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On a similar note, how is the bottle-opener on the pants? I don't like using normal wave openings (Emerson, Cold Steel) because they always seem to eat up my pockets really quick.
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DPX HEST Folder
- Thread starter Horn Dog
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On a similar note, how is the bottle-opener on the pants? I don't like using normal wave openings (Emerson, Cold Steel) because they always seem to eat up my pockets really quick.
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so far its easy to open on the pocket and snaps open fast and locks tight. my favorite way to open it. i've opened it with gloves on and its just like any other knife with thumb studs. it takes less effort for me to wave it open from the pocket especially when i'm using my other hand to hold something, i used it last week to work on some plumbing cutting insulation and i was about 12ft up on a ladder hanging on with one hand and reaching to cut with the other poped it open with the wave and cut away.
it also seems to be easy on the material of the pocket i think because of the thickness of the blade.
take it easy
cricket
it also seems to be easy on the material of the pocket i think because of the thickness of the blade.
take it easy
cricket
Brother, no knife is worth damage to your thumb, particularly when the business end is still put away.
If you like the model, perhaps consider returning it for a fully functional one.
BTW, good on you for not losing your cool when repeatedly questioned about your competence/experience in opening a knife...
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Bummer, I was hoping that might be the problem. Figured you had checked it but I know from personal experience that sometimes it's the small, obvious things that I overlook. When I finally notice it's like, geez louise, I wish I'd caught that sooner.
Best of luck to you with getting things straightened out to your satisfaction.
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- Feb 6, 2011
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I've got to back RYP here...I spend a considerable amount of time in NY state, and here something that can be "flipped" open with one hand is unfortunately considered illegal. The fact that RYP ships these with things tightened down is a saving grace on this end. Keep in mind, different states unfortunately equals different rules. My HEST foler should be here tomorrow. and to say I am elated would be an understatement.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2009
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- 820
The DPx HEST /F has adjustable pivot tension and teflon washers. We specifically asked Lion Steel to tighten down the pivot tension hard and I did it again on the LE's. As Nathanwind pointed out when shipping a knife (even in the US) officials can "determine" that the knife does not meet regulations. In Australia the customs folks can flick the thing all day until they determine that its a "flip" knife. Keep in mind Managiao Italy is the home of the switchblade so we were extra cautious.
That being said, the HEST/F is a brutal use knife that means it is designed to be abused, without lubrication, in mud, sand, dirt, salt, dust, sweat etc. So the moving parts are thick, heavy and require a modicum of seating The material and finishes on the HEST were chosen not for how it looks when new but after being beat to shit after a few years. This means that the initial knife feel will be tough and crisp but will seat in.
Notwithstanding that, I or Gianni will personally look at your knife and tune it, replace it or do what needs to be done to make it work perfectly. As I have mentioned before I spent three months with my HEST/F abusing it in Burma and is smooth, dependable and only requires a minor strop, a washing in river sand and a good wash to get the crap out of it.
That being said, the HEST/F is a brutal use knife that means it is designed to be abused, without lubrication, in mud, sand, dirt, salt, dust, sweat etc. So the moving parts are thick, heavy and require a modicum of seating The material and finishes on the HEST were chosen not for how it looks when new but after being beat to shit after a few years. This means that the initial knife feel will be tough and crisp but will seat in.
Notwithstanding that, I or Gianni will personally look at your knife and tune it, replace it or do what needs to be done to make it work perfectly. As I have mentioned before I spent three months with my HEST/F abusing it in Burma and is smooth, dependable and only requires a minor strop, a washing in river sand and a good wash to get the crap out of it.
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- Sep 9, 2005
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Here is the HEST along side the Benchmade Skirmish and ZT 0301. Obviously, the ZT is easy to open, as it is assisted. These are all rugged frame lock folders.
Here is the Blade-Tech Rijback. The handle has similar ergonomics to the HEST. I like it. They call it a liner lock, but really, it's a titanium frame lock with some thin G10 scales attached. This one was a bit rough when new, but still easily opened with one hand.
Here you can see how really thick the blade is on the HEST, even when compared to these other beefy folders. It's a beast. I really want it to work. I am sending it to DPx for repair or replacement. After three days of trying to work it in it still is a bear to open.
Obviously, mine is not typical.
Here is the Blade-Tech Rijback. The handle has similar ergonomics to the HEST. I like it. They call it a liner lock, but really, it's a titanium frame lock with some thin G10 scales attached. This one was a bit rough when new, but still easily opened with one hand.
