Today, we're going to take a look at a new revision to a previously reviewed knife, the Hogue Deka, and find that when you fix all the problems, it gets better. Weird.
Thanks Nick! Today, a minor miracle! 1. Nick reviews knife. 2. I like knife 3. Knife is available right now in Australia 4. Knife is not so ludicrously overpriced as to be out of my league. Hooray! Now that really IS a gem!
Thanks Nick, I purchased this knife after your review because I like the blade shape. It reminds me of an updated version of the Benchmade Osborn which i really like. The knife is a Gem!
I was in the "no freaking way" camp till I was offered one for a great price. now I have to say that I really like the blade. I am in construction and find it a good choice for my edc
Although no consumer likes price hikes, this one I can kind of understand. They also updated/upgraded the knife which is more than most companies offer when it comes to price hikes. So I think the Deka is still quite competitive since a G-10/20CV bugout costs $200+ and the new 2022 MAP for a standard PM2 is $171.50 ($185.50 DLC). That said, I really hope the big US makers take a break on price hikes since there’s been two back to back significant increases. Spyderco’s 2022 MAP increases on all models from 5-7% on seki city models, 10% on golden models and most specifically the 15% on Taichung models has likely pushed quite a few knives out of reach and/or justification for a lot of people. The Spydiechef is now $270 and spyderco may unfortunately end up discontinuing great models simply because they don’t sell anymore but not because people don’t love them.
As I write this I have a blue clip point Deka enrout to my house. With the 2022 price increases at Spyderco and Benchmade in mind, the Deka still looks to be a fair value. IMO. Edit: I've had my gen2 Deka now for four days and I really like it. The blade is razor sharp. I also noticed the screw heads are recessed and inside the other end of the screws are also flush with the g10. Looks like Hogue is listening and improving.
Congrats man, even the gen 1 Dekka is awesome. Mine had bad lock stick though, so definitively check that first thing. I would be really interested to hear if they fixed that.
@@Madman6505 I should have it in a week. It was on back order and I received an email today that a shipping label was created. I'll try to remember to let you know on the lock. I have had a Hogue/Sig K320 for about 6 months now and haven't experienced any lock stick with that one. Very smooth action.
@@Madman6505 my Ritter hogue had considerable lock stick when I first got it but within a week it was gone fortunately. However, it has a bit of blade play that I can’t get rid of unless I want a slipjoint lol.
Nice Update. I try to get my hands on Version 2. The only downside compared to the one REVERENCE KNIFE we all know is the big grip swell around the pivot area. I like to get up close to the Blade Edge. I dig a lot of Spydercos. That‘s the only thing that ‚bugs me out‘ 😂 Everything is about liking a Design. The Package with 20CV is great for itself.
I think it's a cool looking knife, compound grind doesn't bother me a bit. I ordered the same exact knife yesterday, but with the black blade. This will add a little color to my starter collection. One of the selling points for me was the 20CV, I have a WE Subjugator with it.
I've been eyeballing the Deka for a while, but the red, white and blue SMKW gen 2 exclusive for $112 made me finally pull the trigger. I'm quite satisfied, the quality is great, its been a long time since I remember getting this much knife for the money. I'll definitely be picking up one of the polymer versions in MagnaCut when they come out.
I have the clip point V1 and I love it. I carry it almost as much as my Bugout. Now I'm really tempted by the V2. 20CV and super slicey for that price point, even if it is higher, is really hard to say no to.
Well it's definitely more expensive in Canada but I still picked one up, and I've been using it all week at work and I am thoroughly impressed. Great little work knife for me, I work in warehouse, so a lot of cardboard and tape to cut and process. Hasn't skipped a beat ✌️🖖🤘
Ye, if anyone's interested in this knife, definitely wait for the new version that's about to come out with the Magnacut Blade/Polymer Handle. I really like polymer handles from Hogue.
thanks for saying something about the price hikes... they wear me out... sometimes i wanna take a screenshot cause i swear one week a knife will be a certain price and when im ready to buy, its 20 bucks more! and im scratching my head unsure if i got the price wrong...so thank you nick
You didn't mention that V2 light weight is in CPM Magnacut with an injection moulded handle. A drop point blade is available. There are plain black handle versions of both blade shapes if you don't like the G-mascus.
