My first RAT Cutlery...

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Jun 18, 2009
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I have been looking at the Izula for some time now as my first foray into this company's ware's...that is, until I discovered the HEST. Im military and generally Im 6-8 months in garrison and 8 months deployed. The blade will be part of my daily field-gear complement.

My question...which one would be a good first experience with the company?

Now I know the HEST is a new product...but, everything I see assures me it is a quality product. Cost, isn't really an issue. Historically I havent carried a fixed blade (currently have a Swick) but I have used Endura's and Leatherman/Gerber-Tool exhaustively. A nice fixed blade will be a welcome addition to my gear...it just needs to be unobtrusive, relatively light weight, and functional.

Thanks guys...
 
The HEST is larger than the Izula.... I still love the Izula and I think you cant go wrong with the Izula as your 1st RC knife.
 
An Rc-4 would be my say, based off of what you stated above.
The H.E.S.T. is looking to be quite kool but....in your day to day, how offen are you needing to craft a spear or having any trouble with bottle caps?
The four is light medium sized and is fitted within a jump-proof sheath. My pic...:thumbup:
 
I like the Izula as it is simple and light weight but the HEST seems to be more versatile. Im leaning to the Izula, to be sure.
 
Whatever you choose do write a little summary of your likes/dislikes when you get back from deployment,

keep safe
 
Man sh!t i spaced, i should have read your post better. you are trying to choose izzy or H.E.S.T. sorry.
I would say izzy for sure.
the options that are within the H.E.S.T are nothing that you wont already have covered, and with the izzy you can have extra p.cord.
imo.
 
In my opinion, it depends on if you like the features of the HEST or not. If you like them, I would go for the HEST. However, if you are unsure, get the Izula.
 
I havnt received my HEST yet, but I can tell you that my Izula hasnt left my side since I got it. Even if im not wearing it ,I keep it close by in one of my gear bags.
 
There are some things that you need to be aware of when comparing the Izula to the HEST as they are quite different.

The HEST is a fair amount larger & of course has the handle scales. And.. being in the military, some of the features may come in handy.

Attched is a comparison pic.
 
There are some things that you need to be aware of when comparing the Izula to the HEST as they are quite different.

The HEST is a fair amount larger & of course has the handle scales. And.. being in the military, some of the features may come in handy.

Attched is a comparison pic.

I carry a multi-tool for the versatility aspect, so for the most part I think the HEST may be superfluous. I think I've made up my mind to get the Izula.

HEST, I think...may be more than Im willing to lug around...both in bulk and size. There are times when a larger knife would come in handy, but for the most part I cant see that as something I would need to worry about. The Izula seems to be the right combination of cutting surface, utility, and portability...not to mention low key and slender.

Since they dont have a satin/bead blasted, I may go with the Tan...not sure about the Black. Any experience with the different finishes?
 
Depending on what you're using it for the finishes are going to show different. I would go with black because if you drop the tan in the sand it will be a little harder to see. Not to throw a monkey wrench in things but I have been overseas many times and I would probably go with the HEST but take the scales off and wrap it. It provides more "easier to reach" options than pulling out the multi. Just MO.
 
Depending on what you're using it for the finishes are going to show different. I would go with black because if you drop the tan in the sand it will be a little harder to see. Not to throw a monkey wrench in things but I have been overseas many times and I would probably go with the HEST but take the scales off and wrap it. It provides more "easier to reach" options than pulling out the multi. Just MO.

Yeah but the more I look at it I dont like the bulk...I prefer things to stay very close to my torso; though, this would be alleviated by pulling the scales...I intended to do that anyhow. Im still not completely sure about which one; though the Izula looks to be the winner, for the reasons listed above.

Thanks for the input on the finish. I doubt I will drop it, as I tie my gear down to my person so it doesnt walk away...especially tools/blades. I guess I was looking at durability. I dont generally like the "black" look but they dont appear to offer a satin or metal finish so Im trying to make the best of that.
 
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