HEST fixed or izula with scales?

clich

clich

Joined
Apr 19, 2011
Messages
6,901
I've had the hest and recently received an ornage izula in a trade. Since life currently wont allow me to afford multiple knives of similar size and function I wanna hear BF members recommendations for which to keep and which to find a new home for. Both will be used for small bushcraft work and I planned on using the hest for field dressing come hunting season (deer,turkey,small game) season will the izula be up to the task? I love the look of the hest but don't really need a bottle opener or the prybar on my knife since I usually carry the sharpened pry bar the bk2. And the orange izula looks awesome and wont be easy to lose. So....... What are your suggestions
 
The Izula has a very high customer satisfaction record, but the HEST is probably more collectable and using it will reduce its resale value.
 
Ok to add the hest is like new only carried and cut some paper and is an LE #0006 and the izula in new. And i know the hest of course costs more so resale will be higher but im not interested in which will have a higher rate of return financially, I wanna hear about a higher rate of return in the field as a user.
 
Tyr I hear so many good things about the izula and to be honest I've been seeing alot of people selling off their HEST (both folder and fixed) so im a bit worried as to why. That's another cause for this thread that if there is something about either I don't know id love to hear it
 
Depends on what other knives you take out with you. I gave my HEST to my Brother, I wanted to like it, but didn't. I did like using the prybar, but it got hung up more than it was useful.

I thought the wire break notch and the bottle openers just weaken the knife, maybe not but it looks like where the knife would break if it were to.

I'd say if you have an axe, machete or larger knife, then an Izula is the better knife choice. It's something you can EDC, where ever you go, not just camping.
 
Izula with Scales for sure or the Izula II. The Izula II may be the "perfect" little knife.

The four features which make the HEST the HEST (bottle opener, wire breaking notch, prybar thing, and the hollow handle) all turned out to be either superfluous or not good. The bottle opener was fine but it cut deep into the back of that blade...didn't like it. The wire breaker made sharpening very hard on rod or triangle shaped sharpeners. The prybar seriously got in the way and you would never be able to pry with much force anyway. And the hollow handle...I think the Beatles (or Led Zeppelin anyway) were probably still together the last time I needed to hide something in a handle ;)

So take away all that annoying stuff and what's left?...Pretty much an Izula with scales or an Izula II. I have both and love them both.
 
To me, the HEST is gimicky and detracts from using the knife as a knife to cut things. The bottle opener, wire notch, and prybar just get in the way for my uses.

I also don't like blades as thick as the HEST for the short blade length - don't slice as well and not required for strength.

I highly recommend both the IZULA and IZULA II. I have both, with scale, and really like them. If I had to choose, my favorite is the IZULA II.
 
tyr_shadowblade said:
The Izula has a very high customer satisfaction record, but the HEST is probably more collectable and using it will reduce its resale value.
Click to expand...

Not everything goes up in value. The person behind that took a hit to his reputation and only time will tell if that ever gets mended.
 
CWL said:
Not everything goes up in value. The person behind that took a hit to his reputation and only time will tell if that ever gets mended.
Click to expand...

That is very true, but he still has a lot of loyal fanboys who would pay top dollar for one of those knives. Most of us would prefer the Izula. Izula and RAT3 are very popular with guys who actually use their knives. There were a lot of issues with QC on the HEST folders. I don't know as much about the fixed blade version.
 
The HEST fixed design never appealed to me much. I'd say go with one of the Izulas. Here are a few pics with the Izula sporting the micarta scales which I recently replaced with TKC's Zebra G10 scales. TKC's scales make a world of difference to the feel of the knife.

Micarta scales:
KnifeCollection-RATESEEIzulaIII2011-05-1702WebStamped.jpg


TKC's scales on Izula I:
KnifeCollection-RATESEEIzulaIII2011-05-1705WebStamped.jpg

KnifeCollection-RATESEEIzulaIII2011-05-1706WebStamped.jpg

KnifeCollection-RATESEEIzulaITKCCustomScales2011-05-1702WebStamped.jpg
 
Last edited:
+1 on the HEST's function. I Decided not to use mine after a few test cuts due to the fear of not being able to sell/trade it with a banged up coating. It has a coolness about it. The fact that it comes with a great sheath and molle locks is value added. It has it's uses too im sure. tough as hell and shaving sharp but I decided to keep it in the drawer for now. If no one wants mine soon I may strip it, reprofile it, and piggyback it on a BWM sheath. $100 tent peg :D.

To the OP you'd be fine with the izula for those tasks. Just picture all the mess getting caught up in the wire hook and bottle opener. Nice clean izula for the task. MO
 
I'd go with the Izula. The HEST just doesn't do it for me and looks uncomfortable to carry, knives should only have one pointy end.
 
I would suggest to keep them both. Izula for neck/pocket carry, and HEST for the pack/belt.
I like mine both, so i wouldn't sell any of those two little knives.
 
I love my HEST and Izula. I'm not sure which I would get rid of if forced to choose. I'd probably find a way to keep both.

I must be the one person who doesn't find the HEST uncomfortable to carry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top