HEST/F by Lionsteel

Soulrack223

Gold Member
Joined
May 8, 2007
Messages
5,657
I got my normal production run HEST/F made by Lionsteel today. All the issues people were having with the LE versions had me a little nervous but those fears were unfounded once I examined my knife. It looks like Lionsteel got the problems figured out and corrected them which is too bad for the purchasers of the LE but good for those of us that waited.

The knife is a member of the Four F Club. Fit, Finish, Function and Form are all above average. The tip is not exposed when closed. The detent keeps it closed and the knife is not difficult to open. The bottle opener works as good as an Emerson Wave too. The lock keeps it open and we have the added security of Lionsteel's rotating lock. The other features (hex drive, tool) both seem to work without a hitch but I doubt I'll be using the glass breaker anytime soon--which can be changed out with a smooth topped replacement bolt that's included in the package. :)

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I dig the colors!
Thanks for the info and pics!

Glad this one is up to par, the previous issues are quite embarrassing.
I think my only gripe is the blade to handle ratio, which is only a minor nit pick.
 
I dig the colors!
Thanks for the info and pics!

Glad this one is up to par, the previous issues are quite embarrassing.
I think my only gripe is the blade to handle ratio, which is only a minor nit pick.

The handle/blade ratio is not bad. It's not nearly as big of a knife as I was expecting.
 
Could you chop up a tree with it and show us some pictures:thumbup:?

No, but really, it would be nice to see it in some hard use to see if it lives up to the hype.
 
I find myself liking this knife in spite of... um... recent politics involving RYP :/

I've been drooling over the prospect of an ESEE Izula folder, but as far as I know, there's still no word if/when it will be coming. Maybe I should get a HEST in the meantime...

Nice knife! Thanks for sharing!
 
How does the G10 align with the steel liner on yours? Not that it would have a functional impact but I'm just curious. Also, I think in fairness, since Lionsteel was contracted to build this knife, it's more accurate to call it "by DPx Gear". And I too am still planning to get one if they live up to the hype. I cancelled my LE order but will watch the production model closely to decide :)
 
I find myself liking this knife in spite of... um... recent politics involving RYP :/

I've been drooling over the prospect of an ESEE Izula folder, but as far as I know, there's still no word if/when it will be coming. Maybe I should get a HEST in the meantime...

Nice knife! Thanks for sharing!

Id like it too, but that was some crazy stuff. I will not be supporting RYP.
 
The liners and G-10 match as good as they can without being ground together.

It says lionsteel MADE IN ITALY on the spacer, H.E.S.T. on the clip and has the DPX Gear logo and RYP initials on the blade. I intentionally gave Lionsteel the credit for the manufacture since they've been getting the criticism. I assume RYP did the design but I'm not 100% sure of the design process and those responsible so I left it out of my post.
 
I agree with you :)

It says lionsteel MADE IN ITALY on the spacer, H.E.S.T. on the clip and has the DPX Gear logo and RYP initials on the blade. I intentionally gave Lionsteel the credit for the manufacture since they've been getting the criticism. I assume RYP did the design but I'm not 100% sure of the design process and those responsible so I left it out of my post.
 
Have you done any light spine whacks/taps? How's the lockup without the rotoblock engaged?
 
Indeed it was - Shocking actually. It almost makes me, even in my most objective clothes, say to myself "this sort of thing comes with the territory" if you get my drift. Sort of like the occasional article of a UFC fighter who gets arrested for road rage and resulting assault. This actually happened in Reno once.



Id like it too, but that was some crazy stuff. I will not be supporting RYP.
 
Id like it too, but that was some crazy stuff. I will not be supporting RYP.


Indeed it was - Shocking actually. It almost makes me, even in my most objective clothes, say to myself "this sort of thing comes with the territory" if you get my drift. Sort of like the occasional article of a UFC fighter who gets arrested for road rage and resulting assault. This actually happened in Reno once.

Had I not already been on a preorder list, I would have passed on it after all of the drama. I felt obligated to follow through with my commitment to TKC and I am glad that I did. It's a very nice knife. I hope it breaks in as well as my ZT0551 has. :thumbup:

Have you done any light spine whacks/taps? How's the lockup without the rotoblock engaged?

Yes I have with both my hand and a rubber mallet (without the rotoblock engaged) and it passed.
 
Indeed it was - Shocking actually. It almost makes me, even in my most objective clothes, say to myself "this sort of thing comes with the territory" if you get my drift. Sort of like the occasional article of a UFC fighter who gets arrested for road rage and resulting assault. This actually happened in Reno once.

Kind of like those who buy something like a 'George Foreman Grill' and not knowing/caring who George Foreman is... but I dunno. Personally, I'm still on the moral fence. I do like the HEST folder though, and wouldn't fault anyone else for buying one. Just my two-bit opinion... :)
 
Everyone keeps commenting on how the knife seems smaller than imagined.

Any pics for size comparison?
 
i was fortunate enough to get my knife before they got called back to italy, and so far i think its a fantastic knife. mine had very little of the blade sticking out, so little that i couldnt get my finger nail in as my nails were too short.
but aside from that, i really like it. haven't done too much hard work with it yet, but do plan to put it through its paces eventually.
 
Thanks for posting the quick review. I've been wanting to hear about the production version while I have been waiting on mine to get here.
 
Congrats on a great knife, looks very good with those colors, ready for some work action :D
I can't see well in your pics, but the washers in your third pic don't look like Teflon, or is just a light/camera effect ?
On my sterile LE there are Teflon washers, very smooth
 
I'm excited about my LE. Sure there was drama, but it had everyone swarming like ants on a Baby Ruth. They are standing by the product and I'm glad I didnt have to send it back. I would rather get it in my hands ready to use. Both parties have been excellent about giving updates.
Thanks for the pics and review.
Alpha
 
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