HEST underrated

F

froggy

Joined
Nov 17, 2005
Messages
161
Is the H.E.S.T the most under rated survival tool around?

It seems a lot of people discuss and compare the virtues of RC 3.4,5 and 6s and even the Izula, which is all very understandable.

But I just got to get a HEST it looks like one of the most usable knifes around!

So, with that said, how about some of you HEST fans share some of your thoughts on why this knifef is one of the best, and, if you think it's a bit overlooked...why.
 
It indeed has some very useful tools built in and ofcourse the great quality of Rowen. I too think it does get over looked at times.
 
I handled a HEST in the passaround, and I just got my RC3 forum knife and i've had an Izula for a while now. The HEST compares favorably with both of them. I'm not saying I like it BETTER, they all have their individual strengths. But I would have absolutely no hesitation about recommending a HEST to anyone looking for a good fixed blade.

I wish I could hybrid the things, RC3 length blade, Izula thickness, HEST prybar. :D
 
The HEST might be my fav RAT knife i own. I have an RC 4, 5 and Izula. I think i really like the HEST best out of them i was waiting on the RAT pack kit to get an RC 6. But i was waiting on if i will be employed past Jan to throw down the close to $200 on the kit. But as of now the HEST is one of my fav all around knives. And i was always a fan of big blades before owning the HEST. It is a very solid knife for it's size. IMO about the perfect size for a BOB or surviaval kit.
 
I really like the look of it, but what put me off was the sharp point on the handle.

Personally I would be hurting myself with that more than anything. And it would get caught on things.

I think I read somewhere with the pass-around that someone said the same thing, caught it on their leg? Can't quite remember.

Other than that, looks brilliant.
 
I got to use one in the pass around and was impressed with it and found the pry hook to make it even more usefull, I can see the hook not apppealing to some folks because it doesn't look "traditional" though, it's just a matter of opinion and what you use your knife for I guess. Hopefully in the near future I'll get one and it will replace my RC-3 as my EDC.
 
i think the prybar looks pretty useful, however as much of my time with a fixed blade is backpacking im not sure what use i would get out of it. i haven't handled one,in fact my first RAT is on the way, the RC4, however i think the hollowed handles are pretty brilliant and see no reason not to put them on more knives. the one thing on the HEST that does not look all that appealing is the bottler opener, seriously who needs a bottle opener on a knife like that? aside from that, i want one!
 
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I have been edcing my Hest for the past 2 months. While it is thicker than an Izula or RC-3 I find it slices very well. I use it for everything: food prep, cutting boxes, opening beer bottles, etc. It is small enough to be useful but big enough to handle anything most will throw it's way.

As for the prybar, I carry mine horizontally on my left side, just above my front pocket and don't notice it, even when seated. The odd time it hooks on a jacket, but nothing that would cause me to quit carrying it. I picked up a SOG fusion tomahawk the other day to put in my vehicle kit, and it was quick tied into the package. I used the prybar to break them and it worked like a charm. I am slowly finding ways to incorporate the additional features of the Hest into everyday tasks. I like the fact that I have those tools so I don't have to beat on my blade. Even though it's a RAT and can handle anything.

Get one.
 
Interesting. The RAT DPx H•E•S•T is not a knife. There are thousands of knives that all do something well but I wanted a knife that could be a very rugged, at hand tool. I didn't see anything like that on the market. I am sure traditionalists will be skeptical but once you handle and use the RAT DPx H•E•S•T you will see why it is such a unique knife.
 
RYP said:
Interesting. The RAT DPx H•E•S•T is not a knife. There are thousands of knives that all do something well but I wanted a knife that could be a very rugged, at hand tool. I didn't see anything like that on the market. I am sure traditionalists will be skeptical but once you handle and use the RAT DPx H•E•S•T you will see why it is such a unique knife.
Click to expand...

It's a multi-tool. :D:thumbup:
 
I dont see the HEST as under rated at all but most folks on the Forum looking for a basic knife maybe turned off by the HEST that is why you may see people say RC3 or Izula for a Basic intro into RAT cutlery then as the person expands there knowledge as do their knife needs
 
The HEST is the only RAT that I don't own. I would of bought it sooner but it was sold out at many of the places I had looked. I can't wait to finally get one as it looks like a great EDC blade. I don't think it's under rated at all, from what I've heard through the forum everyone that has one loves it.
 
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