Important announcement regarding DPx Gear and ESEE Knives

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TundraR, I understand what you are saying and it does make sense but the fact is that hest/f was designed by Robert, is made by LionSteel and development is supervised by Robert. That was the case from the beginning and hasn't changed. LionSteel has a great reputation. You'll be more than pleased with it and won't regret your decision, I am sure of that. And Robert won't let you down as ESEE wouldn't/won't. So don't worry too much about it. Hest folder has a great team behind it :thumbup:
 
You were never, at any time, dealing with ESEE on the Limited Edition models. We made that VERY clear throughoput this whole process. DPx was always the one in full control over the LE models, everything from the design, collecting the money, to the shipping. ESEE had nothing to do with that and that was made clear from the beginning. The ONLY hand ESEE played in this whole thing was distribution to the dealer network on the standard model. Again, something we made very clear. We also collected about 5 payments for the Limited Edition model via a mailed check and we forwarded those funds directly to DPx since we were not involved in collecting payments or shipping the LE models (and I'm still not sure why payment was sent to ESEE for these since we had nothign to do with the LE models). The warranty is the only sticking point since we never finalized a warranty. There were some initial disgreements between ESEE and DPx since they had posted on their site a "no questions asked" warranty and we said we would not do that. We would offer a lifetime warranty but not warranty wear and tear, so DPx changed that on their site.

This whole thing has been extremely confusing to the customer (and we even noted that in several of our posts here) since DPx was doing part of the program with LE models and we were doing another part with the dealers (all at the same time!). We should have never let this thing get so confusing right out of the gate, I will grant you that, but at no time were we involved in anything to do with the LE model, and that was made clear. In fact, one of the main reasons for the split is the confusion factor. Many people think ESEE owns DPx Gear. We don't. All trademarks and designs are the property of DPx Gear. The fixed blade HEST is not part of ESEE even though we built it and gauaranteed it (still do on any Rowen made HEST). But, the two companies were being seen as one company and having dealt with numerous IP issues, trademark issues and collaboration issues in the past we all felt it was better that this split happen sooner than later.
 
One other thing I need to clear up here (that I thought everyone knew from the numerous posts on the HEST folder threads): ESEE did not design or have anything to do with the manufacturing of the HEST folder. Robert Pelton designed the folder. Tom did all the initial drawings and renderings and tweaking of the design. Lion Steel did final drawings, prototypes and all the manufacturing. So, whether DPx is shiping the folder to the dealer or whether it's ESEE shipping the folder to the dealer IT'S THE SAME FOLDER as it always was. Again, we cannot speak for the LE models because that was nothing we were involved in.
 
Glad I was looking around and saw that the H•E•S•T was being discontinued. I had been waiting for a while for it to come back into stock at my favorite pusher. Imagine my surprise and dismay when I saw it was being discontinued.

No comment on my part on the reasons, the pro's, or the con's, of this development. Personally, no disrespect intended whatsoever toward ESEE, but I'd take the H•E•S•T over the previous version of the Laser Strike. [edited to say, no, I wouldn't take the H•E•S•T over the Laser Strike] I'm not sure why there should even be a Laser Strike -- if it is like the last version (that I had to Google) when there is a ESEE-5. Is the ESEE-5 going to be discontinued?
 
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Deleted some stuff, because it was useless, asked a question that has been answered, and just took up space (although so does this :o ).
 
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Joben said:
The only real downside to this that I see is that there is now ANOTHER subforum I have to keep careful track of.
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And another friggin knife brand that I'm sure i'm going to get sucked into! :mad:
 
rockspyder said:
No comment on my part on the reasons, the pro's, or the con's, of this development. Personally, no disrespect intended whatsoever toward ESEE, but I'd take the H•E•S•T over the previous version of the Laser Strike. [edited to say, no, I wouldn't take the H•E•S•T over the Laser Strike] I'm not sure why there should even be a Laser Strike -- if it is like the last version (that I had to Google) when there is a ESEE-5. Is the ESEE-5 going to be discontinued?
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I'm a little bit confused on your post. Not sure if you want the LS or not. The ESEE-5 is not going anywhere. Some people really want a new LS, so we are going to make it. However, we are not going to throw anyone out of the cult if they don't buy one :D Nor, will bubba show up at anyone's house with a gun and force them to buy one (at least not right now). I seriously doubt the LS will sell as well as the rest of our line because it is an odd beast, but again, there are those who want the knife reintroduced so we plan to accommodate them.
 
I've been wanting a LS for a long, long time. Had one of the TOPS versions for a very short time long ago and have wished I kept it since.
 
Hang tight, Don, we have some hits that need done. Just haven't gotten all the intel on the target yet. You're still employed.
 
In fact, Don, may send you to South America to shoot the bastards that won't ship our soft goods to us that we ordered in Colombia!
 
R.A.T. said:
I'm a little bit confused on your post. Not sure if you want the LS or not. The ESEE-5 is not going anywhere. Some people really want a new LS, so we are going to make it. However, we are not going to throw anyone out of the cult if they don't buy one :D Nor, will bubba show up at anyone's house with a gun and force them to buy one (at least not right now). I seriously doubt the LS will sell as well as the rest of our line because it is an odd beast, but again, there are those who want the knife reintroduced so we plan to accommodate them.
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Yeah, my post is a little confusing, isn't it. Sorry about that.
First off, I wouldn't buy a H•E•S•T over a LS because they are two completely different knives, different reasons for existing... just not even in the same ballpark. But I didn't want to just take that statement out, because that sometimes leads to confusion if people delete something entirely after someone else sees it. (The middle post, though, was completely different, though, a question, and no harm in deleting it.) Anyway, I guess the gist of my question here, though, is why the LS when it is just another 5 inch blade, which is taken care of by the ESEE-5. BUT, now I realize the LS is thinner, so I can see how someone would want the LS over the ESEE-5. I personally, after using a Becker BK-2, would buy the ESEE-5 over the LS, as I see how well a .25 inch thick knife in 1095 can still cut when designed properly and sharpened adequately.

