Hogue K320A Automatic Folding Knife - Overview and Review 

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I personally like the polymer handles. In the firearm world there has been a huge shift to polymer due to various properties and with the whole Hogue/Sig collaboration it makes sense to me. Durable, temperature resistant, shock resistant all seems good to me. And it won't be cold to grab in the winter. They make good tools. Thanks for an awesome review!

I like how Hogue puts threaded inserts in for the clip mounting.

The polymer scales are purposeful - they made it to match the polymer gun the entire knife is designed to pair with. Like it’s literally the whole point of this knife and collaboration- I’m surprised that an entire detailed review could be done without any understanding or acknowledgement of that fact.

My next knife is definitely coming from Hogue

I’ve been hoping you would review one of these. The k320 satin drop point is what’s been calling my name.

So, you should probably do some research before reviewing but you're missing the entire purpose of this knife. Sig Sauer has a p320 pistol and this knife is supposed to be the companion to it, that's why it's called the k320. P for pistol and k for knife. The knife uses the same exact polymer and texture as the pistol. It's high end polymer and not the crap Benchmade uses on the original Bugout. It's marketed to the firearms community who already have the pistol and can get this as a companion to it. I'd take this polymer over aluminum every time. Aluminum is cold and scratches easily. Great knife made by a great company. We just wish the reviewer could get a clue sometimes.

I think you'd love how smooth the action is on the manual version... IMHO it is far better than any benchmade I've held before

Thanks for reviewing this! You sold my purchase of the K320A M18 Tanto (I like partially serrated)

The manual version of this knife is a Griptillian killer. Way better scale material IMO and better ergos for the same price point. Plus the deep carry clip is included.

Love the reviews and am always learning something new from them! For example, how you test the deployment on an automatic in this video. I just returned a Buck Mini Deploy because it wouldn’t pass the test featured in this video.

Just bought this knife, I love everything about it! It feels like your holding a pistol in hand. Just feels really nice as a working knife. Im an acupuncturist and I wear it to work because I treat ALOT of veterans. Its an easy in with something to talk about and bond over so they relax and listen. This knife isn't a safe queen or anything like it, but a user and something that feels great in the hand. Yep all of that. Thanks for your awesome channel I just was at your 90k live stream!

So looking at this knife from the perspective of someone who spent their entire adult life either in LE or doing other things that would see this as a prospective daily carry tool, I would prefer the polymer grips. They don’t get hot. They don’t get cold. They don’t get scratched up or worn and get reflective. If they’re scratched, gouged, etc it’s easier to trim, file, etc than aluminum. The point being from the perspective of a knife enthusiast I agree completely with you. But I’m fairly certain the knife enthusiast is not the target audience/consumer here and from that point of view this is a home run. Even the steel used, while not the latest and greatest wonder steel is a very solid performer that is easily sharpened in the field if necessary (think sharpening your knife in an alley somewhere on the bottom of a piece of a broken ceramic plate). Look at how many "hard use" guys are still using 154cm, S30v, etc. This may very well be my next working folder or may at least get some pocket time to try it. Great review as always. I really enjoy your videos.👍

Hey MC, thanks for the review. A couple things though. 1- they went polymer because SIG uses this polymer on their pistols. That’s the pitch on the knife. 2- what’s your feel in comparing it against the Shaman? Similar size, ergo in hand feel? 3- what if we buy enough and see if Flytanium could find it in their heart to offer Titanium contoured scales? 😂

I just got a manual one from Knife Center. They are in stock now. The polymer is the same material and pattern they use on the SIG P320, which is the firearm that replaced the Beretta as the standard sidearm in the US military. Hence, it is a perfect match in feel and material. I think it's awesome that Hogue did this.

