Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Pocket Clip, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None
Mac truck of a knife
The folks at DPx listened to advice about the first version. This second revision rocks. I like a "tight" knife for EDC, so this was perfect. The clip is well designed and rides low in the pocket. As far as being a "survival" knife, I would never go anywhere I might need one with a folder of ANY sort, I'd carry a heavy fixed blade with a carbon blade (The HEST's blade is D2) for chopping and heavy work. For other evryday and camp chores, the HEST seems perfect. I watched the mostly mixed reviews on YouTube, some loved the knife, others were less enthused. One proclaimed LionSteel's titanium to be "soft" and banged the knife on a rock to prove the point. I looked up the titanium, and found it to be of the perfect type for this application (same stuff jet engine fan blades are made of, and it states clearly that the ti frame is US made, not Italian). The knife locks up tightly and even after a few weeks of heavy outdoor use, there is no vertical or horizontal play or wobble. the German made D2 blade is THICK, and is nice and beefy all the way down to the tip. Razor sharp as well. I have some reservations about the 60-62 RC hardening, but like I said, I ain't goin' anywhere with a folder as my primary survival tool. I love the look of the knife. The stainless "tool" included is a HUGE plus. The G10 scale is grippy as hell. As with any new knife, time will tell the final story, but so far, I love it. As a matter of fact, I'd sooner take this into a hostile environment than my Sebenza. Can't beat the price, either.