DPX HEST 2.0 vs ZT 0550

Peroni1973

Peroni1973

Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
707
Folks,

I know that there are some obvious differences here (blade steels, 0.5 inches of blade length, etc.) but both are heavy (literally!) duty folders, Ti framelock, approaching 5 oz weight, etc.

Does anyone have both or thoughts on either one of them? In-hand shots and or side-by-side shots would be fantastic if possible but all thoughts welcomed...

Thanks,

Ben
 
I have both. I'm at work so no pics...They are both great knives. I've broken in the Hest and it is a dream to open and close. I am carrying the 550 as an EDC, and it is a bit rough on the hand due to the scale texture. Also, I have taken to gripping the blade with finger and thumb and quickly switching to the stub with my thumb, since opening it is a bit tough. Overall, the 550 is a bigger knife and a bit heavier, but I don't care. They get equal time in my pocket.

You can't go wrong with either.
 
Wow,

Thanks guys for the swift responses!

I hear the support for the ZT and whilst I'm not really into the gimmicks side relating to the Hest I do just find that I carry more compact folders, more often. I wish there was a 3 inch ZT version like the 0550. (I already have the 0350 too in case someone thought to suggest that...)

Cheers,

Ben
 
I actually don't own either of these knives anymore, but I still like them. The 0550 is a bit chunky for me, and I liked how the narrower handle of the HEST felt in my hand better.

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zt 0550...actually liked the heft of the knife in hand...wasn't too shabby at cutting either...
 
Thanks Guys, especially to BikerTrash for posting those side-by-side shots - they are really helpful to understand the differences.

Interesting to note that the overall length is virtually identical, as is the closed length. Despite the additional width, it kind of seems like you pack more blade into the 0550 package...

Thanks again folks,

Ben
 
Hey Ben

Ive got both. Theyre both excellent tough knives and both are rock-solid. They both have grippy G-10 scales, even though they are checkered in different patterns.

The ZT feels abit bigger in the hand than the HEST, and was a bit of a pain to open when i first got it, but its merely a matter of habit. It opens just as easy as the HEST now.

The HEST's lockbar feels like it has more tension in it and the closed-detent is much stronger than the ZT's. A thing i dont like on the 550 is the weak detent. If i shake the 550 (hard) while closed, i can manage to open the blade. No way thats happening on the HEST.

Both clip-designs hold the knife securely in place. I prefer the ZT's clip, as its barely noticable in when in the hand.

The spine- jimping on the HEST is much sharper. You can actually feel the edges biting into your thumb, as opposed to the ZT's, which are more for looks i imagine.

In conclusion theyre both excellent hard-use framelocks. Id have no problem trusting either one of them. Just pick the one you like most, and go for it.
 
Can't speak to the HEST as I don't have one, but I really like my 0551, and it is my EDC for the most part except when I carry an 0301 or sometimes a smaller knife depending on dress. I like the 0551 so much, I bought another one as a back up.
 
Guys,

Thanks again for taking the time to post your thoughts and experiences - I genuinely appreciate it.

I have gone ahead and ordered the HEST - now before anyone spits out their coffee we all know that it is very likely that I'll buy the ZT at some point down the line... I get that there are some elements of the ZT which are better (washers, slicing, blade steel - for some, etc.)

Key in my decision was pocketability pure and simple. I love my ZT0200 and ZT0350 but they see less pocket time (especially the ZT0200 which is more like a back up fixed blade sitting in my BOB.) I want something that I'll carry more often (where legal) and given that I travel with work a lot being 3 inches, it is less likely to contravene local laws abroad.

I'll be picking this up next week Stateside (hopefully!) and look forward to getting it in-hand.

Thanks again folks and I remain interested in others' opinions/experiences of either knife...

Cheers,

Ben
 
Peroni1973 said:
Guys,

Thanks again for taking the time to post your thoughts and experiences - I genuinely appreciate it.

I have gone ahead and ordered the HEST - now before anyone spits out their coffee we all know that it is very likely that I'll buy the ZT at some point down the line... I get that there are some elements of the ZT which are better (washers, slicing, blade steel - for some, etc.)

Key in my decision was pocketability pure and simple. I love my ZT0200 and ZT0350 but they see less pocket time (especially the ZT0200 which is more like a back up fixed blade sitting in my BOB.) I want something that I'll carry more often (where legal) and given that I travel with work a lot being 3 inches, it is less likely to contravene local laws abroad.

I'll be picking this up next week Stateside (hopefully!) and look forward to getting it in-hand.

Thanks again folks and I remain interested in others' opinions/experiences of either knife...

Cheers,

Ben
Click to expand...

That's not a bad choice. The 0550 is a lot lighter than I thought it would be though. I had a 0200 and, like you, never carried it due to the weight and bulk. I find, however, that the 0550 is much more pocketable. The HEST, being smaller, is of course more pocket friendly. That being said, I traded my HEST and am keeping my 0550.

I have had the exact opposite experience with the lockbar. My HEST was a PITA to disengage and was just as hard to open. My 0550 is smooth as butter. The detent is just right, it opens smooth and locks up solid. Disengaging the lock is effortless and smooth as well.

I think as long as you get a good example of either model you will be happy.
 
Thanks neverdie36,

Interesting that you hung onto the 0550 but let the HEST go. I will definitely keep you posted on my thoughts. I guess the reality is that there can be issues with either - I kind of feel that the HEST has a bit of a cloud hanging over it from the first version. Clearly, there are some decent examples out there.

This will be my foray into DPX gear and it has in no, way diminished my love of ZT...

Enjoy your knives!!

Ben
 
Ordered today and shipped already - Roger and his team at Knifeworks rock! [Mods: Edit if necessary...]

Can't wait to get my HEST now...

Ben
 
Peroni1973 said:
I kind of feel that the HEST has a bit of a cloud hanging over it from the first version.

Ben
Click to expand...

A bigger cloud exists from the inane jackassery of the idiot whose initials spoil an otherwise (mostly) decent knife...

I've never seen anyone make a bigger fool of themselves on an internet forum than the illustrious RYP did when he got booted from this board last year.
 
I missed all that drama. Simply as a knife user and enthusiast I want to try this knife...
 
who got booted? :))

Expert advice here...isn't always expert.

Enjoy your HEST and remember you have a life time, no questions asked warranty. We will be at Blade if you want to stop in and say hi.
 
I have both the 0550 and the HEST 2.0. When I was trying to decide which knife I wanted to buy, I narrowed it down to the same two...

I ended up buying the 0550 and have greatly enjoyed it over the last month or so.

I then bought the HEST last weekend. I love the size and the way it feels/pockets, but my lock is a bit sticky at the moment. If I flip it open, the frame lock sticks so bad that it basically has to be pried open. This does not happen under normal manual open.

My ZT is like butter, while the HEST is still a bit unrefined. I cannot wait to spend some time with the HEST to break it in a bit more, I'm sure it'll grow on me as it is broken in.

I'm sure you'll own both at some point, I know I couldn't resist either of them!
 
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