Here you can see how really thick the blade is on the HEST, even when compared to these other beefy folders. It's a beast. I really want it to work. I am sending it to DPx for repair or replacement. After three days of trying to work it in it still is a bear to open.
Obviously, mine is not typical.
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- Dec 31, 2005
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I would send it back and get a refund or a guaranteed "good one" Vic .... there is likely something wrong with it .... especially when other guys with the same model are saying their's is opening easily ....
I have to say that when the design needs a "special grip" to open it .... and a "weeks worth of use" to bed in parts .... it would'nt be something I would go for .... or tolerate if I had bought one unaware of these issues ....
Their willingness to take it back and replace it or return your money though is nice to see ....
I have to say that when the design needs a "special grip" to open it .... and a "weeks worth of use" to bed in parts .... it would'nt be something I would go for .... or tolerate if I had bought one unaware of these issues ....
Their willingness to take it back and replace it or return your money though is nice to see ....
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Looks like the lockbar is already 100% engaged in this pic. Do they ship like that?
Mine did. It is really hard to unlock, too.
Mistwalker
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I know you didn't plan on this being a review...only two pictures, and that's not your norm. I'm surprised that with two pictures and a complaint it didn't get moved to GB&U when it was moved...
Do you think the issue is one of stud location, leverage, and direction of force? I mean how easy does it open if you grab the blade closer to the tip and open it? How does the "rapid deployment feature" do?
Considering the number of pages in this thread already I sort of hope you start a new one for an actual review of the knife.
Do you think the issue is one of stud location, leverage, and direction of force? I mean how easy does it open if you grab the blade closer to the tip and open it? How does the "rapid deployment feature" do?
Considering the number of pages in this thread already I sort of hope you start a new one for an actual review of the knife.
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No, I am just a spastic idiot and have no idea how to open a knife with just one hand.
Mistwalker
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Sorry bro, didn't read the whole thread the second time around. If you have already said as much I'm sorry that came off wrong. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic or anything... I was just thinking that the stud would normally be further forward (on other knives) where the bottle opener is and was wondering if there were a way to compensate the direction of force by changing the hand position during opening.
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Sorry, mistwalker. Your reviews are great. This one kind of got bogged down in my rant about the stiffness. If I go outside tomorrow and the sky still looks blue to me but everyone on the internet says its green, I'm staying with blue. When I get it back from DPx I'll do a full and proper review.
Mistwalker
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Lol, always go with what you know. Can't go wrong there...even if people tell you that you are :thumbup:
That's what I was talking about. I knew this was just a complaint based on your first impressions of the knife, that's why I was surprised it ended up here and not the GB&U. I'm looking forward to your full review of the knife.
HD,
Great pics and description.
Your review and experience with this specific knife is unique to you.
Be confident, it doesn't matter if this knife model was tested in Burma, washed in a fecal contaminated section of the Ganges, used in constructing voodoo doll effigies in Jamaica for religious rituals, or was vital to the well-being of the last witness to some world changing event (a healthy morning BM not withstanding)...
If you have wear your thumb down to exposed bone with 10,000 openings, whack the SOB on an oak log, or spin around three times and command "Open Sesame" to draw the blade exposed to first to break it in and seat it... well, it is waay past time to consider returning it for an exchange or move on to something else.
BTW, dime to donuts you have more experience and knowledge with knives than those new to the field trying to educate on what a "hard use" folder is suppose to be.
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I have been a knife user for many decades. But I do not doubt or question the experiences of others on this forum who are pleased with the performance of their HEST folders. I have no reason to disbelieve them. I can only conclude that mine is not typical of such folders. I appreciate all the well-meaning suggestions, too. But a review of a bad example of the knife is of little value to anyone. Hopefully I will hear from DPx customer service soon.
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I can tell you what that knife needs just by looking at it. It needs to be an inch bigger and have a thumb disc rather than a stud. Then, if you still can't open it, its a mechanical fault.
Two problems there - small knife + thumb stud. Combine that with a stiff detent and you have a perfect storm of frustration.
Thumb studs are the trickiest of one hand opening mechanisms IMO. The most common error is people dont make them proud enough or give em enough traction. Me I like spine mounted discs a la Emerson and the aforementioned Spyder hole.
Two problems there - small knife + thumb stud. Combine that with a stiff detent and you have a perfect storm of frustration.
Thumb studs are the trickiest of one hand opening mechanisms IMO. The most common error is people dont make them proud enough or give em enough traction. Me I like spine mounted discs a la Emerson and the aforementioned Spyder hole.
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