on all sides. The new pocket clip makes it even worse because it's exactly on the spot you put your fingers when flipping it open. Most disappointing knife purchase in a long time. And I REALLY wanted to like it, because it seems like a great company. Sending it back.
How dare that truck driver drive his truck by your apartment when your filming a all so important YOU TUBE video!!!!!
Glad to hear Bugs Bunny reviewing knives, he's really came far.
Has anyone else noticed that they are not getting email notifications recently?
I like you Nick but honestly you think every knife is big.
No matter how small a knife is every single review has the phrase "this is not a small knife" basically every time.
Hogue Ritter is the only hogue I’d ever buy!
Check out the Deka
Anyone else try to move the Rat 2 out of frame with their mind?
Edit: 6:27 it worked!
I gotta say, for a soft handed apartment-dweller, you do a pretty good review. 👍😉
Thanks? 🤣
I actually like the fact that they dont want you to take it apart. Less work and maintenance for me and in my experience with most knives, it's never necessary to take apart anyways. I have knives that I have used for years and never took apart because they've never needed it. Also it inspires confidence that your getting a tool that does what it's supposed to do whether you take each screw out and oil everything every 3 months or you don't. Just serves to prove that all that maintenance is unnecessary. Any oil that needs applied for the action can almost always be done from the exterior. I change the oil in my car. Not my stainless steel knife.
spyderco slysz bowie + flipper = spyderco slysz bowie 2 flipper
Just because of your comment about the truck driver backing up I unsubscribed from your channel. If it wasn’t for truck drivers you wouldn’t have any knives to do reviews on or become popular.
Get your point about the button but I guess that's the locks job. You can't be to lazy man. No fan of pointy things jabbing me while I play with my toys or tools. ah
On the flipper tab, I understand what you're saying about it being pointy. But I think you're completely forgetting it's secondary use. To keep your hand as safe as possible during a thrusting motion. Knives are used for many things, I think you regularly ignore self defense as a use. (exampled by you constantly complaining about "weirdly shaped flipper tabs" that are obviously for hand security for thrusting motions)
Seriously,how often do you actualy use a knife for,,,self defense.Get real,hes right its an ugly flipper tab
Hey Nick they sell a more traditional clip for less than $20
They also give you one for free if you ask for it
I guess every idiot is entitled to his opinion. You are not a design engineer nor a machinist. Instead of assuming why things are the way they are on a precision made product why don't you call Hogue in this case and ask.
Shutty-tude??? Ba hahahahahahaahaha
Kind of busy and unnecessarily jimped. The closing is terrible. Actually, it's just ugly in my opinion. Hard pass.
3" is small for a dedicated single-blade knife. 3.5" is pretty much the industry standard for "yeah this is a knife".