Sell me on the H.E.S.T. - I don't get it.

I do alot of tipwork when it comes to bushcrafting, and the 3/16ths thickness with the drop point design creates an exceptionally durable, yet sharp and functional, tip. That's what I like about the thickness. I can baton and chop without any fear of damaging the edge. Yes the grind is a bit thick but like I said with the belly on the blade slicing is second nature for this knife. One thing I forgot to add is the multiple uses this knife has. With all the lashing points and holes it would make for a great improvised spearpoint and in a survival situation that can be priceless. What the prybar adds is a really secure retaining grip, moreso than anything. I find the boattailed handle design of the RC3 uncomfortable for extensive use, the prybar just adds to complete the grip and it does the job perfectly.
 
The Thickness I really like, to be truethful RYP commenting about it did nothing to make me like it, I don't like taking other peoples word for things. The thing is that all the features really aren't in the way, but they are there if you need them. I will do a review of it in a few days once I have more time using it.
 
iacchus said:
The blade shape gives you lots of cutting edge for such a short length.

Thick as hell. Well, same thickness as the Junglas. That little knife is sturdy.

Generous, roomy grip. I got the big hands, and there is plenty of room there for me.

Prybar pommel is really handy for lots of stuff other than being a prybar. I draw it by the pommel, grip it low to do light chopping. It makes it feel even more secure in the hand.

Your choice of using it skelotonized or with scales ( and, of course, the hollowed out scales. Have you seen how much some folk can pack in that thing?)


Well thought out lash points.

A working wire break notch.

And really, that is just the beginning. The knife is just really well designed. Good weight, good feel in the hand. After you hold it and use it a few times, you gain lots of confidence in it as a trustworthy tool.

I bought mine to use as a pack knife, but like it so much, and find it so handy, that it has become an EDC.
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I think this is a great summary. I totally aggree with it. Plus as others have said the H.E.S.T has a great grip, it feels good in your have in several different grips. I think the thickness would let you easily batten with it and several have posted pictures of the H.E.S.T doing just that. The prybar gives you other options. Of course I love using the bottle opener.
 
I have to be honest. I'm with you Geek. The HEST has never attracted me at all, just like the RC-5. Although I have the greatest respect for the folks of ESEE and Mr. Pelton. They know more about a great many things than me about what makes a great sharp edged tool. But in the end, I think it's like the Chevy vs Ford thing: personal preference.
And thats one of the great things about life. Imagine if we were all the same and liked the same things!
 
Idaho Jarhead said:
I don't really understand the HEST appeal either. I'm still a ESEE believer; I just don't see that knife filling any void in my list of "must haves." Hopefully I don't get booted from the Pack for admitting that in public.
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No reason to get "booted" from the pack - That is why there are blondes, brunettes & redheads - your choice.

I am a firm believer that if you pick up/handle a knife, and it does not feel right to you; then please don't buy it - you won't carry it or use it.

I like the H.E.S.T.; I like the 3 and the 4 - But I know there will be others who don't - No Big Deal - Buy something you like; that you will carry & use.

Peace!! !:)
 
haven't had a chance to see one in person yet, just the pix.

ok, obviously some people like bottle openers, and i've designed motorcycle wrenches with bottle openers added in, because if we're cutting a special tool, why not. but sometimes there seems to be no limit to the number of bottle openers you can have. if i were picking components for a bicycle i could probably put half a dozen bottle openers on it without trying.

but when any square edge on a counter or fence will open a bottle, ummm... one more opener isn't a make or break it feature for me. probably makes a handy notch for lifting a pot by the bail tho. IMHO, *that's* a "survival test" open a bottle without a "real" opener.


the prybar seems interesting, but i'm wondering it's snaggy for EDC if you don't tuck your shirt in. i normally have my shirt untucked tor CCW. the prybar also makes the blade thickness seem to be a bit thicker than needed for a blade of this length. in some other country where i couldn't carry my Glock, i might tuck the shirt in and wouldn't have that problem to worry about.

removable scales with space inside. ok, it's nice that you can remove them because some may like it skeletonized, but a pouch on the sheath would be handier and hold more. hard to stick it in a pocket like that tho.

i'll probably get one when i can budget it, and it will probably go in the tankbag on my dual sport/"enduro" motorcycle. that thing hauls a bunch of tools anyway, and a nice knife won't hurt.

someone mentioned not grinding off the prybar because it might affect the temper of the blade. i'm just curious how much temper the pommel of any full tank knife needs. there's no edge there, there's no leverage there. it could be almost as soft as butter and i wouldn't expect it to affect the performance of the knife tooo much. besides, grind slowly, cool it frequently and it shouldn't be a problem.

looks like a nice blade, but it does seem to have a few extra features that i've never found myself needing. that doesn't mean that those features aren't useful.
 
It always comes down to personal preference. Some people love multitools, I prefer a SAK. That's just me. I can see some might not like the H.E.S.T but he asked us to "Sell me on the H.E.S.T". If he is not sold, that is his call. The ESEE/RC-3 or Izula is a great other choice. I am have been sold on the H.E.S.T and like using it.
 
geek said:
I spend a lot of money on knives. I have RC-4, RC-5, Rat 3 and tons of other brands. I really think the Rowen fit & finish is superior to the ole Ontario models.
But I really just don't get the appeal of the H.E.S.T.

