RYP wrote:Yes there is a new generation DPx HEST/F. The goal is to take all of the customer input after they have had a chance to use the blade and evolve the blade (along with the HEST fixed blade) . This will be a continuous process so we continue to look at improving the breed.
I can say that there is not an inherent flaw in the blade lock up since we keep close tabs on any knife that does not deliver full performance. Also there is no rush or pressure. When any owner wants us to look at his knife just send it in. We have had a few forum queens think that they have to invoke force majeure or use apocalyptic threats to get attention. But honestly, just send it in with your return address and comments and it gets taken care of with a smile.
Blade show in Atlanta will be the debut of the latest iteration along with some other products.
I can COMPLETELY agree with his statement. For those that know me on other forums [BF, spyderco etc], my other alias is Phrenik, I also go by Jeff, or Jeffjuice, or my close friends call me Juice [started in highschool I forget why. but it does sound cool to yell out at a club eh :p]
Moving on, I have a regular production version [was in the first batch, received in early Feb?], and I have a [was on the pre-order list, not bought through secondary means, ebay etc, both pre-ordered]. Yes the Le, had the tip sticking up, which wasn't too big a deal for me, since it was a safe queen anyway. [Had to send in the production model, so I sent the LE in anyway back in Feb? so hopefully it will be back soon]. I also had some bad luck with the production version, which had rust - but I still held onto it, since its more or a less a EDC anyway[the rust, I admit it is a VERY isolated incident, just my rotten luck]. And then - as some may know I am somewhat OCD and LOVE opening and closing knives; in front of the computer, movies, tv shows, what have you. If I could do it in the hospital while waiting for my check ups, MRI's, etc etc I would definitely LOL. -
Sorry got off trackAnyway, after all that opening and closing, I did develop the lock slide problem, where I could hold the blade upside down, one hand on the handle [carefully out of the way], and one hand on the blade; to the point of slipping from 50-55%lock from the initial opening to about 10-15% end result. Unfortunately, [I open and close my LE a lot too, but not nearly as much] this occurred on my LE version too; but at a much lesser extent. From perhaps 50-55% --> around 40-45%.
Now this is just my experience with the knife itself. This is where I would like to backup RYP and Linda through my experience since September? October? 2010--> the release of my LE + Production version [so lets say early FEB 2011. Through all the drama that occurred on BF and everything etc. Whenever I approached RYP or Linda they have been fantastic, very polite, informative, helpful, problem solvers, and they definitely do not go back on their word. Linda especially has been very patient, honest, and very kind in dealing with me, as I know there are many people she must respond to, some people perhaps message her in a kind/polite or decent manner. While others may not be so polite in their message to them [being aggravated, perhaps a little impatient, etc - I can only guess]. But, she has always been very friendly and patient with my questions, and given me answers. And I can say the same with RYP. He has been very supportive, very helpful, a man of honor, and integrity to his word. No matter my issue they helped solve it.
They have helped and answered all my questions since the arrival of my knives, and beyond [during the time I have the knives in my hands]. RYP even offered to replace my knife that had rust on it. [In this day in age to get a brand new knife with rust is almost like a fluke lol, especially with such great companies backing it]. I did take him up on his offer because of the lock slippage, and I got a brand new knife back with 1.5-2.5? weeks? It was EXTREMELY quick. And I understand that my LE version is taking longer since its at LionSteel. The LE Hest/Folder is hopefully getting the blade tip adjusted/lowered, and the lock slippage problem fixed too. Their warranty is suberb. I know its been a bumpy road for a lot of buyers, especially when people put price into perspective. But I also think of it this way; this is the first knife that RYP produced. It is bound to have a few kinks, you just never know. And its not just the knife industry, think about how people act towards buying cars. Some just want the newest version and go for it. Some, wait back a year or two until somethings have been upgraded. Anyway this is getting off track.
So for those of you with those issues, I would say your best bet would be to take some pics or a quick vid and send it over to customer service at DPX with a nice letter indicating the problem. And I don't doubt that they will help fix it, or point you in the right direction.