The DPx H.E.S.T. is quite the knife! I was really impressed with it, and you’ll see why as you continue reading this DPx H.E.S.T. review.
Size
The DPx H.E.S.T. fixed blade totals 7.625 inches in length, and it has a 3.15-inch blade. The Izula II, which is somewhat similar, totals 6.75 inches in length and has a 2.875-inch blade. Both of these knives make excellent choices for hiking and backpacking because they’re very compact. Because the H.E.S.T. is slightly larger than the Izula II, it has more blade to use and more handle to grab. The extra room you have to work with makes it a little easier to tackle a lot of the chores you might come across (batoning firewood, etc.).
The H.E.S.T. weighs 4.75 ounces, which is just under a third of a pound. It’s really light, so it’s not going to weigh your pack down. When you’re backpacking and every ounce counts, it’s good to go with a knife like the H.E.S.T. that’s lightweight but dependable. Let’s talk about its functionality.
Functionality
The DPx H.E.S.T. works great! It has a pry bar at the bottom of the handle, which is kind of a neat feature. You can use it for prying (obviously), but you can also use it and/or the finger guard for added control when cutting.
It comes in a few different steels including 1095, Sleipner, and Niolox. All of these steels should be able to hold up to most things that you require of your knife.
Something that’s also kind of handy about this knife is that it is available with multiple lanyard holes, like in this model of the H.E.S.T.:
Fit
This knife is really great as far as comfort is concerned; it has Micarta handles, which have always been a favorite for handle materials. Micarta is comfortable, grippy enough that it’s not going to slip out of your hands, and it looks nice, as well. You can actually take the scales off and use the knife in its skeletonized form if you prefer, with or without a paracord wrap of your own.
The customizability of this knife makes it versatile and suitable to different preferences.
Specifications
I know knife people in general like to know all the specs, so here ya go!
(I left out the blade finish and steel type, because that will vary from knife to knife.)
- Overall Length: 7.625″
- Blade Length: 3.125″
- Blade Thickness: 0.19″
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Edge Type: Plain
- Handle Length: 4.50″
- Handle Thickness: 0.57″
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Weight: 4.30 oz.
- Sheath: Kydex
- Sheath Weight: 1.90 oz.
- Knife Type: Fixed Blade
- Country of Origin: USA
- Best Use: Tactical
Overall Impressions
The DPx H.E.S.T. is a great knife. It has quality materials, a smart design, and a great size to make it dependable and convenient to carry. It’s made in the USA and it is one knife you’ll want to add to your collection. Whether you’re using it around home or taking it on your next backpacking adventure, you’re going to be pleased with this knife’s performance.
If you’re in the market for a versatile, compact, and dependable fixed blade, the DPx H.E.S.T. is a great way to go. You can find this knife at Blade HQ.
Was this DPx H.E.S.T. review helpful? What other knives would you like to see reviewed on the blog? Let us know in the comments section below!