G'day Nick, I don't mind how it looks at all. All those grind angles up against the handle color scheme and texturing is quite appealing IMO. But trying to get my head around how that particular compound grind would work in daily life has me beat. With S20, not badly priced, but not gonna buy one just to test it's "maybe" practicability. Thanks for the look anyway mate, an interesting piece. Cheers Duke
It does seem good pocket knives have gotten too expensive. However, a lot of them are constantly sold out, and some of the makers stated in SHOT Show videos that they can't keep up with demand.
My main issue with the Gen 1 was the grooves on the scales made a big hotspot in the butt of the handle. It could probably be shaved down if it still exists on this version, but I haven’t seen reviewers mention it at all. Or maybe it was just the one I had?
Nice review as usual. One comment on price hikes. You mentioned that some of the competition doesn't do price hikes. I think you may be falling victim to a clever marketing strategy. The main companies that don't increase price over time are the ones that use the "throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks" design method. They don't hike prices on individual models because those models aren't usually around long enough to see significant inflation. They just introduce ten new models that are slightly different at slightly higher average prices than the ten old models that were discontinued. The customer is less likely to notice the price creep because it's not a price increase, it's a new model. This strategy preys on the fact that customers are less likely to complain about the price of something when they can't remember being able to get it cheaper in the past. I'm not a fan of this model as it obfuscates small price increases and eliminates the ability to iterate and improve designs. I'd rather pay slightly more for an improved version of a good design than roll the dice on another random slightly different flavor of the week with unknown properties.
I think that front finger guard is just wide enough that the knife will be too small for me and a few other large handed individuals. That front finger guard looks just wide enough to make that an issue. Whereas the bugout for me just barely fits. Would be interested in seeing a comparison if that ever becomes a possibility
I guess I am too late because I am seeing them for $165 where they are available now. Its a really nice knife and I want one, but do I need to shop around for a better price, or am I just stuck? The ones that Im looking at were black cerakoated blades.
The new price still beats the Benchmade Bugout with 20cv and G-10 by a lot. Deka also doesn't have the big flex problem. I prefer the drop point myself (though I wish they had better non-camo selections).
@@JesusIsAlphaOmega001 I already have one (pre-ordered from knife center months ago for just $123). They are launching a magnacut version with FRN scales. I may buy one of those and swap blades out.
People who are put off by the design should take a look at the drop point variant. The compound grind really changes the aesthetic of the knife in a way that is not favorable, imo. I thought the knife was ugly as sin, and then I saw the drop point version and it looks a lot better.
Hey, I got mine on Ebay slightly used for $90, added a civivi deep carry pocket clip and voila, same thing as here, for cheaper with 4 extra screws ignored. Don't really understand the complaints to warrant the change, but whatever.
Question: I've been recently looking at this knife and its different options. Let me preface by saying I am a neophyte when it comes to differences in knife/blade steels. I notice this is available in both CPM-20CV and/or CPM-Magnacut. What is the difference(s) if any really? Is one preferable or worth the difference in cost over the other? I would be using this as just an EDC, typical around the house, etc., use. Thanks for any help, its greatly appreciated.
@@spicydragon3881 Oi, why benchmade over hogue? What about the flex? I was really wanting to explain why magnacut was pretty damn nice but you have ruined this. My hockey team lost tonight as well, so I am le salt.
Nick, I get that the styling of THIS model might be controversial, but you failed to mention that it comes in OTHER versions. Not only are there other colors (incl black), there is a conventional blade option available too. There is s also a new (cheaper) lightweight FRN/Magnacut version as well. All details I’m surprised you overlooked Nick! Love you buddy.
@@cupcakebunnyprod True but in fairness, Nick bases most of his “Bad” portion of the review on the controversial styling but doesn’t reiterate there is a drop point available and other colors of g10.
11:00 You miss choice when it comes to looks. It comes in a few colors and a more conventional clip point blade shape as well. You also can get a cheaper frn material and magnacut. I think the consumer choice is a good/great.
Does that mean Hogue finally changed their warranty? Still dislike that the thum-studs cannot be easily removed (do they still use red loctite in addition to weird screws?).
Very interested in this knife. Was a huge spyderco fan, but after their prices have become laugh out loud expensive for the (mostly old) product being provided and im BEYOND sick of exclusives. Im very interested in brands which have my best interests at heart over quarterly profit$$ and obnoxious exclusives which knife companies pre-sellout to staff and friends.