Great review of a nice knife. I consider able-lock K320 one of the best Hogue-made knives. I agree completely with most observations you made during the review. I have a slightly different opinion about just one thing here. I live in a relatively cold (and sometimes wet) region. So, your obsession with metal handles unnerves me :} I tried to EDC a knife with aluminum handle. That turned out to be extremely uncomfortable experience. Aluminum literally sucks the heat from my hands. In winter it can freeze the skin and even stick to it. Yuck! Steel is not as good at heat transfer, but still not super comfortable when it's cold outside and is also quite slippery, especially when the hands are wet. After some multi-seasonal trials-and-errors I became a big micarta fan. Plastics like FRN seem ok for me too, G10 is a tiny bit worse (feels colder somehow), carbon is like G10 - so ok, wood has durability issues (in adverse conditions ofc). So, you spent 1\3 of the video complaining that the manufacturers used good materials (textured plastic) instead of less optimal ones (aluminum) :} For collector-grade or fidget-knives (you seem to be a biggest fan of these categories of knives) the use of metal on handles is justified and probably is the best choice. It provides better structural stiffness, which is important for reliable and crisp fidget-action. Still, for the knife positioned as a workhorse tool for use everywhere around the globe some kind of plastic is probably the best option of all. So, in my opinion the choice of materials for this particular model is spot on. G-mascus is way cooler, for instance (for me, and is still pretty solid choice for the intended purpose) but from the purely pragmatic standpoint its current handle is the best. People who live in hot and less humid places may have totally different view on a matter, so these are just my 2 cents, no offence :}

I have a manual version of this knife and i love it. mostly a work carry, but its a fun carry any time

Good on you for staying true to how you speak. It defeats the purpose of having so many RU-vid channels if everyone spoke the same and referred to everything exactly the same. I personally have a mental problem with the sound of people eating. Guess what? I just go somewhere else. It never crossed my mind to try and make someone be different just for me. Lol

You have to be a gun person to like those scales i love them reminds me of the gun that's why it was made that way

Hey a reminder SMKW I releasing their Exclusive Spyderco Para 2 with a Black DLC M4 and Artic Storm Fat Carbon scales at 11am. I got one last time and love it.

Sig insisted on that polymer on the scales to fit the 320 pistol.

When he blatantly rejected the idea of conceding to the sensitive was when I finally subscribed. It's dumb to critique something so small. You keep doing you!

Please review the updated aluminum versions!

Since you say the knife is overpriced at $144, please name me a full-size, out the side, American auto with an S30V blade that is $144 new with aluminum handles? I know the Benchmade Casbah is S30V with a slightly longer blade, but it is FRN too. Personally, I like FRN, and I like that manufacturers can combine FRN higher grade steel and sell knives at fairly low prices. I am also happy there are lots of options for people who don’t like FRN.

I see a lot of folks complaining about you not going into the firearm collab aspect of this knife-and at first I agreed with them, but I don’t anymore. Honestly, a collab knife more than other knives needs critiqued as JUST a knife to see how well it stands on its own merits as a knife. If you already like Sig, already like their polymer and grip texture and name brand you may come with some bias that may make you spend more for a knife than the knife may warrant. For me, I think the knife stands on its own merits and will be my next purchase whenever I can pull that off. The knife is definitely marketed to more of an LE/tactical (or, let’s be honest, wannabe) crowd, and most of the unique elements of the knife make sense there-“hey, it matches your gun”, “hey, it’s a familiar material and isn’t too much to sharpen” “hey the action should hold up and work through tough environments and mild neglect” etc. But for me, there are a few design elements that elevate this above its competition as a knife: the materials are good enough to want, and not so good that I won’t hesitate to use the crap out of it. The ergonomics, and especially the leading edge of the forward choil, honestly makes this the game-over, I want to buy this design choice. It takes a general use design and gives the best of both worlds for blade control, and if not using the choil, having a ramp on the front of the handle to keep your hand from sliding to the blade in heavy use. The fact that the choil is ramped toward the edge, and not perpendicular means material should hang up on it less easily than most other forward choil designs, and the thickness of it there will help it not bite uncomfortably into hands, or destructively into gloves (or so it appears. I guess I’ll find out lol.) this takes a good general use design with good ergonomics and opens up its utility and capability substantially compared to others like it-the PM2 design being an exception to that. I got my PM2 in Maxamet though… so I still need a less brittle hard worker that fits this design philosophy, and don’t want another PM2.

Hogue makes the grips for the Sig Sauer P320 pistols. Therefore, That knife was made as the knife counterpart for the P320. Scale’s texture and material is the same as the P320’s grip. Even Hogues made it in FDE to match the color of the new Army pistol M-17 (P320) or M-18 (Marine Corps Pistol). I owned the knife, auto version. I like it because it matches my Pistol and concur with your opinion on all except that on mine, the action is not as expected. Even the firing button gets stuck and fails open. But as you say, the price is right for the knife you are buying. I planning to sell mine and get the one with able lock.

