Other knives as tough at the RYP HEST folder?

I have been using the ZT-301 a good bit (the green one), and it's a strong knife. S30V blade, Ti frame lock on one side, thick machined G10 scale on the other side, assisted opening. I've pounded it through wood, blocks, etc. and it's held up good. It's a BEAST of a knife. Tougher than nails, and the S30V holds the edge pretty well. But the praise of the ZT-301 stops there. That's it. It's a solid folding knife, but nothing more.

In terms of functionality, the HEST/F will blow the ZT away... the ZT-30x series of knives feels almost as solid as a fixed blade (and I'm hoping the HEST/F will be as well), but it doesn't have a hex bit driver in the handle, no bottle opener, no wire notch, no glass breaker. The ZT's assisted opening also may not be legal in a lot of places/countries (assisted opening is fun, but not necessary if the action is smooth, fast, and reliable).

The HEST/F also looks cleaner and less menacing (yet still tough) to most people (a good thing). And did I mention price? The ZT-301 ran me almost $200 (usually ~$230-240 retail, compared to the $175 retail of the HEST/F).

I can't wait for my preordered HEST/F to get in! (too bad I can't get the first run, serialized ones)
 
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sadiejane said:
carried a kershaw cyclone(made in usa oct 06) daily for over three yrs now. its proved to be one tough knife. im sorta hard on stuff and ive used it to cut everything. holds an edge n sharpens right up when needed. opens with the same ease and snap it did when new.
looking forward to getting my paws on that hest tho. it just might very well replace the cyclone.
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I have to agree with this one. My Mini Cyclone and Cyclone are both going strong, no sign of failure and I beat the crap out of them, and have been for years. And they are much lower cost then the HEST folder. The steel isn't as "good", but Kershaw makes a hell of a good product. For me, it is all about using the knife, and seeing how it holds up verse name or the manufactures specs, etc.
 
I just wanted to let people know that I have been enjoying a proto of the HEST/F and have been enjoying the quick draw feature of the "beer opener", the ergonomics of the tool and was even stripping some control wire with the jimping. The amazing thing is the feel of when its locked to the fixed blade HEST.

I have to say that at no time was this knife designed to compete with any other manufacturer but only to have the features I wanted in a no bullshit, brutal use knife. Gianni has delivered on his promise

If you want a regular run HEST/F you can put your order in now with an ESEE dealer and they will be available in December. I have one cancellation on the first run HEST/F (the fellow los his job so I sympathize completely) and I will let everyone know when they can go to www.dpxgear.com and pick up any available numbers and pay for their existing orders.

Finally I should mention that we have finalized on OD green for the G10 Rough Finish scale and MILSPEC flat black blade coating on the D2. On the higher cost First Edition we will be using Black G10 rough finish and we will be going with a Titanium Carbide sputtered coating that will substantially harden and protect the D2 blade. Either way you aren't going to get a harder, longer cutting blade.

I am going to be on the road for a week but will check in.
 
For the record I have a Sterile HEST/f on order, so I am biased..

The only other folder I've come across (and I own both in the series) that are exceptionally BEEFY to the max (like RYP's latest brainchild) are the Ontario Retribution Series. The 1/8" Ti liner lock inspires serious confidence and the contoured G10 scales provide a great grip. Oh, and they also have a hollow grind (which is not a very durable grind I'm told)

But the Jerry Hossom designed Retributions fall short in almost every OTHER way when next to the HEST/f, purely from a lack of "features" standpoint.

The #1, Large Retribution glides opens with a THWACK, thanks to its teflon washer. Pure art I tell you.

Still no where near as functional/versatile/batterproof as the HEST/f, I'm sure, but they belong in the same class, BURLY ASS FOLDERS.
 
id say the zt series is going to be pretty strong, thought i think the ryp would beat it. i think the lionsteel sr1 may also be as strong. also some striders and the majority of rick hinderer blades
 
Don't hate the player, hate the game... I think the new cold steel AK-47 is one tough bugger.
 
myesque said:
Don't hate the player, hate the game... I think the new cold steel AK-47 is one tough bugger.
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+1 I know the HEST/f will be a solid tough as nails knife, but the cold steel American lawman is the toughest folder I've ever personally laid hands on. It has zero blade play in any direction, and locks up like a rock. It literally feels like a fixed blade when open. I just got it two days ago and so far I am beyond impressed.

I missed out on the HEST/f prepress but I will definitely be getting one on the next production run. I'm looking forward to it. I know it's going to be one hell of a knife.
 
The only other two folders I've ever lusted after (almost as much - but never enough to pull the trigger on), were the ZT 0302 and the Kershaw Tyrade Titanium/Carbon-Fiber in Tan. Its funny - I used to think "I'd never spend that kind of money on a folder" and then I saw the HEST folder and not only was I willing to spend the $175, but I sprang for the $250 on a LE knife.

Both seem like solid folders and to be honest, I'll never put any of these three knives through enough abuse to really test their limits other than blade-edge retention and all three have good steel at their edges (not to mention that ZT's tempering process is legendary - they make S30V a lot harder than it is in its un-tempered form).
 
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