Hello and advice request

M

milmak

Joined
Feb 15, 2010
Messages
69
Have lurked here for a while and decided to say hello to all and humbly ask for some advice from you guys!

I'm interested in an izula as a general purpose fixed blade, they're out of stock here in the UK, so while waiting a chap finds himself loitering and eyeing up a HEST and RC4.
as you do....;)

My question is this:

Do the wire cutter/opener sections on the blade of the HEST limit the ability to choke up on the blade for finer type work? I like the size and thickness of this knife (and the pry)but am leaning toward the RC4 in so much as it looks more comfortable.

I can only do a net order, so want to make a right choice 1st time, also the prices for izula,HEST and RC4 are $92,$172 and $184 respectively!

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
This is a surprisingly hard question to answer.

I have found no real problems using my HEST and choking up on it, thou it has been in limited application, so long term it might be an issue. It is a beautiful general purpose blade, and one tough cutter. But if you do a lot of fine carving.... well you aren't going to like the opener on the back of the blade.

On the other hand, the RC-4 is one of the most comfortable blades I have ever used. Because I can't honestly think of a single thing that might cause you issues long or short term with the RC-4, I would spend the few pounds extra and get it. As long as the actual size of the blade falls within your specs. The RC-4 is considerably larger then the Izula or the HEST. If size is an issue, you might think about the RC-3 as well.

In function, the HEST is very different then an Izula, but I can't see why it wouldn't work as a general camp knife. Any one of the RC line makes an excellent "general purpose" camp knife, so making a recommendation between them is nearly impossible. But for my choice, I would be picking an RC-3, then an RC-4 then the Izula, then the HEST in that order for the camp knife role. Those are my likes.
 
Personally I do not have either, yet my RC 4 is on the way, I wouldnt even consider the HEST and the RC 4 in the same class just due to the different blade sizes, they just seem like much different knives for different purposes. I would have to agree with Mr Coffee on the RC 3 idea. If you are looking for something more comparable to the HEST then I would go with the RC 3 I do have this one and LOVE IT, I EDC it almost everyday at work and I havnt found it lacking in anything. It is extremely comfortable for long term us and is small enough that you dont notice it while carrying it around. But if you are in the market for a bit of a bigger tool then I would go with the RC 4. Plus many around here find the RC 4 + the Izula to be the best woods combo that exists. In reality though you cannot go wrong with and Rat/ESEE blade, they will all serve you well. Welcome to the forum.
 
I wear my IZULA around my neck all the time. For general cutting chores where you would normally use a folder, it is perfect. Never had it in the woods, but, plenty of guys have and with great success.

The RC-3 Mil is my favorite though. Ideal size and thickness for everything. You can use it to baton wood for a fire, then thinly slice a tomato. It can be an EDC with the belt clip sheath that came with my Mil. The "soft" micarta handle is comfortable and I don't have any "hot" spots after extended use.

My HEST is my grilling knife. I can use the bottle opener to slide meat off a shish cabob and then pop a beer all in one smooth move.
 
Hello mate

Where about are you in the UK. I will receive some products soon (but again how long can you wait for it :) ?). If you're not too far from me (Surrey) I can show you so you can feel which one would work best for you.

PM me your details
 
I have the HEST and cant complain but I could see how some people may have issues with the opener if choking up on it.
 
Hey thanks for the helpful replies!

I think my feelings about the RC4 being a more comfortable knife (for what I can see myself using it for) are confirmed, just liked the length/thickness of the HEST (hence my passing on an RC3), but the opener would be where I tend to "thumb" and the ability to get up close to the blade for finer stuff looks better (for me) on the RC4.

I use SAKS and LM multi's alot indoors and out and want to upgrade to some tougher kit for cutting tasks.

I think the izula/RC4 combo would evetually cover me for most tasks I can think off......in style:D

Monsieur....I'll be in touch.:thumbup:

Thanks for the help guys!
 
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