Can some of you H.E.S.T. people out there explain why you like it so much?
.
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Just have a look at all the HEST threads, if you still don't like it, then don't get it.http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=682753
 
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Here's my recent review. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=735724

It's my favorite ESEE blade but I don't think you should get one if you don't like it. I carry mine every day. I had a beautiful leather sheath made for it. It's got my spare benjamins and cyanide tablet inside the handle.

But, if you've already got one knife, you certainly don't need another, right? Or, you could buy it and if you don't like it, I can send you my address. I need a backup HEST. I'm determined to wear this one out eventually. Somehow.
 
Thanks for all the responses - I appreciate the info & opinions! I understand that not all knives are for everyone, but I never let a little thing like that stop me from getting another sharp piece of steel for my collection! I was just curious as to why most HEST owners seem to rave about them, just because at first glance it didn't seem to have that appeal to me.

I will be getting myself a HEST & will have to try it out - it's intriguing now. If I don't like it - I can pass it on to another blade nut (If I could only find one on this forum :D)


Expatriated -
Your HEST is the one that I briefly saw. I was there for most of your review - like when you spent all that time chopping down that firesteel ;)
I did notice it was cutting though the raccoon fairly well for a thicker blade.

UPDATE - just ordered a HEST - We shall see.
 
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geek said:
Thanks for all the responses - I appreciate the info & opinions! I understand that not all knives are for everyone, but I never let a little thing like that stop me from getting another sharp piece of steel for my collection! I was just curious as to why most HEST owners seem to rave about them, just because at first glance it didn't seem to have that appeal to me.

I will be getting myself a HEST & will have to try it out - it's intriguing now. If I don't like it - I can pass it on to another blade nut (If I could only find one on this forum :D)


Expatriated -
Your HEST is the one that I briefly saw. I was there for most of your review - like when you spent all that time chopping down that firesteel ;)
I did notice it was cutting though the raccoon fairly well for a thicker blade.

UPDATE - just ordered a HEST - We shall see.
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I sharpened the firesteel for a good 30 minutes! I have since collected a good number of bics to hide everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
The HEST, to me, sort of fits the gap between an Izula and an RC-3. I like the knife even thought I tend to go for a thinner blade for general purpose work.
 
"so what does the extra thickness add."

strength... and a nasty wound pattern :)
 
Yep, Expat beat the hell out of it during the Woodlands course and it just kept on going.
 
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For me, the big appeal is in the ergonomics. I find the handle on the 3 and 4 to be just a little short for my hands, the 3 is ok, but the 4 gets uncomfortable after a while. The HEST just fits so nice that I really don't often find myself missing the extra blade length.
 
I think the HEST is going to be the first ESEE knife I order. Even though I have never held any of them I think I will be happy. I doubt I'll use many of the features on the blade but, the one thing I do like is it looks cool as hell. ;)

It has been a toss up between the HEST and 3MIL. I'll get both eventually, and a Junglas :D
 
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To the OP I'm in the same boat as you... HEST never really did it for me and still doesn't.

I owned a HEST, but felt my RC3mil was just a better knife for my needs and I sold the HEST.

With that said, if I needed a blade to keep stored in a BOB, the HEST would be my choice over the RC3 - but for edc and 99% of outdoors and camp stuff, the RC3 is my choice paired up w a multitool.
 
It does fill the minimal full size knife role and I think I'm starting to see more and more and more of that in the WSS forums, especially from custom makers-knives that offer a solid, indexed, full sized grip but a smaller blade for detail work. The kind of knife you want on your belt for long trips or dayhikes alike. As far as the wound pattern, I've carried alot of larger knives for self defense and military duty and to be honest I feel more comfortable with this knife in my pocket than anything. It does give you a huge reassurance and peace of mind. I think it's a pretty ideal design for combat utility as well, if you could widen the blade and draw it out a bit it'd be right up there with the big dogs of combat utility design as well.
 
CID25 said:
For me, the big appeal is in the ergonomics. I find the handle on the 3 and 4 to be just a little short for my hands, the 3 is ok, but the 4 gets uncomfortable after a while. The HEST just fits so nice that I really don't often find myself missing the extra blade length.
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I agree. The RC/ESEE-3 is a fine knife but it is strickly a light utility blade, as far as I'm concerned. For my hands, the handle is just a little too small - with no ergonomic feature (pinky hook, finger groove, etc) other than the front guard to ensure a secure grip.

Although it is perfectly fine for run-of-the-mill camp and cutting chores, I wouldn't want to depend on that smallish, smooth (slippery) grip in bad/wet weather or a self-defense situation. It is a very comfortable working handle, however, which is it's primary purpose anyway.

But I need a knife to be more, and do more. The HEST has a better, larger handle which at the same time provides a more secure grip and a faster indexing/draw, in my experience. While the funky looks are a little bit of a turn-off for me, as an EDC/woods/working blade it is superior to the ESEE-3 for my needs.

Now if they would just make it sharpened clip-point like the ESEE-3/4/6 I'd buy a dozen.
 
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