Got a HEST

[D1omedes]

Haven't poked a nut or anything else for the matter.

The pry bar doesn't get in the way of anything, I don't even feel its here. Even seated in a small front pocket were 2 inches of the knife stick out, it doesn't get hang on anything. Was afraid for a moment that it would scratch the seats in the car and airplane, but it doesn't. I think that the design makes it very comfortable yet useful to wear and use. The only problem I see is the way people tend to look at you when they see such a thing that sticks out, but once you show them, they love it .

By the way, YES the bottle opener is great. PRY, CUT and DRINK, all the essentials on a sturdy piece of steel.

I dont cary the hest on my belt because of the pry bar (horizontal carry), but the Izula I can and can even cary it completely concealed under the belt. But seriously, the HEST rides very well in a jean pocket, as the Izula. I carry both very often, but when I'm in very public places I prefer carrying a more discreet Izula, otherwise no problem with the HEST.

Those two things really make me lean toward the HEST.

Do you think the increase in price, over the Izula, is truly worth it? I understand it has the bottle opener, pry bar, micarta handles and wire stripper but $100 is still a bit much.

For an EDC, would you rate the HEST as a superior knife to the Izula because of its additional features and micarta handles?

Additionally, how much heavier is the HEST compared to the Izula?

 

[Romans6.23]

Now I just have to wait as patiently as I can for my H.E.S.T. to be delivered.

 

[ironmike86]

Those two things really make me lean toward the HEST.

Do you think the increase in price, over the Izula, is truly worth it?

I don't have mine yet(Hest) but @ $45 more than an Izula you get scales a little bigger knife. Just depends on how you value $45. To me I don't care and think it is worth it. But if you are watching your $$ for EDC I would say no. IMO the Izula is smaller than my Syderco Delica when open but the Syderco is smaller when closed. Both blades are nice but the Izula is probably stronger because fixed single piece. I'm not comparing knives just size for reference. The Izula is pretty small but would need more space or room to EDC than a fixed. I wanted a HEST because it's al little larger. How much room you have to EDC? If you have the room the bigger knife is always better IMO. Dunno if that helps but my $0.02. FWIW I will probably only have one HEST but will have many Izula

 

[razorsdescent]

Those two things really make me lean toward the HEST.

Do you think the increase in price, over the Izula, is truly worth it? I understand it has the bottle opener, pry bar, micarta handles and wire stripper but $100 is still a bit much.

For an EDC, would you rate the HEST as a superior knife to the Izula because of its additional features and micarta handles?

Additionally, how much heavier is the HEST compared to the Izula?

Do you really feel that 100 dollars is too much to ask for a constant companion? Theres a good likelihood that the shoes on your feet are almost 100 bucks with the cost of things these days. i personally think 100 bucks is a great price. i know guys who spend over a hundred dollars a night in the bar.

I carried my hest in pocket for a little while today just to see how it carries and i like it alot. simply push the sheath off the knife with your tumb and your ready for action. the wider than usuall sheath flattens the imprint of the knife and keeps it steady and upright. doesnt poke wether walking running or sitting (which i find most impressive) and it certainly doesnt hit me in the nuts.

As for the people who are worried about the pry tip catching on things so far mine hasnt rides deep in my pocket and doesnt snag. i suggest peope try it before knocking this particular aspect of the knife.

As for the HEST Vs Izula thats really your call man. id choose the HEST 9/10 times because it suits my needs. its a concealable fixed blade thats perfect for my carry in an urban settin g and lends itself equaly as well to the woods. the izula will be a better slicer but so what for most people your not gonna notice the difference between how cleanly your mail is opened. its when its time to pry or baton or chop that youll notice that your very limited with the izula where you can make do in a pinch. you can probably get by with an izula, i cant... its a great tough little knife but i can picture myself in situations that the HEST can perform where the Izula cant and i only want to have to carry one knife. The choice is up to you but if id reccomend the HEST.:thumbup:

 

[D1omedes]

I don't have mine yet(Hest) but @ $45 more than an Izula you get scales a little bigger knife. Just depends on how you value $45. To me I don't care and think it is worth it.

That's a fair observation. My conundrum is that I'm just not sure if that extra $45 is truly worth it.

Do you really feel that 100 dollars is too much to ask for a constant companion?

I carried my hest in pocket for a little while today just to see how it carries and i like it alot. simply push the sheath off the knife with your tumb and your ready for action. the wider than usuall sheath flattens the imprint of the knife and keeps it steady and upright. doesnt poke wether walking running or sitting (which i find most impressive) and it certainly doesnt hit me in the nuts.