Alright hear me out. My step mom said I could get a new knife between 150 and 200 dollars. This knife is really tempting. Is it a good pick mc?

Looks very similar to my p365x. Same type of grip texture. Obviously meant to compliment the aesthetic of a SIG firearm.

"Can you stop calling knives guys?" "No." Instant like.

If this knife handle were fabricated from aluminum, we’d never even consider buying it!! Thank God that Hogue is much more astute by their decision to select more advanced materials with higher performance properties. The engineering thermal plastic which they have selected for this model‘s handle is nothing short of outstanding!!

Definitely gonna buy the new aluminum handled manual model. Oui loik that knoif!

K320 AXD 2022 ALUMINUM SCALED WITH WOOD INSERTZ

It's a sweet knife..l think my son is getting me it for Christmas, but it's the auto version in coyote tan and is a very attractive piece

Pocket clip opened up over time. Tried to bend it back in against housing but snapped off. Ordered new one ok, new kit does not have tool to replace screws. Had to go to hardware store and get a T- 6 torx. Wrench was included for other screws but not for these two. Clip bends to easy.

Hogue announced a couple aluminum versions of these at Blade Show. Seriously doubt they'll be $144 though.

The grips are the main selling point of the knife lol they’re the same material/design as the P320, hence the name “K320.” It’s meant to be a complementary piece to your firearm. They are coming out with aluminum grip ones for the P320 AXG series, you might want to check those out.

I think Hogue and Sig are a perfect match.

Hi metal complex. Love ur videos

I know you don't like the polymer, but this knife isn't meant for you, and I mean that with the most respect, love the channel. This knives soul intention is to pair with the polymer sig P320.

MC aluminum scales are coming. Zach Stuff interviewed Houge at blade show west and the rep. Said the new decks and aluminum scales will be show up at the stores by Nov1st.

I just purchased this for $99.00. Awesome knife! I like the polymer, this was made to match the Sig firearm.

Btw, G10 (epoxy) is also a polymer and when comparing cost, it is much less than 1/2 the price of glass fiber reinforced nylon 66. The only reason why knife manufacturers assign a higher cost to knives which use it in the handle is because it is much more time consuming to fabricate (much longer cycle time), need for post-finishing (need to de-flash) and prior to use in it’s raw state, it also has a limited shelf life (more attention to inventory control) versus injection molded FRN. Hogue made the superior and most intelligent choice in choosing FRN for a multitude of reasons which true knife professionals (real life users) thoroughly understand. Exceptional design!

They have aluminum versions of the manual K320, but not the automatic so far.

And you didn’t compare this knife to the Shaman? It looks pretty close!

Great review. I would prefer G10 over aluminum for scales if the latter are smooth. I have would up putting grip tape on many of my edcs with metal scales just to be able to hold on it when it is wet.

MC ... I like the polymer handles (because of Hogue's product line) ... but I think you will get your wish ... as the new 2022 manual K320s are now available with aluminum handles. I'm sure the Autos will soon follow.

The Kershaw launch series of automatic knives are in 154 (blade) with aluminum handles and they are usually around 100 bucks (and US made), so I don't think switching to aluminum (or G10) handles should be adding that much expense to this knife.

I do love hogue..love those guys!! I was thinking about the x-01 I want to try that guy that out..I also almost bought a Ritter hogue rsk..I wanted to try that guy out but ended up getting the hogue DEKA and that guy is one of my favorite guys!!!

MC, yep Houge said that it helps with traction, and as I was typing you answered the question 😉 but since I had most of the answer done I wasn't gonna erase it Lol 😉 😜

Nice! Thanks MC

I wound up with one of these while trying to find the manual version (which is still available but it sells out quick) and there's a lot to like about it but the opening action is painful - I call it the wristbreaker. Yes, it could really fly out of your hand. The handle is made out of what feels like the same material as the grip on Sig Sauer's P320, which is the knife's namesake. That's also why is has those grippy areas - it mimics the pistol grip.

Should've been called the hogue fastback. Benchmade 9400 is my side auto. It's wonderful, if you like a skinnier knife.

