New & Improved: DPx HEST/F

[Horn Dog]

Ok, it's the same model I trashed in another review. It came in today while I was outside messing around with some weapons. Jeff Randall sent me one of his HEST folders to try out. No, I am not incapable of opening a knife. This one is a jewell. Snick! The one I first reviewed was the hardest to open one-hander I had ever seen, even after loosening the pivot pin nut and working it for three days. This one is sweet. It locks and unlocks better, too. It came very sharp. So to me, it is new and improved.

What I wanted was a knife just like the HEST, but in a folder for handy carry. This is it. The profile is almost identical to the fixed blade version.

The knife is nice and light for easy pocket carry, too. This one weighs about 4.5 oz. And it came with a very sharp factory edge.

I don't normally baton with folders, but I figured this rugged knife could do a little light wood splitting, and I was right. No change at all in the tightness or ease of opening.

I like the deep carry pocket clip, too. Heck, I felt so confident with this folder, I was even able to do the "wave" thing catching the bottle opener on my pocket...first time.

I even did the spine whack test with the rotolock not engaged. The lock held just fine.
Now this is what I wanted all all along. Any knife designed for a hostile environment had better deploy easily! This knife is built like a tank, with an even thicker blade than my ZT0301, but much lighter to carry. Yep. This one is right.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

Nice review. I can't wait for mine, here's hoping it shows up this week.

 

[Horn Dog]

Even my good friend and neighbor, Ted tried the folder. He liked it, too. We old guys may not be kung fu masters or Rambo, but we know how to operate weapons of all kinds. We had been fooling around with some revolvers and were comparing walking sticks when the HEST showed up.

 

[nevermind35]

I'm glad that this one turned out a lot better for you. I can't wait to get my Sterile LE although I think it's still in Italy. I like you're formed leather holsters!

 

[Handwrecker]

Glad to see you got a working HEST/F. That knife looks really nice with green G10. :thumbup:

 

[Horn Dog]

Glad to see you got a working HEST/F. That knife looks really nice with green G10. :thumbup:

This HEST carries as well as my ZT0350, deploys about as fast, and has a blade twice as thick! I prefer both the blade shape and the handle on the HEST to the ZT. The HEST just feels better to me. I'm glad Jeff let me try one that works. It makes all the difference in how I feel about the knife.

 

[Noctis3880]

Really hope you didn't grip your knife like that while doing the spine whack, because that seems like a quick and easy way to get stitches:thumbdn:.

 

[Horn Dog]

Really hope you didn't grip your knife like that while doing the spine whack, because that seems like a quick and easy way to get stitches:thumbdn:.

Thank you for your concern. I actually did not. I am right handed and was trying to use the camera with the left hand while I did it, but the picture didn't turn out. So I just took a pic of the spine against the table. I have deleted the picture for your safety.

 

[Artfully Martial]

I seriously don't want to offend anyone, but I'm struggling to understand why this knife warrants so much attention. It doesn't seem unique to me at all, except for the Lionsteel manufacture. Is there something about this knife that I'm not seeing?

 

[DH1]

It sounds like you've got one of the winners, congrats:thumbup:

It's frustrating having a good example of the HEST/F then reading reviews trashing it because the guy got a crappy example.

Whatever was going on at the factory that caused all these variations should be tracked down and fixed before the second wave of these folders go into production.

 

[philwar]

Glad you're happy HD. This one will definitely be in my collection too someday soon. :thumbup:

 

[cop911]

looks good...just got notified mine is enroute (c'mon Thursday). Looking forward to it replacing my normal EDC's (for work at least).

 

[t1mpani]

I seriously don't want to offend anyone, but I'm struggling to understand why this knife warrants so much attention. It doesn't seem unique to me at all, except for the Lionsteel manufacture. Is there something about this knife that I'm not seeing?

I'm not offended in the least, and can only speak to my own reasons why I'm excited to get mine: I like thick blades and large pivots on a folder this size,
I like having a bit of a guard on a folder to keep my hand off of the blade, I like the steel choice, I like the Roto lock, I have a Lionsteel SR-1 and am more impressed with it in terms of construction/fit/finish than I have been with any of my Sebenzas, so even though this particular model is not as refined in terms of finish I still have high expectations in terms of the craftsmanship. I'm not expecting music to spontaneously swell up when I open the box, but I imagine I'll enjoy it nonetheless.

Other than that, I think it has garnered so much attention simply because people have been waiting for them for a good long while, and so are eager to hear and offer thoughts about them while they wait. If it doesn't float your boat, there are lots of other options.

 

[Noctis3880]

I seriously don't want to offend anyone, but I'm struggling to understand why this knife warrants so much attention. It doesn't seem unique to me at all, except for the Lionsteel manufacture. Is there something about this knife that I'm not seeing?

Looks like a survivalist's wet dream to me. Though I've found that my daily uses call for a thin blade rather than a thick one, as well as a true stainless steel.

Still, the thing looks like it'll fit right at home for a camper or electrician even.

 

[teacher]

Glad it worked out HD. :thumbup: ...
Good review too...

 

[Horn Dog]

I seriously don't want to offend anyone, but I'm struggling to understand why this knife warrants so much attention. It doesn't seem unique to me at all, except for the Lionsteel manufacture. Is there something about this knife that I'm not seeing?

It is more a combination of features that make it unique. Many knives have some of these features, but this one is loaded.

1 A thick saber ground blade with a notch for bottle opener, or other uses.
2 A glass beaker pommel.
3 A solid light weight titanium frame.
4 Deep carry pocket clip for blade up carry.
5 D2 steel blade.
6 Wire stripper notch.
7 Rotolock for extra insurance against lock failure in heavy use.

I have many folders, but having used and liked the HEST fixed blade, I really wanted a folding version. This one that works properly is my dream EDC knife.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

It is more a combination of features that make it unique. Many knives have some of these features, but this one is loaded.

1 A thick saber ground blade with a notch for bottle opener, or other uses.
2 A glass beaker pommel.
3 A solid light weight titanium frame.
4 Deep carry pocket clip for blade up carry.
5 D2 steel blade.
6 Wire stripper notch.
7 Rotolock for extra insurance against lock failure in heavy use.

I have many folders, but having used and liked the HEST fixed blade, I really wanted a folding version. This one that works properly is my dream EDC knife.

Well put. Nice all-in-one package. Thanks for the follow up review HD! :thumbup:

 

[Artfully Martial]

ah ok. Doesn't really appeal to me, but I see why it warrants attention. Thanks again.

 

[Horn Dog]

ah ok. Doesn't really appeal to me, but I see why it warrants attention. Thanks again.

It is unusual looking, for sure. Not every man's cup of tea, but I really like it.....the one that works, that is.

 

[Heyday]

Thanks for the review update. I can't wait to get mine. It is shipping out tomorrow.