As for the HEST Vs Izula thats really your call man. id choose the HEST 9/10 times because it suits my needs. its a concealable fixed blade thats perfect for my carry in an urban settin g and lends itself equaly as well to the woods. the izula will be a better slicer but so what for most people your not gonna notice the difference between how cleanly your mail is opened. its when its time to pry or baton or chop that youll notice that your very limited with the izula where you can make do in a pinch. you can probably get by with an izula, i cant... its a great tough little knife but i can picture myself in situations that the HEST can perform where the Izula cant and i only want to have to carry one knife. The choice is up to you but if id reccomend the HEST.:thumbup:

You're right about money as an investment. I try to keep my shoes under $100 though.

I'm surprised that the knife rides so well in pocket with its sheath. Not to be rude, but I think that I'll truly believe that once I've experienced it. I've only carried folders, Kershaw and Spyderco, in my pockets and carrying a fixed blade in a pocket just sounds uncomfortable to me. Then again, I've never done it.

In what way, exactly, would a HEST outperform an Izula - as far as cutting tasks would go? I appreciate that the HEST has many additional features that appeal to EDC but a knife's most important aspect is its cutting ability. I'd appreciate it if you could elaborate on your personal use with the HEST.

Thanks for the all the input, btw. I'm not trying to be a butt-head or anything. I'm actually really curious about the HEST and I truly appreciate all your guys' help. :thumbup:

 

[Mobile-eyez]

Probably gonna get a HEST next month sometime if funds permit. I'm waiting for an Izula and an RC-6 to come in at the moment. My first RAT blades!

 

[ironmike86]

If you look at price the Hest and RC3 are @ the same. To me the Rc3 would be a better buy. @ 1" more blade length bigger overall knife would be worth more than a bottle opener and pry bar IMO But I'm not to positive I don't have my Hest yet. Shipped today I believe? Or a Rc3. But I have a Rc4 and Izula. I choose the Hest over a RC3 because legal EDC. In my area the RC3 isn't legal so if I'm going to carry a "dangerous Blade" I may as well be bigger . If your trying to save $$ and want an EDC the Izula you can't go wrong. I really don't think the Hest would completely dominate in it's cutting ability with a blade that is 1/4-3/8 bigger?? Maybe wait till more ppl get Hest???

 

[kta2402]

Those two things really make me lean toward the HEST.

Do you think the increase in price, over the Izula, is truly worth it? I understand it has the bottle opener, pry bar, micarta handles and wire stripper but $100 is still a bit much.

For an EDC, would you rate the HEST as a superior knife to the Izula because of its additional features and micarta handles?

Additionally, how much heavier is the HEST compared to the Izula?

I wouldn't talk about the increase of price over the Izula, because the HEST isn't an upgrade from the Izula, its a different specie.

I paid 140 for mine with the book from RYP, and I feel like it is a pretty fair price. Now would I pay 100 bucks for a non serialized one, yes I would because the blade, design, construction and fit & finish are definitely worth it, plus the RAT Cutlery warranty.

RAT Cutlery doesn't do cheap blades, the Izula can be said to be expensive compared to the competition, but it isn't expensive compared to other companies such as Busse and CRK, to me RAT Cutlery fills the gap between cheap and expensive, you buy at a fair price for good products and great customer service.

100$ can seem like a lot for a knife, but I just like what they did, the quality is very good and I find the design pretty straight forward, so in my opinion I'll say it fits my needs very well.

As an EDC I wouldn't rate it as superior to the Izula, the Izula just fits everywhere in every possible situation and thus makes a perfect secondary blade, the HEST just fits better in different situations such as in the bush.

Izula = A great urban EDC
HEST = A great bush EDC
RC4 = A great farmland EDC
RC6 = A great woods EDC
RC10 = Hope to be a great jungle EDC

Thats how I would rate them as EDC

The micarta handles on the HEST are really great they had a good width and great grip, had the pry bar and you have a great secure handle which makes it almost impossible to slide off. The Izula, once wrapped has a good handle, but I found that I need to secure my hand securing it to my finger with a loop at the end of the handle.

The weight is 2 ounces for the Izula against 4 ounces for the HEST, so its double, I feel the difference when comparing both, but the HEST is much bulkier, the blade is thicker. The izula really is a neck knife, the HEST is a pocket knife.

