The DPx Gear Hostile Environment Survival Tool (HEST) II is a short run, high endversion of the DPX HEST Original. The HEST II is made with Sleipnersteel which delivers a harder, more granular cutting edge without the chipping or problems normally associated with very hard tool steels.
Because we see this a “ranch carry” or military product we changed the pry bar to accommodate gloves by softening the angle. We also eliminated one hole to make the prybar stronger. There is also a handy hex driver.
Designed by adventurer Robert Young Pelton and handmade by LionSTEEL in Northern Italy, the HEST II is an upgraded version of the knife that changed the way adventurers think about brutal-use knives.
The 3.15” (80mm) blade of the HEST II is made of Sleipner tool steel with a 60 Rockwell hardness. The HEST Original had a Rockwell hardness of 57-58. Sleipner steel is a chromium-vanadium-molybdenum alloy (7% Cr, 0.5% V, 2.5% Mo) much like D2 steel and characterized by its edge retention, ease of sharpening, and resistance to wear and chipping. The Sleipner steel also has excellent “tooth” for repetitive, fine cutting.
Because the knife is tool steel, and not stainless steel, it is easier to sharpen but may oxidize if not properly cared for. Rust only affects the appearance of the knife and not the performance. Like all DPx Gear knives, we ask that you use a whetstone or diamond sharpener to dress the edge, and NEVER use a motorized grinder.
The blade is 0.187” (4.8mm) thick and features three sizes of wire strippers and a pry notch. There’s a hex driver at the hilt and a wire breaker at the base of the blade. We removed a lashing point in the pommel because we found it unnecessary, and we changed the pry bar angle to better fit the size of the knife.
The HEST II has a hollow handle designed for storing survival materials like fire starter or water-purification tablets. The scales are attached with two slotted/Allen screws.
The Assault is a take-to-the-fight, low-profile duty knife. The handle is American G10 scales and features a PVD black-coated blade that reduces the visible signature to nearly zero. The Assault weighs 5.4oz and comes with a black Cordura sheath with a sleeve for a sharpening rod or fire starter.
DPx Gear knives are guaranteed against manufacturer defects for the life of the purchaser. DPx Gear reserves the right to repair or replace a knife under warranty at DPx Gear’s discretion.