Spyderco Para 2 M390 Vs. DPX HEST 2.0

sticktodrum

sticktodrum

Joined
Apr 16, 2012
Messages
3,544
This is a very odd comparison, but it's really a matter now of deciding where some loose change would go. Assuming they're the same price. Originally, I was torn between the DPX and the Spyderco Tuff, but the Tuff kind of fell out of favor with me for some reason.

So, both would cost about the same, and I don't even know why I'm interested in the DPX. Probably because it's offered in an actual lefty version. However my standard Para2 is fantastic, and the sprint would be cool.

What say you folk?
 
Not familiar with the DPX, but just looked. I'd say the HEST is better suited to prying stabbing and abuse. D2 Tool steel tough. M390 edge retention for slicing.

That said I've got the sprint on order from bento.


edit - oh your a lefty, well that kinda changes things. hmm dunno
 
you already have a para 2 ..i would grab the DPX ,here's a pic of mine
534640_543379235690308_1460252666_n.jpg
 
I handle regular liner and frame locks just fine, and the compression lock is also not a problem, but the full lefty build is attractive. The blue of the Para2 is also alluring. What's great about M390?
 
M390 steel is a super steel which adds very very high rust resistance, and also incredibly high wear resistance with an optimal heat treatment. This means it can hold an edge for a really really long time, but it equally takes a really really long time to put an edge or grind a blade's profile.

The optimal result is something like a Phil Wilson custom M390 knife, that Ankerson (Sorry if I mispelled) has. It is keeps an edge for a long long time. But it also takes a lot of work to sharpen, grind, or polish.

Im production knives it brings high rust resistance, and good wear resistance, generally a upgrade from many steels. One of the steels which holds an edge for the longest time depending whom is making it.

From my understanding Spyderco's M390 is probably some of the better heat treated M390 in that it holds an edge for longer.
 
M390 is easy to sharpen in my experience. Holds an edge very well with stropping under normal use. Cutting cardboard, wood, plastic, etc. I can tell a distinct difference from it and any other steel I have used. YMMV. I had the Hest folder and didn't like the belly on it, it just wanted to slide on material.
 
mjolnir74 said:
M390 is easy to sharpen in my experience. Holds an edge very well with stropping under normal use. Cutting cardboard, wood, plastic, etc. I can tell a distinct difference from it and any other steel I have used. YMMV. I had the Hest folder and didn't like the belly on it, it just wanted to slide on material.
Click to expand...

What is your sharpening equipment?
 
Well, an edge pro for real sharpening. It sharpened much quicker than S30v or S35v. I use a strop with chromium oxide to maintain the edge.
 
mjolnir74 said:
M390 is easy to sharpen in my experience. Holds an edge very well with stropping under normal use. Cutting cardboard, wood, plastic, etc. I can tell a distinct difference from it and any other steel I have used. YMMV. I had the Hest folder and didn't like the belly on it, it just wanted to slide on material.
Click to expand...

A blade sliding over material has MUCH more to do with the edge finish than blade shape.
 
I don't know, both are so different from each other it really just comes down to personal preference. For me, it would be the dpx.
 
CTS, did it need a courser edge in order to bite into green limbs. I just trimmed some Crepe Myrtles in the backyard and the edge would slide. My Umnumzaan did it a little also. My blue para just bites deep. I sharpened it to 220 grit and stropped a little.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top