Hopefully that clears up my rambling. The division all makes sense now that I've read through the thread and had time to digest it. Seems you did a right fine thing getting DPX started in the business, and it's time for them to leave the pack and make their own way. I'm looking forward to good things from both ... packs?.... one a favorite knife maker, one started by (what has become) a favorite writer/journalist. Hopefully he carries that style into the DPX gear line, which by all demonstrations so far, he will. I do hope the H•E•S•T continues to be produced by Rowen, though. They make good metal. :)
 
Thanks for the clarification. Now I understand your post. :)
 
Some thoughts for Tundra.

The DPx HEST fixed and folder WAS developed while we were with ESEE and the product is done and ready to ship.Both products reflect my ideas and some of Jeff's but the split is at the right time. We can enter 2011 with a new direction and Jeff will take care of anyone who owns a fixed HEST that says ESEE.

The area where you may have concern is "after sales" support and we will actually provide a very simple fix or replace warranty with the HEST folder and will continue that warranty approach when we start the fixed HEST production. We will offer a very simple, no drama, customer support warranty and dealer program. I think Jeff has been very clear that the DPx Gear line was designed to be different, expand but never compete with the existing ESEE lineup and we we do hare the exact same opinions about quality gear, excellent service and happy customers.

Where we diverge is application and attitude. Our stuff is more urban and international, Jeff's stuff is more backwoods and survival. You are more likely to see Jeff's knife being used down south on a deer, you are more likely to see our stuff used in the back alleys on a terrorist ;)

Jeff keeps Shon busy and we will build our stuff with veteran craftsman both here and around the world. It is all about quality, innovation and getting more for your hard earned dollar. The HEST folder is a perfect example of how American, German and Italian materials and skills can come together. Like a Corvette with Italian leather seats and a Lotus tuned suspension. Stack the HEST up against any brutal folder and you are going to come away smiling...and enough left over to buy an Izula ;))

But its not a pissing contest, the two brands are complementary and I dont' even think we are tussling for the same customer nickel. If I ever find that guy who only ever owned one knife... I will quit the business. :))

Meat is meat. Knives is knives. Business is business. Survival is survival. But there are differences to experienced knife folks. That's why I think the new separation makes things a lot simpler for both manufacturers, dealers and customers. And if there is a whiff of unhappiness you can have your DPx money back in a flash. We already have back orders on the fixed HEST and folding HEST and as I say again and again. We don't want a single unhappy customer.
 
RYP said:
Some thoughts for Tundra.

The DPx HEST fixed and folder WAS developed while we were with ESEE and the product is done and ready to ship.Both products reflect my ideas and some of Jeff's but the split is at the right time. We can enter 2011 with a new direction and Jeff will take care of anyone who owns a fixed HEST that says ESEE.

The area where you may have concern is "after sales" support and we will actually provide a very simple fix or replace warranty with the HEST folder and will continue that warranty approach when we start the fixed HEST production. We will offer a very simple, no drama, customer support warranty and dealer program. I think Jeff has been very clear that the DPx Gear line was designed to be different, expand but never compete with the existing ESEE lineup and we we do hare the exact same opinions about quality gear, excellent service and happy customers.

Where we diverge is application and attitude. Our stuff is more urban and international, Jeff's stuff is more backwoods and survival. You are more likely to see Jeff's knife being used down south on a deer, you are more likely to see our stuff used in the back alleys on a terrorist ;)

Jeff keeps Shon busy and we will build our stuff with veteran craftsman both here and around the world. It is all about quality, innovation and getting more for your hard earned dollar. The HEST folder is a perfect example of how American, German and Italian materials and skills can come together. Like a Corvette with Italian leather seats and a Lotus tuned suspension. Stack the HEST up against any brutal folder and you are going to come away smiling...and enough left over to buy an Izula ;))

But its not a pissing contest, the two brands are complementary and I dont' even think we are tussling for the same customer nickel. If I ever find that guy who only ever owned one knife... I will quit the business. :))

Meat is meat. Knives is knives. Business is business. Survival is survival. But there are differences to experienced knife folks. That's why I think the new separation makes things a lot simpler for both manufacturers, dealers and customers. And if there is a whiff of unhappiness you can have your DPx money back in a flash. We already have back orders on the fixed HEST and folding HEST and as I say again and again. We don't want a single unhappy customer.
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Woah, RYP, that was deep. You should be like a writer or something. Stop being logical and trying to clarify this. I’m hoping to buy half a dozen HEST folders for pennies on the dollar due to ruffled panties. :D
 
I, for one, am happy they split. The more great knife makers, the better.

I am also happy Robert Pelton met Jeff Randall. Their association helped get Pelton's foot in the door of knife designing.

I am not happy that my fellow knife enthusiasts are so fickle and fanboyish (new word). Last week if I would have asked the ones complaining if the HEST Folder will be worth a crap, they would have responded to me like I am an idiot newb in the knife world. Now ...

Pelton and Randall seem to be dealing with their separate directions well, so why are we sweating it.

Semper Fi

Sgt. Warren Peace, USMC
(yes it is my real name)
 
I'm also glad that Don won't be showing up at my front door to "hit" me. I've met the man. :eek:
:D Sorry Don, couldn't resist. Now you COULD show up anytime you want for a cup of coffee, or a brew. :)
 
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