As far as cutting goes, the HEST has a nice belly, it cuts very well, does it cut better than the Izula, no they cut the same, it all depends on their sharpness, I use my blades a lot and don't really care what I cut so I can screw an edge up pretty quickly, but I can easily bring both of them back to hair popping sharpness, that a bonus of the Rowen manufactured 1095, it is very easy to resharpen and holds an edge very well. The wider blade of the Hest makes it less efficient when cutting, but you can abuse it for sure, its going to be hard to bend that blade when seeing the ratio between length and width .

All in all I really like the HEST, I use it, abuse it, love it, would I give it up, no, would I give up the Izula for it, no. Both are great, different uses for different environments.

I don't have an RC3, so I think it is wiser for me not to make any assumptions, but I find the HEST to be a good in between between the Izula and the RC4.

I think thats enough said, my own review on the HEST will be comming soon, its in the works.

RAT Pack #75

 

[nydude]

Dude, just where do you wear your nuts?

hahaha ...hhmm.. it's a secret.

 

[nydude]

Haven't poked a nut or anything else for the matter.

The pry bar doesn't get in the way of anything, I don't even feel its here. Even seated in a small front pocket were 2 inches of the knife stick out, it doesn't get hang on anything. Was afraid for a moment that it would scratch the seats in the car and airplane, but it doesn't. I think that the design makes it very comfortable yet useful to wear and use.

with regards to pocket carry, thanks for the info. In the the city I tend not to keep anything in front pockets bigger then a money clip/ID. I edc a 2 1/2' skeletonized Beretta folder. which is great because can drop into slacks or a suit pocket as easy as jeans.

outdoors I need something more substantial and everything that's not clipped to me tends to go into a cargo pocket which then shakes around and gets annoying. I've been looking at the Izula because it seems so low profile.

failing that I may just look for a really tough folder in the 2 1/2 - 3' range and bring something significantly bigger for long trips.

 

[kta2402]

To be honest, I haven't carried a folder since I got the Izula.

the Izula might not be enough in length for outdoors though it depends on what you need it for. I prefer the thrust I can have from a fixed blade over a folder. An Izula RC-4 combo or even RC-6 might seem like a good choice in my opinion.

 

[D1omedes]

As an EDC I wouldn't rate it as superior to the Izula, the Izula just fits everywhere in every possible situation and thus makes a perfect secondary blade, the HEST just fits better in different situations such as in the bush.

Izula = A great urban EDC
HEST = A great bush EDC
RC4 = A great farmland EDC
RC6 = A great woods EDC
RC10 = Hope to be a great jungle EDC

Thats how I would rate them as EDC

The micarta handles on the HEST are really great they had a good width and great grip, had the pry bar and you have a great secure handle which makes it almost impossible to slide off. The Izula, once wrapped has a good handle, but I found that I need to secure my hand securing it to my finger with a loop at the end of the handle.

The weight is 2 ounces for the Izula against 4 ounces for the HEST, so its double, I feel the difference when comparing both, but the HEST is much bulkier, the blade is thicker. The izula really is a neck knife, the HEST is a pocket knife.

As far as cutting goes, the HEST has a nice belly, it cuts very well, does it cut better than the Izula, no they cut the same, it all depends on their sharpness, I use my blades a lot and don't really care what I cut so I can screw an edge up pretty quickly, but I can easily bring both of them back to hair popping sharpness, that a bonus of the Rowen manufactured 1095, it is very easy to resharpen and holds an edge very well. The wider blade of the Hest makes it less efficient when cutting, but you can abuse it for sure, its going to be hard to bend that blade when seeing the ratio between length and width .

All in all I really like the HEST, I use it, abuse it, love it, would I give it up, no, would I give up the Izula for it, no. Both are great, different uses for different environments.

I don't have an RC3, so I think it is wiser for me not to make any assumptions, but I find the HEST to be a good in between between the Izula and the RC4.

I think thats enough said, my own review on the HEST will be comming soon, its in the works.

RAT Pack #75

Hmmm, I thought the opposite, really. I thought that the additional features of the HEST would make it more of an urban knife whereas the cutting prowess of the Izula, and its lack of additional features, would make that blade more of an bush, survival knife. Would you care to elaborate?

Essentially, I'm in urban environments and am looking for a strong, fixed blade (under 4 inches) that is easily carried. I always hear that for an EDC weight is important and bulkiness of the HEST gives me pause for concern. However, everyone who has discussed their HEST ensures that it's no problem and performs admirably as an EDC.

I look forward to your review. :thumbup:

Hopefully, it'll help me make my decision as to my next purchase.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

My HEST just arrived this morning. (I think Dale of t-k-c must have flown up here personally to deliver it so fast.) I opened the package with my Izula.

