Which is a better outdoor knife?!

TheseusTheDestroyer

TheseusTheDestroyer

Joined
Nov 4, 2012
Messages
175
I'm trying to choose between the DPx HEST made by ESEE and the TOPS Mil-Spie 3 to add to my camping gear.
which one:
-is Tougher
-is More practical for outdoor use
-requires the least maintenance
-has better coating
-will last me longer
-is better over all

I know the HEST has some cool features like the handle compartment, the pry bar, the wire breaker, etc. (don't really care for the bottle opener)

but i have heard the Mil-Spie 3 is "A sharpened pry bar" and it just seems to be tougher.

Please HELP!

Thanks in advanced!
 
I don't own either but I do own several esee knives. BTW Esee no longer makes the hest, DPX gear does, so if you wanted an Esee version you would need to buy used. Both seem like sharpened pry bars (all be it small). The Tops handle looks really uncomfortable. I don't know much about steels but the 1095 Esee uses is very well done and made to be beat on. If I had to choose one I would get the DPX. That said, If I were you I would look at the Esee 3 or better yet the 4. I have the 4 and it is the perfect size for a small outdoors knife. Plus, you can't beat Esee's no questions asked forever warranty.
 
Esee 6, 3, 4, or lazer strike if you like Esee. Would not buy either of the choices you listed. Not the Hest because I don't like the handle and gimmicks, not the Tops because while not horrible for the price I think I could find a lot better and 3/16 is getting too think for a 3.5 inch knife.
 
Styg said:
Esee 6, 3, 4, or lazer strike if you like Esee. Would not buy either of the choices you listed. Not the Hest because I don't like the handle and gimmicks, not the Tops because while not horrible for the price I think I could find a lot better and 3/16 is getting too think for a 3.5 inch knife.
Click to expand...
I agree with the above.


I haven't used either of the two but wouldn't consider them. Here's why.

The thing that puts me off of the tops is they're known for overly thick edges which I've experienced from one of their blades. IMO, it was unusably thick. That particular model looks like it would be a pain to use. On an outdoor knife you want a good handle and that one is not. If they extended the micarta to the tang then it would be just barely acceptable IMO.

The HEST I never understood. The prybar is located in a way that to get any leverage you'd have to hold it on the blade so at best it's a paint can opener or very light prybar. For me that's a useless feature and is just a liablility in a fall. The sharpening/wire breaker notch will catch on whatever cord or fabric you're cutting. I've experienced this with knives that have a less pronounced notch then the HEST. The bottle opener is pure gimmick. Anyone here who can't open a bottle with the spine of any knife needs to turn in their man card. :D
 
I will agree with Shotgun. I don't have the TOPS so I can't comment on it but I have owned the ESEE HEST for a few years now. I thought all of those features would be good for "just-in-case" scenarios. It's definitely comfortable to hold and the finish on it is great, but all those extra features just get in the way. I've never used the wire cutters or bottle opener, I just carry a multitool for that. And the pry bar I am in constant fear of falling on and receiving a puncture wound. I'll probably sell it eventually. So get a knife to be a knife and there are some strong, durable one to be found.
 
Last edited:
Just to add to what I said, DPX is made by Ontario Knife Company. The fit, finish, and heat treat is not on par with ESEE. For $95 you can have an ESEE 3 which I would consider much better. If you do feel like getting the Hest DPX, the knife connection has it 25% off. Incidentally, that is where I have bought all 4 of my ESEEs. Best prices I could find on the new market.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top