H.E.S.T or Izula?

R

rebel3580

Joined
Sep 15, 2009
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Ive been looking around lately for a solid small fixed blade for your common outdoor tasks such as skining small (and larger) game, preparing fires, making shelters, and even a little prying if needed. I've decided that I am probably going to go with the Izula or the H.E.S.T, and was wondering what you guys think. I'm sure both would do an extraordinary job, but I just can't make up my mind without a little persuasion. Id appreciate any advise from anyone who has any experience with either, Thanks in advance :D
 
I'm at the same crossroad, I'm leanin' toward the H.E.S.T., now the challenge of findin' one for a price I can afford, which probably means previously owned.

My reasoning is, the H.E.S.T. for a little more comes with the scales which if removed for lightening can be wrapped with 550 cord like the Izula.
 
Izula and a small SAK + pocket prybar instead of a HEST.

I don't think a bottle opener is necessary on a fixed blade when it's near impossible to buy a SAK without one (and many have saws making them good to carry for EDC and outdoors).

I don't like the idea of something pointy sticking off the back of a knife towards me, and while I see a prybar as a useful tool, I'd rather have a pocket one that's useful all the time than one stuck on a fixed blade.

The handle storage space seems questionably useful too. A good keychain with SAK, firesteel, flashlight, and pocket prytool could cover a lot of bases especially if you also had a compass.

Lastly, the HEST is probably too big to EDC but if I were carrying a fixed blade to go camping or hunting or such I'd probably want a bigger one. An Izula, SAK wtih saw, and small hatchet would be a great lightweight set and you can carry all but the hatchet almost everywhere.
 
I agree with Chip. But I would suggest you get both.

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HAK
RP#354
 
H.E.S.T.

I have both, and carry an Izula almost everyday around my neck, but for an overall knife for the outdoors tasks you list, I'd take my H.E.S.T.
 
I have an Izula and think the grip is awfully small to consider it for a primary/outdoor knife. Having never handled the HEST it seems to have a larger, more secure grip which I would think a necessity for the tasks you outline.
 
Biginboca said:
I have an Izula and think the grip is awfully small to consider it for a primary/outdoor knife. Having never handled the HEST it seems to have a larger, more secure grip which I would think a necessity for the tasks you outline.
Click to expand...

The grip does look small on the Izula.

Has anyone ever seen someone put on a wood or micarta handle on the Izula?

It would be pretty cool if someone did do that.
 
If that's a factor the Izula is about $30-40 cheaper, which is about the price of another Izula.

2 Izulas = Hest + $10 or so.
 
I've taken to wearing my HEST on a tek-lok, vertical at 8:00. Strolling around the suburbs, even on our "nature trails" it won't get much use, but what you don't carry, you never use, so ...

The Izula is a must-have. It drops invisibly into a pocket -- pants, jacket, vest, anything. Too light to notice. And it's more than half the capability of a HEST, which means a great EDC knife for those who don't absolutely positively have to carry a folder.

Get the Izula to back up a SAK and you're good to go, even in fairly demanding situations. You know the saying: a survival knife is the knife you have on you in a survival situation. The Izula is so convenient, there is no reason (except perhaps legal :rolleyes:) not to carry it.

As far as the Izula being small, I have big hands, and it works fine. For a really secure grip, I tuck the butt into the heel of my hand, my ring finger wraps around with the tip in the ring of the handle, index finger at the choil, and thumb tip on the friction grooves. Absolutely comfortable and stable.

That works for a lunging stab, or whittling, or with my thumb pushed forward, for food prep.

After you've gotten into the Izula, start saving for the HEST, which might replace it, or for the RC-4 or RC-6, which would be the next step up, especially if you plan on serious outdoor time.
 
Do you know we have a RAT Cutlery forum?
I can move this thread there if you want me to.
 
I got one a few weeks ago and I now EDC the Izula with a SAK soldier (not the new one - alox). Its pretty good. The SAK is for food, and the Izula is for 'other stuff'.

I read a thread recently that suggested that the HEST pommel is not great as a screwdriver and that a SAK is better. I don't remember where I saw this.

Personally I would not prey with my SAK. Something better is needed for that. Perhaps that can justify the HEST.

I agree with Esav, the Izula is very light. To me my SAK feels heavier. Its profile is so thin that I can have it my right pocket while at the office. No one notices at all.

As for grip, I'm a bit tentative with it because it seems like its ready to slip out of my hand or worse, my hand down the blade. Cord wrapping did not help this feeling. I would not stab with it, but as a slicer its absolutely great.
 
ipm said:
As for grip, I'm a bit tentative with it because it seems like its ready to slip out of my hand or worse, my hand down the blade. Cord wrapping did not help this feeling. I would not stab with it, but as a slicer its absolutely great.
Click to expand...

Try palming the butt the way I described. You could stab into hardwood without any danger.

I can't see using the prybar as a screwdriver myself and it's narrow for a scraper. But all the extra functions are what-ifs, not primary, just in-case.
 
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