DPX HEFT 4 MILSPEC vs ESEE 4 440c STAINLESS

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DukeofArmchair

Joined
Jan 27, 2016
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OK Guys, I am debating between these two knives for a woods/backpacking knife. I don't want anything as heavy/big as the BK2 for my purposes so looking at these or any other suggestions. I am really wanting to know what to expect from these two Steels. DPX has the Niolox LionSteel and the Esee has the 440c. I know Esee has a great warranty but the warranty for the Stainless is different than the 1095.


So... What can I expect out of these two steels for general whittling, food prep, light foliage stripping? Is there another recommendation? Both knives I have found for about $120.

Thanks in advance
 
Niolox is good stuff I like it. Holds a good edge and is easy to sharpen. Dpx has excellent customer service from what I hear.
440c is a good steel in its own rite. Was the top shelf stainless for yrs till super steels came round starting maybe 20 yrs ago
 
DukeofArmchair said:
OK Guys, I am debating between these two knives for a woods/backpacking knife. I don't want anything as heavy/big as the BK2 for my purposes so looking at these or any other suggestions. I am really wanting to know what to expect from these two Steels. DPX has the Niolox LionSteel and the Esee has the 440c. I know Esee has a great warranty but the warranty for the Stainless is different than the 1095.


So... What can I expect out of these two steels for general whittling, food prep, light foliage stripping? Is there another recommendation? Both knives I have found for about $120.

Thanks in advance
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I don't own either but can say that I've read bad things about the ESEE-4 handle, and the warranty not applying to the 440C models, what's up with that? That said, ESEE is an American company, the knives are made in the USA and alternative handles are available after-market, you could find an ESEE-4 here on the exchange for less than retail. The DPX is Italian-made. I've read good things about Niolox but have no personal experience with it - it's said to be tougher than 440C and take a keen edge more readily. In the use you describe, i don't think you're likely to notice any difference in the steel performance, what really matter is the edge geometry, and since I have neither knife I cannot comment on which will be the better performer out-of-the-box.

However, given the tasks described, have you considered something much less expensive like a Mora Companion or the Gerber Gator or a model from Buck? Lots and lots of options in this size-range... Fallkniven F1 is a popular model in the same range as well, as is the Muela Kodiak. *shrug*
 
jfk1110 said:
Niolox is good stuff I like it. Holds a good edge and is easy to sharpen. Dpx has excellent customer service from what I hear.
440c is a good steel in its own rite. Was the top shelf stainless for yrs till super steels came round starting maybe 20 yrs ago
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I have heard good things about the Niolox myself however I had not heard of it until I came across the DPX brand/knife.

chiral.grolim said:
However, given the tasks described, have you considered something much less expensive like a Mora Companion or the Gerber Gator or a model from Buck? Lots and lots of options in this size-range... Fallkniven F1 is a popular model in the same range as well, as is the Muela Kodiak. *shrug*
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I have been wondering if I am buying too much knife myself, I have a propensity to do this in most things I buy. I usually want to be able to "grow" into something rather than wishing I had gone bigger, better, lighter etc etc.. Although it would give me a better reason to get another knife!:thumbup:

In looking at some of the other knives mentioned, the Gerber Gator looks pretty nice, I also like the looks of the TOPS/BUCK CSAR-T Fixed (154CM steel). I am not too terribly concerned about price as long as I keep it under $150.

Thanks for the feedback guys, so now I need to find out more about Buck 154CM steel and how it compares to the DPX Niolox, those are the two I am leaning towards now.
 
Niolox is being used by Pohl force knives/Lion steel as well. Designer/maker respectively. Some top shelf stuff IMHO. I'd take niolox over the 154 any day even though the Bos heat treat used by Buck is phenomenal. Just doesn't compare. Some great looking knives.
My first choice would be Fallkniven F1 PRO SERIES and the relatively new laminated cobalt steel they are using. Next is niolox in.my hest II assault. That's just me though. Fallkniven' s Lam CoS has won me over and its my current choice for my outdoor pursuits. I carry the Fallkniven Volcano and the Dpx is backup. Hest II fixed and folder (T3) as well, both in niolox.
 
I have Niolox in a HEST II and like it. Over time I haven't seen any real negative trends on it. It doesn't seem to be used a lot but I haven't a problem with it.

Of the two knives I'd go with the HEST. Not only "superior" steel but that pry bar is more useful than you think....saves the tip.
 
I ordered the HEFT today, just decided from my personal gut feeling and the feedback here it was the better knife. Also the blade shape I feel would be easier for me to maintain in regards to sharpening. Cant wait for it to show up!
 
DukeofArmchair said:
I ordered the HEFT today, just decided from my personal gut feeling and the feedback here it was the better knife. Also the blade shape I feel would be easier for me to maintain in regards to sharpening. Cant wait for it to show up!
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I own several DPx. I think you will be highly pleased. Good choice.
 
Just got my DPX HEFT and have to say the fit and finish is Top Notch! I think I have opened up a can of worms with my first Fixed Blade!

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I recently contacted Esee regarding their warranty and their 440c, and the reply I got was, because 440c is not as tough a Steel when compared to 1095, they don't offer the same "no questions asked" warranty on those knives, (and understandably so), but, they do still accept all warranty claims on their 440c models, and provided it wasn't sheer neglect or abuse to the knife that caused any damage, they still more often then not respect warranty claims regarding their 440c...

Copied and pasted from the actual email;
"Stainless, any stainless, isn't as flexible as a carbon steel knife.* It is heat treated to a higher Rockwell hardness which makes it more brittle.* So if you pry with it the chances of failure greatly increase.* That is the reason we put a qualifier on stainless.* But we still consider any request for warranty and have replaced stainless knives in most cases."
 
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