new to the forum and have a question/pic request

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daveOUTLAST

Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
10
hey everyone. i've been lurking the forum for a few months and gleaning what knowledge i can from you all. i'm relatively new to the knife world although i've been into them since i was a kid (24 now). anyway on to my question/request:

i'll be doing a three day, thirty mile hike of the appalachian trail in september and want a new knife to bring along. i currently use a gerber lmfII and am happy with it, but want something with a plain blade. i carry a small partially serrated gerber folder for small tasks, but want something for a general camp/outdoor knife. i'm between an RC4 and the HEST currently. i like the size of the RC4, but the pry bar and notch on the HEST are nice features. which should i get? (unfortunately the RAT/ESEE maxim of "get both" is out due to funds currently!)

any have a pic of the RC4 and the HEST side by side for a size comparison?

sorry for the big post!
 
Nope, but IMO the RC3/RC4 handle sucks for extensive use. The HEST's blade may be shorter but I think the handle and blade design are superior. The thumb ramp is placed perfectly in conjunction with the integrated finger guard and butt guard and allows for very comfy secure grip.
 
i'd like it to be a general purpose camp/hiking knife. i won't be cleaning any game since i'm vegan, but general camp duties like food prep and batoning would be involved. my only thought is the HEST may be to small to baton anything other that 2" diameter sticks.
 
Here ya go.....


002-38.jpg


Cliff
 
daveOUTLAST said:
i'd like it to be a general purpose camp/hiking knife. i won't be cleaning any game since i'm vegan, but general camp duties like food prep and batoning would be involved. my only thought is the HEST may be to small to baton anything other that 2" diameter sticks.
Click to expand...

It splits wood very well. In fact I find myself battoning with it alot... even if it isn't long enough I just hammer the point in a crack and pry with it and most of the dry dead wood around here will come from together with ease.
 
thanks for the picture! the HEST is slightly ahead of the RC4 in my head. it's just such a great looking little knife that i can't look away!
 
I think you'd be more than happy with the 4. It is my go to woods knife. The HEST is a great knife, but for general woods tasks, the 4 reigns supreme IMO. Larger enough that you can baton moderately sized material, thick enough to be rugged, but still maintains an excellent edge. I'd take a hard look at the 4.
 
I have both, the HEST and the 4. I agree to PayetteRucker, the handle on the HEST is way more comfortable. Handle of the 4 is a bit to short (for me).
 
My 4 is also my favorite woods knife and should be able to handle everything you need it to. I plan on getting a HEST but the 4 will still be my workhorse.
 
The HEST is my urban carry knife, and generally my more "every day" knife.
The ESEE-3 is my car-camping and family camping knife.

For out in the woods trailblazing, scouting, or backpacking, the ESEE-4 is the one to go to.

YMMV.
 
I also agree that the handle on the HEST is much more comfy than on the 4. If your sticking to the trails of the AT the HEST will do all that you need and more. Then later when funds allow I'd add the ESEE6 to your collection. It's handle is uber comfy and it's big enough to baton through and handle all of the big camp chores, plus you'll still have the HEST to handle the detail work. I have 'em all and the ESEE6/HEST is a great combo plus the HEST makes for a great EDC as well.
 
I don't really care for either knife but of the two I'd go with the HEST if that's the one you like more. Batoning ability is going to be negligable. The 4 isn't that much longer in the blade to make much of a difference IMO.

Edit: On a side note, do you have any good resources on the vegan diet? Send PM if you would.
 
I have both, and on such a trek may just take both, but having to choose between the two I'd take the 4
 
seems you are all as divided as i am! haha. i still have a month or so to decide so i'll wait it out. thank you all for your input and advice though.

shotgun, i can't figure out how to pm on here, but i left you a visitor message. pm me back and i'll answer whatever questions you have!
 
daveOUTLAST said:
shotgun, i can't figure out how to pm on here, but i left you a visitor message. pm me back and i'll answer whatever questions you have!
Click to expand...

If you click on a username in a post you should get an option in the drop-down to send a PM. Shotgun has the feature enabled, you don't. It is possible that PMs can only be sent to paid members...
 
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