Why no love for the HEST ?

I'm a firm believer in the HEST, it's a very well thought out design and a "built-tough-worker". The pommel design is brilliant...tough and very usable. When you work this knife for a while your hand will become educated and won't be bothered by the pommel pry bar/screw driver/scraper,whatever-tool when performing cutting tasks. The pommel design will save many a knife blade/point. All the other features on this knife work great too.
The HEST is a very stout tool designed for multiple uses that can be appreciated when you need them...
...However, if all you want to do is peel an apple get a RC 3.
 
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froggy said:
...However, if all you want to do is peel an apple get a RC 3.
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Thats a ridicilious statement. If you cant open a beer with the RC-3, or any other knife WITHOUT a cap lifter, then youre probably not old enough to drink it.

As many others have stated, IMO the HEST is a novelty item. If you need a multi-use blade for "extreme" travel to "the worlds most dangerous places" get a regular plain-edged fixed blade from any of the reputable knife manufacturers (including RAT) plus a multitool, and you'll be set.
 
kmm said:
Thats a ridicilious statement. If you cant open a beer with the RC-3, or any other knife WITHOUT a cap lifter, then youre probably not old enough to drink it.

As many others have stated, IMO the HEST is a novelty item. If you need a multi-use blade for "extreme" travel to "the worlds most dangerous places" get a regular plain-edged fixed blade from any of the reputable knife manufacturers (including RAT) plus a multitool, and you'll be set.
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"That's a ridiculous statement".... The HEST "is" a regular plane-edged fixed blade from a reputable knife manufacturer.

In addition...there's no law barring you from carrying a multi tool along with a HEST.

Question...Does a cap-lifter on a multi tool make a multi tool a novelty?
 
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I think the prybar is a good idea but have never held a HEST to form a proper opinion on the knife. For those of you who have issues with the prybar, it could easily be ground off.

I really like the idea of the handle storage and wish RAT would do all their fixed blades that way.
 
I have been carrying & using my HEST for the past week. I find it to be a very usable and easy to EDC blade. I also carry a Skeletool in my pocket so I have a screwdriver on me also.

I have read of others who think the handle is uncomfortable, but for me it fits very well. I do not think the pry bar interferes with my grip at all, and does not dig into my hand at all.

Yes thick blades do not cut as well as thin blades, but RAT knives always come sharp enough to shave with. Over all I think the HEST is a great all around EDC type knife. It is the kind of knife you don't really need until you forgot to bring it with you.
 
I am going to order a RAT soon...have spent the last three days looking at their knives. I have looked at the RC3, RC4, RC5, and RC6 more times than I can count now and I think I finally settled on the RC4...I looked at the HEST once. It just didn't care for the pry bar addition or the notches in the blade.

.
 
Well, there are some really foolhardy comments in this thread and the folks that made them have shown themselves for the "experts" that they are.

$160?.... Obviously online shopping isn't your strongpoint.

Drainpaint?..... Wow, your drains have an expensive, baked on epoxy coating? Sweet house.

The HEST surely isn't for everyone, frankly, I don't really care much for it.

It's one man's ideal. Pelton came to RAT and told them EXACTLY what he wanted and they made it no questions asked. Pelton will be the first person to tell you that he knows jack about knife design. What he does know is what he or someone else needs in a danger zone. I've spent the last few days with the guy, every waking hour, and trust me, he's the real deal. I would trust him whole hartedly to keep me safe wherever I roamed.

The HEST is a "novelty" to a point, made just because they could. It works for some, not so much for others.
 
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Ah the RAT DPx H•E•S•T. I am glad it generates such interest and controversy.

I guess I would have to separate the comments from theorists versus from users. Its quite easy to make up critiques but the HEST is a real world knife, its not a tactical poser, or country boy antler stick. Its a tough razor sharp, well thought out EDC at a great price. Let's discuss what makes this knife worth looking at:

- Its a US made, massively thick, legal-carry, big-handled bruiser that comes with a lifetime no questions asked warranty. That alone makes it worth buying. There just aren't that many hard knives in that category and for under $100 bucks.

- the prybar, love it or hate it, it adds a massively useful tip saving element to the knife. If things get slippery you will also understand the ergonomic reason its there (along with the four finger hold of the skeletonized version) The extra purchase of the prybar also makes it sit in your hand like it lives there and provides a perfect thumb spot. I agree that some people look at the pry bar and scratch their head but then again I look at some of the knives that claim utility features and I scratch my head.

- The "beer opener" its yet another pry tool and that magic spot that your thumb rests on for carefull work. Its called a beer opener for a laugh. Real men drink hard liquor anyways :)) The mounting points and mirror choil and beer opener are functional lashing points as well.

- Hollow handle, wire cutter choil, open grip, bottle opener, lashing points are all there because they work and actually add to the ergonomics and function of the knife.

- the designer. What can I say? After two decades, numerous remote expeditions, 36 wars, 120+ countries I wanted a knife that would work in the real world. Famous knives from the Bowie to the Fairbairn Sykes have always been a the result of the requests of of real world users not not "knife makers". It is a three way marriage, the designer, the maker and the user. And it should be small select group that loves the knife. And the designer should actually listen to the users to constantly improve the product. That's why I like going to SHOT, reading comments and talking to users.

As for comments on the RAT folks and their products. You are right you won't see RAT's hanging in Wal-Marts and don't hold your breath for the new RAT Klingon War Axe but if you make it out to the boonies, Iraq or Afghanistan you will see their knives in use. And once again, you won't find a company that stands behind their products like they do.

For those who don't know me. Here is some stuff:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Young_Pelton

DPx

RAT DPx H•E•S•T:
http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-knives/tools-for-surviving-hostile-territory/
http://www.dpxgear.com/
http://www.officer.com/web/online/On-the-Street/RAT-HEST-Knife/21$49932
http://www.newamericantruth.com/reviews/knives/rathest.htm
http://nemoknivesreview.wordpress.com/2009/12/26/robert-young-pelton-dpx-h-e-s-t-xmas-glimpse/
 
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shotgunner11 said:
The HEST surely isn't for everyone.
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Which can be said of any knife on the market. :thumbup:


There is no need to butt heads over a knife. If you like it use it, if you don't, well don't.

People have only stated their oppinion on the knife, it is their's and no one needs to try to change it.

It looks like a fine knife to have on you should you be stuck in an urban survival situation, in that regards it would be nice to have.
 
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Perhaps I misunderstood the title of the thread “Why no love for the HEST ?”

I figured that was just going to be some observation statements that may be right or wrong. And some subjective assessments of it and why some of us could not love it. Those can neither be right nor wrong. On that note; I shall declare it is a POS design and that is why I do not love it. Only a fool would try to argue that was right or wrong, they may simply agree or disagree.

Time to bail on this thread too 'cos it seems to be yet another that is developing a bitch element. Shame.
 
Mr Pelton, welcome to the forum. I am sure many of us can learn alot from you and we appreciate you stopping by. I don't know why anyone would feel the need to be insulting about your design; as that is how I see a post or two, but most in this forum are very friendly. Anyway, hope to see you around here more often.
 
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