Great video that polymer probably more expensive than aluminum and will definitely out preform g10 it's the polymer that Sig Saur uses for the lowers on their pistols it's not the typical frn or injection molded plastic. it's a tungsten infused polymer that's found in the sig saur legion pistols

Heck yeah

Hey MC! I was wondering why in so many videos do you take a blade stock measurement with the calipers, and then say its probably ___ thousandths (a different number than you just measured)..? are ur calipers wrong? if so, why use them? thanks! p.s. i love you

I like that "guy" 😂 Also screw what people want you to say or not to say. A lot of people use "guy" to explain about anything they're talking about. Keep on keepin on MC

Honestly, I'm perfectly ok with the polymer if it's the same stuff Sig uses on their polymer framed guns. Their handguns go for $600-700+ no issue and it's solid material. I'd be a little disappointed if it was simple GRN/GFN/FRN or something like Benchmade's Grivory/Grivex or whatever they call it. I DO, though, wish they'd done some more texturing, and made the texturing more like the texturing on some of the Sig handguns. My biggest gripe with this knife is that they put the texturing mostly under the clip on that side... I get that the clip can be switched to the other side and the show side *does* have the texturing exposed, but it's silly that the texturing is mostly under the clip because it won't do any good for me there and it'll just tear up my pocket more. They should have extended the texturing further up the handle scales.

Still waiting on Sig to make a Gun marketed towards knife people. Micarta grip… flipper tab mag release. M390 barrel. Thumb stud iron sights.

I love the Ritter RSK but my problem with Hogue is how soft they run their 20cv as shown in testing by a few people, most recently Outpost76 got edge retention like S30V even after over a dozen sharpenings (so no way it's burnt edge at that point unless they destroyed half the knife which I don't believe). That and in my experience the pocket clips on the RSKs are the type which are vulnerable to getting snagged and breaking. Otherwise they're fantastic and neither of these are dealbreakers, just what I hope they choose to improve as they continue to mature in the market.

I don't mind the polymer handle at all. It needs M4!

Yes

Nutmeg grinder pocket clip

Like the looks of this but all those screws drive me nuts lol

I would totaly add the manual version of this knife to my collection if i didnt already have a large griptilian and a ritter hogue. It looks to me to be a more ergonomic version of both

i wish this was just a heavy duty button lock

The whole point of the knife is to be polymer to mimic the pistol that it's made after

Its made with polymer because the sig p320 pistol frame is polymer.

Man, that GUY is really neat!

They did the polymer to match the Sig P320(I think that's the name) pistol. At least that's what I've been told

I would prefer G10 handles over polymer and aluminum. I would pay more for either.

I always thought that looked like a nice knife but I don't like that the cartridge liner only goes part way down the knife. Aluminum would have been awesome! Shoot, the Gerber 06 has aluminum and s30v for a similar price.

I am not big on the injection molded polymer handles on a knife. It might work well, but makes it look cheap. Guess they just want to match the gun handles.. They need to use better materials. I still like Hogue a lot. They've got some variety. The x11 with a 4" blade looks way better...but it costs around $220. I am actually waiting on a Deka wharnie that I pre-ordered.

You completely missed the (great) idea behind the scales here.

Fastback louvers are dumb as hell! Great knife review of a pretty good knife.

Aluminum doesn't make a knife.

Could not agree more on the handle material. G10 for me.

Imagine wearing tactical gloves when handling the knife. It's made for battlefield, not couch...I won't buy it because of that I guess.

I wonder if they will do an aluminum model to match the P320 AXG.

Okay I think I understand. There are knife guys but also knives that are guys? Interesting..

can you stop calling them guys? no. hahahahahahaahahahahhahaha

I too wished this knife would have been made with an aluminum handle, and even passed up buying the knife because plastic is yucky.. But 2022 might just turn out to be the year to redeem the 2020s cuz the K320 is going aluminum!

I was going to order this knife until I found out it has plastic on it and then decided I don’t want it.

Pleas keep calling the knives guys. Also, I just realized that the K in K320 stands for knife and for the gun the P in P320 stands for pistol. Yay.

I think you need to revisit this in the akg edition. So much nicer feeling.

I like the polymer scales myself having an actual upgraded Sig P320 in 9mm, so if you're used to polymer pistols you'll know how strong it is. Also, if the blade fires out that quick, and this is just me, but I think aluminum scales would make it worse on how slippery they can be. Looks good, I still appreciate S30VN and I just recently ordered this for myself from bladehq so hopefully it'll be here in a few days and I'll like it. Thanks for the review from 2 yrs ago. I guess I'm a little behind.