H.E.S.T Question

M

mdsmith

Joined
Jan 7, 2009
Messages
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Hey guy and gals. I've been torn in deciding on my next purchase. It's between an Izula with the handle scales, and a H.E.S.T. These will be for weekend carry, as I work in an office, and I think a fixed blade knife may be frowned upon. My concern with the H.E.S.T is the pry bar on the end of the handle. I have larger hands, and I thinking that the pry bar may end up being uncomfortable. Anyone have any experience with this? Could anyone tell me the actual handle length from the choil to where the pry bar starts? Thanks.
 
I wear a size large glove so my hands are not huge but I can tell you that I have room on the handle. Also I am sure more people will be along directly to tell you that the HEST is a great knife for people with bigger hands. Plus let me tell you that the HEST is a great knife, I carry it with me every day at work and it gets used every day. The Pry Bar is actually surprisingly useful as well.

Also let me suggest that if you have larger hands that you may want to wait on getting the izula, as I find the handle to be a bit short. But they will be soon releasing the Izula II with an additional .5" on the handle with full handle scales, this may be more what you're looking for.

Either way you are going to get a great knife that wont let you down that I can promise you.
 
I don't EDC my HEST but I have talked with many that do and even though I and everyone I spoke with always thought it would be a pain and possibly catch on clothing and everything else, they all said it's never an issue. The ones with large hands also said it's never an issue in the hand. Actually many have told me they use it allot and didn't realize how nice it is to have it there when you need it, and use it far more than they ever thought they would.
 
Thanks guys. I had thought about waiting for the Izula 2 to come out, but I'm just not that patient:). The overall design of the HEST is more appealing to me than the Izula, I was just worried about the handle. If that's not an issue, then it's a no brainer. Get the HEST now, and the Izula 2 when it comes out.
 
My concern was the possibility of the pry bar getting snagged on something. I never thought about how it impacted gripping the knife. Good info.
 
i just measured mine and came up with 3.75" if i understand your request.
my hands are a med/lg in most gloves and fit quite nicley on the grip of the hest.
i would imagine that larger hands would not have too much problem either.
 
I find that the prybar tip is contoured to fit the hand perfectly - it's a very comfortable knife in-hand using many grip styles (I use hammer, sabre, and "monkey" grip for most of my work). In a hip carry or scout carry I've found the point to be relatively unobtrusive.

Some people have ground off the point - to each their own.

I feel like the HEST seems much more substantial than my Izula (I have my Izula bare, no slabs or wrap) even though the actual blade length is only a touch bigger.

I absolutely LOVE my HEST - I have an RC5 and Izula as well, EDC the Izula solely because it disappears until needed. My 5 is my VERY HARD use knife, and the HEST is my "do anything anywhere" knife that I wouldn't hesitate to carry solo if it was the only one I could carry. I'm getting a new sheath for the HEST and plan to carry it more frequently ASAP.

That's my $.02
 
There's definite space between the two-it'd fit a much larger hand than mine, though it is not so big that you can't lock up on the integral guards.
 
I think it depends on how hard you may use your knife. If it is to be possibly needed for a type of prying application, I'd get the hest. If only for EDC, the Izula is a great knife.
 
I will say the handle is larger (roomier) then I thought it would be.. I have regular hands I guess (not skinny though) and I have room to spare if needed.

I don't think the prybar would be an issue at all for ya.. I edc mine with zip ties instead of molly's, the only thing I needed to adjust was my carry method as I've reversed the blade to where the prybar point is sticking forward, this way I wouldn't be cutting into or rubbing the leather on my truck seat when I sat down..

The new Izula would be a fine option for your concern, but let me just say the HEST is simply awesome.....
 
before i gave mine to my dad i carried it alot mainly just slipped in my lbp , i cant wait for my new one to get here !
 
Well, the HEST sounds like the winner. I've also checked out a few youtube vids on it, and the handle doesn't seem to be an issue for anyone. Thanks a lot for all of the info guys.
 
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