I love Spyderco as well, crazy that the PM2 was $115 in 2017 and is now $170. You are right, instead of working on making great knives to sell direct, every company has exclusives all over the place.
@@kpfagerberg Why would it surprise you? Inflation, higher minimum wage, lack of skilled labor, increased fuel costs, and the fact its made in Colorado (Cali-rado)... Everything is ridiculous now.
Whoa, I searched for this knife & found some Hogue Dekas in CPM Magnacut! I just preordered it directly from Hogue inc. Was $160 with shipping, but for Magnacut that seemed like a good buy. I only really buy budget knives but something took hold of me. They had a bunch of versions, but the Magnacut preorders were cheaper than the in-stock 20CV models you reviewed. Not sure if that is a good deal, or if Magnacut is just a cheaper steel.
@@ohiogarbageman9507 Glad to hear it. Thank you for weighing in. It's hard to get a grasp on value without having other options to compare the price to.
@@coralinealgae the only "drawback" to the one you ordered is that yhe scales are GFN instead of G10. Hogue did that to make a high end knife blade available at a good price. Check out knife centers hogue vid from shot show.
@@brianrice6993 Thanks for the heads-up. I went right ahead and preordered one in solid blue. Was $20 cheaper with free shipping than the one I ordered direct from Hogue. I'll see about cancelling that one tomorrow. I hadn't ordered anything from Knife Center in almost 2 years. I always forget to check there. I owe you one.
Nope, not your imagination. They are selling the same old knives at $50-90 more than when they came out. Unless you happen to magically get one of the exclusives that the knife company doesnt pre-sellout to staff and friends. This Colorado native is over spyderco gouging customers.
OH no! I have not got far into the video, but since this is a full review the upgrades are good enough to warrant an entire video. Already wishing Hogue would let you trade in my V1 to get the V2 upgrades.
Would love you hear your genuine opinion on the stock Benchmade Bugout vs the stock Hogue Deka. I have my opinions, and I can understand why you might not want to do this (God fodbid Benchmade fanboys hunt you down), but... it'd be fun.
James Brand Carter Fanboy here... I laugh at Hogue for revmoving 2 screws, I mean even SOG managed to remove them all :D The Bugout is controversial (I don't know why). Personally, I understand why people are fan and defend something, no idea why people feel the need to share their hate though. As for Deka vs. Bugout it is quite simple for me. I prefer the Bugout for its looks, the after market support and here in Switzerland the Bugout is better supported as I can get it from a local dealer. When it comes to CF scales for the Bugout it goes like this: Aramis >> Flytanium Crosscut > Original Benchmade > huge gap here > Older Flytanium (just mention this, so no-one feels the need to lecture me about value... I'm way past that). I think if you like the look of the Deka, then it is a good choice. But if you live in the US, I recommend the Mini RSK.
i hope they fixed the super crappy clip screw threadings too! i had 2 dekas and on both models the threadings fell out when i tried to switch the clip to the other side, and i'm definitely not the only one with that problem! really killed the deka for me and made me really warily towards hogue products.
Your point about "minor" price hikes is *extremely* valid! At $80 this would be a knife I'd happily save up for, at $100 I'd save a little longer and actually use it less...but at $120 it was very marginal and at $140 it's a no-sell. At that price I can buy several different models of American-made firearms, all of which require more labor, materials, machining time, and engineering to manufacture. Sure I can't use them to open boxes without irritating the neighbors, but I can use a $1 disposable utility knife to open those boxes more easily and with better results than *any^ folding pocketknife can. We buy and collect these knives for pride of ownership as much as for usefulness, after all. It's a shame when American brands try to squeeze every last drop of profit they can from a sale...it drives the casual collector (which I am NOT) straight to the "overseas" (Chinese) makers.
Gonna be honest-I don’t think Hogue knives is valuing their knives to present “good value” to the Hi-Point crowd. Materials wise, that 20CV bar stock costs more than all the Zamak on a Hi-Point’s slide.