The Izula is a great little urban knife. Very tough but almost weightless. Drop it in a vest or jacket pocket and you'll forget it's there. It will cover most of what we use our folders for. It should do well in an office or lunchroom.

The HEST is thicker, noticeably heavier, and has more functions. It would do nicely in wilderness and consequently for military EDC. Right out of the package, it is sharp, of course, and the grind is fairly high. Should be a good cutter. I look forward to using it in the kitchen for a while to see how it handles.

 

[razorsdescent]

Hmmm, I thought the opposite, really. I thought that the additional features of the HEST would make it more of an urban knife whereas the cutting prowess of the Izula, and its lack of additional features, would make that blade more of an bush, survival knife. Would you care to elaborate?

Essentially, I'm in urban environments and am looking for a strong, fixed blade (under 4 inches) that is easily carried. I always hear that for an EDC weight is important and bulkiness of the HEST gives me pause for concern. However, everyone who has discussed their HEST ensures that it's no problem and performs admirably as an EDC.

I look forward to your review. :thumbup:

Hopefully, it'll help me make my decision as to my next purchase.

This is essentially how i view the HEST but i think it would still be a plenty effective bush blade. I dont really think of the izula as a bush blade thats more an RC-3 the HEST is imho to small for alot of tasks but then again you use what you got.

I really wouldnt worry about the weight o the HEST its not a heavy knife at least not by my way of thinking. i think you should go less off what you hear from other people on the net and what you prefer (catch-22 i know ) i hear alot of whining on this forum about knives being heavy and i wonder where it comes from yes some knives are heavier than others but really unless its a bowie or something else huge i cant see it really making a difference.

 

[nydude]

To be honest, I haven't carried a folder since I got the Izula.

the Izula might not be enough in length for outdoors though it depends on what you need it for. I prefer the thrust I can have from a fixed blade over a folder. An Izula RC-4 combo or even RC-6 might seem like a good choice in my opinion.

I get the trust thing,.. and if I pick up an Izula it has a good chance of becoming my all around take anywhere weekend edc. still hesitant to take fixed blades to work with me just because it's a real corporate environment.

The Izula / HEST seem to be great for road trips, day hikes, weekend edc. However a sak or small Izula "sized" folder are good enough for me day to day in the city and like you mentioned can work in conjunction with a larger blade for camping.

A phrase we use at work when we're negotiating commercial lease structures at the beginning of a deal, before it goes to the attorneys is "options work for those who have them", I know it's simple but it's keeps perspective for us.

Also I think it means I should get both...

 

[D1omedes]

A phrase we use at work when we're negotiating commercial lease structures at the beginning of a deal, before it goes to the attorneys is "options work for those who have them", I know it's simple but it's keeps perspective for us.

Also I think it means I should get both...

I think I'm in the same boat.

Right now, I'm a college student, so the only thing I carry on campus is a SAK. I still think that's against the rules but I doubt I'd get in trouble for it, if found on my person.

I think a fixed blade is superior to a folder for performance and durability. I would love to EDC a fixed blade, but like yourself, I see myself in a white-collar environment in the near future and it may be difficult to carry an Izula around. That said, around the house and out on fishing trips, I'd like to have that fixed blade for an EDC.

I'll carry my Spyderco folders to work, I guess.

 

[ironmike86]

I agree my Spydero is an easier to EDC and is bigger/longer than the Izula open. Smaller closed. But for a POST OFFICE rampage I thing the Izula with get more damaged done. That knife is stout... not that I'm crazy or anything just in the summer EDC with the Izula concealed wouldn't be that easy to me. Fall / Winter would be easier wearing a jacket or sweater IMO

 

[Grover6]

I have been EDCing my RAT-3(I know, I know, I bought it before I knew the whole RAT story) for the last few weeks, and it is really comfortable. I have an On Scene Tactical sheath horizontally on my belt and it is easily concealed by a t-shirt. The Hest would probably be easier to carry in that way because it is shorter overall.

The Hest is looking more and more like the replacement. It would compliment my RC-4 for outdoor use.

I feel a purchase coming on!

 

[ironmike86]

The Hest would probably be easier to carry in that way because it is shorter overall.

The Hest is looking more and more like the replacement. It would compliment my RC-4 for outdoor use.

I feel a purchase coming on!

Hest is @ 9/16 shorter than the RC3 but if the RC3 has the same handle as the Rc4? I thought I read that? The Hest is alot thinner. I have a Hest and Rc4. No RC3 to compare.....yet

 

[Halfneck]

Drinking a Blue Moon beer right now & trying to convince my wife I need a H.E.S.T. to open them.