HEST or RC 3. Can't decide..

M

ml100

Joined
Jul 19, 2005
Messages
766
Thought about getting a HEST, then I was wondering, maybe better a RC 3.
The knife will be used as fixed EDC.
Not so sure about the HEST functionality, is it more a gimmick?
 
Unanswerable dilemma! :)
Either one is an excellent choice ... but, I got the H.E.S.T.

Not gimmicky. The frills are effective and the basic knife is compact, convenient and exceedingly tough. I rigged it with a tek-lok for vertical carry but I may go back to IWB (Inside the WaistBand) left side crossdraw. It is small enough to be comfortable there.

It works very well with the handle slabs but I could remove them for IWB as I like skeletal handles generally.

On the other hand I could stay with my Izula IWB. Depending on what you EDC for, the Izula might be a reasonable option, also. What can I say? I got both.
 
I had the same problem! I was looking to buy an RC3 way before I considered the HEST but the more I looked at the HEST the more I liked it and sure enough I went with the HEST I wear it IWB in the small of my back I can barely notice it anymore.
 
That's 2:O in favor of the HEST. My fingers are slowly bur surely moving towards the "Buy" button.:)
 
For what it's worth, I have been EDCing a RAT3 for the past couple of months. It is very comfortable and easily concealed by a shirt or jacket. Having said that, I will be switching to my HEST as soon as I get it back. I am getting a slimmer sheath made for it, and had to send it away.

I like the extras that are on the HEST, especially the bottle opener and the pry bar pommel. I also find that the HEST is a little bit beefier(I don't know how it compares to a true RC-3)and it fits in my hand very well. The HEST is also a touch shorter so should carry slightly easier.

All things being equal, for me the HEST will fit my EDC needs better. The prybar will save the blade for those tasks that don't involve cutting. Either way you can't go wrong.

My .02
 
I'll get a RC-3 when the Rat pack knife comes out, so I haven't used one yet. I love the HEST. It's a great EDC. It even fits my big hand. I was messing around with a horizontal small of back carry today and managed to nick a finger with it. So this old man will just carry it normal on my side and vertical so I can see what the heck I'm doing. Careful, it's sharp! :D
 
does the extra tool on the pommel of the HEST (pry bar?) cause discomfort on the hand? it looks sharp.
 
The pry bar is not a problem. In fact, it is smooth and comfortable and works to keep my hand from sliding backwards.
 
the prybar IMO is one of the best features on the knife, doesn't get in the way or make it uncomfortable at all
 
It's giving me some thoughts as well.
I'm leaning towards the RC-3.
I like the thinner blade.
But what is most, I don't like the bottle opener on the HEST.
I'm using the spine of my blades for opening bottles for about thirty years now.
So the idea of carrying a knife with a opener feels a bit silly to me.
Like I wouldn't know how to open up a beer without a opener.
 
Both are great EDC tools but I would go with the HEST. About the same size as the RC3 but more versatile, and that to me is what EDC items should be... Versatile. You've got a quality blade, pry bar, wire cutter, opener, and the small compartment under the scales. So many more options!
 
Im actually a fan of the RC3 for EDC and recommend it over the HEST for such.

I really love the thinner blade on the RC3 and prefer it in an EDC blade. I also find the RC3 definitely more comfortable due to the more complete scale coverage and it fills my hand better. I also LOVE the choil on the RC3 - it rocks and lets me get right up in there! On the HEST, from an EDC standpoint, I really dislike the tiny wirecutter notch on the HEST - it has gotten in the way a few times cutting plastic and I cant really choke up on it due to no usable choil. Also, I cant imagine the reaction to me taking out my HEST to pop a beer at the bar... :eek:

With that said, I have always seen the HEST as not an EDC blade but more of what it is designed for (and excels at): a Hostile Environment Survival Tool for when you dont give a shi*t about a usable choil but might need to snip through a fence to save your life...

I think the HEST is a perfect addition to any BOB :thumbup:

But, I prefer the RC3 for EDC :yawn:

To the OP, I say get the RC3 and a small SAK for when you need a screwdriver/bottle opened or need to use a blade in public without making others crap their pants.

I regularly carry my RC3 or other small fixed blades - but still always have my alox SAK farmer in my pocket.

Just my opinion based on my personal experience.
 
Is the HEST generally available? Some stores seem to show both the Limited Edition (serial numbered) and regular, but out of stock on the regular? I figured the Limited Edition would be sold out first? And KSF has an entry for it under their RAT knives listing, but when I click on it, it says "No products exist in this category".

Those of you that have them, did you order them when the limited edition first became available, or is the regular one widely available? (Like I really need another knife anyway, I already have an Izula, and an RC-4 on the way! :) )
 
"I don't like the bottle opener on the HEST."

I personally use the pry bar to flip open tops but if you look at the "bottle opener" and the "wire breaker" you see why I put them there. Together they make a perfect forward lashing point. Same goes for the open handle and the pry bar. The RC3 is a traditional knife: durable, easy to handle and light. The RAT DPx H•E•S•T is much thicker at 3/16"ths and about the same length but offers far more options in a "survival" mode.

Buy em both.

BTW the RAT Firestarter steel fits perfectly inside the HEST handle. Just unscrew it, snap it in and add some tinder. Kinda two products in one!
 
RYP said:
I personally use the pry bar to flip open tops but if you look at the "bottle opener" and the "wire breaker" you see why I put them there. Together they make a perfect forward lashing point.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the explanation, it makes a lot more sense now.
 
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