@@coprolite_steve Skyy makes a very decent handgun for around $200. I recently came across a deal on a high-quality new NAA .22LR single-action revolver for just $140. Heritage makes very reliable and nice guns but they are built cheaply and as a result they look cheap. But if you want the most bang for your buck and don't mind hauling around something quite heavy for caliber that others will pooh-pooh until they shoot it for themselves, Hi-Point is a good choice. Out of that lot, none but the NAA midget revolver is a proper "collectors item". Hold one in your hand though...and you'll have a heck of a time justifying spending $140 or more on a plain steel pocketknife like this Hogue.
@@John.VanSwearingen Not after machining it doesn't, let alone after you factor in a barrel, a magazine, and a trigger group. Hogue's primary business is handgun grips, and they make a very healthy profit on those. (Good grips, no reservations.) But for $140 I can buy a used handgun or a new one...and that makes this a rather poor deal IRL. I have never ONCE worn out a knife blade to the point it was a sliver, and I use a knife every day. My current workhorse is a $12 Taiwanese Kershaw assisted flipper framelock made with horrid 3CV steel and after five years of daily use and monthly sharpening it still looks brand new and is shaving sharp. I have awesome Damascus collectors' items, but I'm pointing out that steel snobbery is mostly pretentious BS if you aren't working a job that requires continuous use of a knife.
@@usergonemad I have the drop point version that can be bought for ~$112. 20CV with a proper heat treat is a challenge to get for that price. If you consider 20CV “plain steel”, I won’t bother trying to explain why it would matter. None of those names seem to be mid market to me. I would consider Glock or Sig or similar to be middle of the road, aren’t they?
Nick my son has been out of the Marine corp for 2 years now. He presently works for Raytheon and is currently at Moduro station in the Artic he works there 6 months at a time he missed Christmas this year and I want to buy him the one Really good knife he can keep for years I have around $300.00 to spend on this without the wife killing me If you have a recommendation I would take that as the right one.If you see this please give me some idea on what at this point in time you would have that *One great knife *from dad. anyone else wants to chime in I will definitely appreciate it. Thanks, Owlseyes sees🦉
@@DullPoints I was going to say exactly the same thing. It's not the prettiest knife of there but I would put it up against any folder under $300 for durability, and functionality.
I think you missed an "ugly." The thumbstuds/axis lock texture. The little raised 3 lobed start shape looks neat, but has sharp corners that really irritated my fingers. I also wish they would square off the front of the g10 by the pivot and move the front choil forward to give you more handle grip, and let you get closer to the blade. Those were the 2 things that made me sell mine, not the 2 extra screws. I do really like the new deep carry screw though, and loved the blade.
Yep, I'll be one those in the "not a price low enough" group, LOL....The knife just looks to convoluted to me, it makes me dizzy,, LOL...Maybe just Black or a solid color..The way it is here, makes it looks like one of those Frost Cutlery 8.95 specials....Nice materials, but YUCK!
Wharncliffe: gradually tapered spine, flat edge. Sheepsfoot: Abrupt drop off, slightly curved edge. It's a sheepsfoot. This looks like the Smock and the 940 had a bastard child.
I wish they made this blade shape without the compound grind. I'll take the full blade in extra slicey please. No need for the extra strength in a knife this size.
Darnit! I wish I had seen this before ordering v.1. It was on sale @smkw plus I had 10% off coupon. Also signed up for PayPal credit card which knocked off another $20. Came out to be $108 after tax.
I love your videos but completely disagree with you here Nick. I prefer the first gen. I don't like super deep carry clips because they always seem to get stuck in my pocket. The new material they use (or just the new design) seems less rigid compared to the first. The extra screws haven't bothered me at all either honestly. I did go ahead and removed my clip covers like they did on the new one though because I thought they weren't necessary. I know I'm in the minority on this but just my opinion. I would like to see more or different color schemes though
I desperately wish this knife did more for me. Hogue refuses to make a version that isn't either plastic or hideously mall ninja with that awful G10 pattern. Throw us a bone and make an aluminum or better yet titanium version, Hogue!
Inflation, inflation and inflation. The US has printed and spent trillions of dollars in the last couple of years. Monetary inflation typically tends to impact price inflation. Other countries with knife manufacturers have likely not created and spent as much as the US so their production costs will not have suffered as much as those in the States. Couple that with costly energy policy in the US and we get these prices. It's not likely US makers are making more per unit than two years ago. It's entirely possible they are making marginally less.
