Please share some opinions on the HEST 2.0?

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ShooterMcgavin

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Jan 20, 2008
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I'm trying to find a knife with certain features and then realized that the HEST 2.0 has what I'm looking for... Good blade steel, under 3.5" blade, G10, not a liner lock, 0.14" or thicker blade, and I glass breaker. However, I have never liked the HESTS's bottle opener cutout, lock tang geometry, or reputation for the first versions fit and finish. The blade is thicker than I want. I'd really like a Hogue EX-01 3.5" with a glass breaker.

What do you guys/gals like and dislike about the HEST 2.0?

I'm looking for a tough EDC but I'm not convinced that the HEST is ideal for the role.

*I see spelling errors but can't go back to correct them on my phone.

ETA: My ideal knife for this role would probably be a 3.5" version of the BM Contego (3.5" because of laws in my area).
 
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The fit and finish, lock-up, factory edge etc., were amazing on mine. I still carry it probably twice a week. After being flicked thousands of times, there is still no play, vertical or horizontal. The blade stock is a bit thick, but considering it was marketed as a hard use/outdoor knife, this is reasonable. It still cuts cardboard and zip ties just fine for me :)
The bottle opener cutout functions perfectly as a wave, so I don't see whats not to like about it. It also has a glass breaker. You can find them on that one auction site for around $150 if you're savvy. I really don't have anything bad to say about it I guess!
 
Have a look at the Benchmade Triage. N680 Steel (I think), G10 scales, AXIS lock, glass breaker and seat belt cutter. I am not sure on blade length though.
 
The HEST is a good solid knife. Can't really think of anything to gripe about on the one I had. I only got rid of mine bacause I wanted something else at the time.
 
Since you asked about the knife itself, I'll stick to that.

I'm sure the HESTII is a quality knife - heck, its made by LionSteel - and it will no doubt be fine for those looking for a sturdy quality folder.

I find the blub a bit much and for other reasons, I would never contemplate buying/EDC'ing any knife from that source.
 
Mine absolutely sucks. Had lock rock, which required adjustment to the lock bar. Now it is massively uncentred. Add an edge so thick that it needed major reprofiling to cut stuff. I seriously regret buying this knife. The specs were great - the reality was an incredible disappointment. Every time I look at it, I feel the same. :thumbdn:

I did myself a major favour and bought a ZT0550. I can't recommend that you do the same more highly...

Ben
 
My biggest concern about the HEST 2.0 is the lack of a liner on the g10 side. If there were to be any actual hard use this would make the knife much less rigid.

As to the Benchmade knives....Have you looked at the 275 Adamas it's blade length may be okay for your area.
 
viper89 said:
Have a look at the Benchmade Triage. N680 Steel (I think), G10 scales, AXIS lock, glass breaker and seat belt cutter. I am not sure on blade length though.
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Thanks. How, exactly, does N680 stack up against other steels? Compared to D2, VG10, 154CM, or S30V?

wildmike said:
My biggest concern about the HEST 2.0 is the lack of a liner on the g10 side. If there were to be any actual hard use this would make the knife much less rigid.

As to the Benchmade knives....Have you looked at the 275 Adamas it's blade length may be okay for your area.
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I really like the Adamas, except for a few things. It is over 3.5", but that's not the biggest knock against it. The thickness of the handle, as I would be carrying it in pocket, is the biggest downfall.
 
I looked at th HEST 2.0 and did a bit of research on it.

Too many QC issues. The blade is too thick for it's length in my opinion. The overall design seems kinda "gimicky". Several little things don't seem well thought out.

I went with a used Zero Tolerance ZT-551 instead. It is a great knife. Light years ahead of the HEST in my opinion. The ZT-551 is basically a ZT-550 with Elmax steel instead of S35V steel. Either model is outstanding.

Take a look at the ZT-550, it seems to fit what your looking for quite well.
 
Yeah, I do find the HEST to be gimicky. The blade is too thick too.

The ZT 0551 is outstanding. However, tough to find, and it doesn't have a glass breaker. I think a glass breaker is just a great feature to have on any EDC.

P.S. As far as gimicky goes, even worse was the original HEST fixed blade. The thing had a bottle opener, on a blade that also has a PRY TOOL!!! Hello? Can people not use the pry tool to open a beer? I have been known to use a hammer claw to open a beer. I thought we consider ourselves to be resourceful types :) I must admit now that, I bought one - but only because I got a new-condition, used knife with ROWAN heat treat for $50.
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
Thanks. How, exactly, does N680 stack up against other steels? Compared to D2, VG10, 154CM, or S30V?
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From what I've heard N680 is very corrosion resistant but edge retention below any of the steels you listed. It's the same as Benchmade uses in their dive knives.
 
I have had my HEST2 for about a year or so. It isholding up just fine.No blade play at all.The blade steel holds a good edge.I am pleased with it in every way.I will be buying the HEFT and the HEAT when they are released.
 
The Hest 2.0 just wasn't for me. I didn't even like it enough to carry it for more than a weekend, so I traded it.

At first I really like how it looked, and the features (deep carry clip, glass breaker, wave/bottle opener, titanium), but the first thing that annoyed me was the lock bar needing 2 hands to unlock sometimes. Then the glass breaker poking my hand, then I started realizing I didn't need a .187" thick blade, and I started not liking it.

Have you thought about a Spyderco Manix 2?
 
I think thd Benchmade Triage is a goox idea. My brother, who is an RN, carry's one with him at home and at work. He says its good to go.
 
I have the HEST and I like it.
It does have a little lock rock but other than that it's solid and the little bit of rock causes no issues. It locks solid with no fear of it slipping or failing. The blade is quite thick but then again it's a knife designed for extremely hard use in hostile environments. It slices extremely well, especially for its thickness and takes a wicked edge. It's a pretty good knife. I just find my tastes changing to unique, simple knives.
 
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