In order to create a perfectly good quality multipurpose utility tool, it will take years of effort, dedication, and contribution. A perfect tool can only be created if it has input from the owners of the company, all the way to the consumers of the tool being purchased. A perfect example of those contributions would be a Spyderco Endura being a folding knife with a history of 21 years in the making. DPx Gear has been working including taking the input and opinions of its costumers, implementing them to create what I consider to be one of the best folding knife designs to date.
The DPx HEST V2.0 locks up like a tank and has excellent engineering designed into the lock up.
The G10 handles feel to have a tiny bit more grip and the steel liner has been removed with the G10 now becoming thicker in comparison to version its previous version. Since I can notice the weight differences on folding knives, the knife immediately felt lighter from the moment I took it out of its newly designed box. The box feels to be of much nicer quality than the previous version as it is wrapped around with Mr. DP Logos.
The improved detail did not stop at the box, when inspecting the Hest 2.0, I noticed the edges are now refined in all the correct spots. When I opened the knife, it felt solid and difficult to open. This brought a smile to my face as I am an enthusiast of Strider Knives and appreciate knives with a break in process. Something similar to when I buy a new pair of shoes.
I noticed on the Hest 1.0 that the bolt which stops the blade in the opened position was not perfectly centered and would protrude on the G-10 side of the handle. On the DPx Hest V2.0, the blade stop bolt is now perfectly centered on both sides. Not only was the blade stop bolt centered but the blade also came perfectly centered out of the box as well.
V2.0
V1.0
Version 2.0 perfectly centered
The spacer in between the handles is now also of longer length giving the knife more durability.
The RotoBlock which stops the frame lock from over extending has had some slight modifications for a more solid fixed blade lock.
V2.0
V1.0
V1.0
The lanyard holes drilled into the pocket clip have been removed on the HEST 2.0 to give the clip a more solid grip onto pants. I believe that the bend on the clip has been repositioned up front to give the clip a lower probability of getting caught onto objects by having a much shorter tip.
Pocket clip bend repositioning
The Pivot Bolt seems to have a minor improvement as the bolt protrudes less on the titanium side of the handle.
V1.0
V2.0
My HEST 1.0 had a portion of its edge closest to the quillon of the blade pop out in the shape of a shark fin. Version 1.0 was probably more difficult to sharpen because of the angle of the quillon on the blade. The quillon on the blade looks to be re-done and cut down to make the knife easier to sharpen.
The handle is now more comfortable and wider making the knife feel easier. The bolts connecting the handle appear to sink in just a tad bit more.
v2.0
V1.0
The new design on the frame lock makes the knife easier to access when unlocking with your thumb.
The most positive and extreme improvements I noticed on the 2.0 Hest was on the locking mechanism of the knife. I have noticed from collecting folding knives that different models of knives use different methods and angles for their frame locks. The 2.0 Hest went out of its way by using a new style of frame lock I haven't seen before. It resembles the angles I see on frame locks on SMF and SNG Striders but with its own style or method.
Below is a quick sketch to compare the different contact methods I have seen on frame locks:
Strider SNG Frame Lock
V1.0 Frame Lock
V2.0 Frame Lock
As you can see by the photos, there are major improvement to the contact points of the frame lock and blade on the HEST 2.0. I have experienced no slipping on the frame lock and the knife locks up like a tank. The ball detent ramp where the blade makes contact to the frame lock has been removed as well.
With a twist of the RotoBlock, you can still convert the knife into a fixed blade.
Another major benefit to the knife was it still felt extremely solid having no front to back or side to side blade play after testing the knife.
I enjoy the new style of the G10 handle which has an additional lump on the choil resembling the front ergonomics of a Chris Reeve Sebenza. The knife feels more comfortable on my palm and now feels much easier when accessing the frame lock.
The washer in-between the blade and the handles are thinner making the knife feel more concealable.
I highly recommend the V2.0 DPx H.E.S.T to anyone looking to get a great heavy duty folder at an amazing price. The knife is made in Italy with top quality materials and craftsmanship. The manufacturer Lion Steel has an amazing reputation in the knife industry so you can definitely trust the materials. The customer service from DPx Gear is exceptional and they truly wount be happy until you are. The blade length on the DPx HEST folder 2.0 seems to also be a little bit longer than the version 1.0 which I will post pictures of shortly. It could also be that the handle was shortened but its just about a millimeter or two of difference. Oh and the glass/skull breaker seem to be a tad bit longer too. I hope I didnt forget anything : )
Part 1
[video=youtube;2d0rXGXZ2ZQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d0rXGXZ2ZQ[/video]
Part 2
[video=youtube;rwFt6VbKI4Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwFt6VbKI4Q[/video]
Part 3
[video=youtube;2u6Wy5qblMM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u6Wy5qblMM[/video]
Stay tuned for the Testing Video in which I chop for 20 minutes and spine wack the knife including throwing it at a tree.
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. They look to be my perfect travel folder.