When the DPx HEST Original came out in 2008, it had to be three things:
We choose to make more of our products in the states to support US labor and the amazing talented manufacturers that share similar passions in their business operations.
The DPx HEST/F Urban Models are Made by Zac Brown's Southern Grind in Peachtree City, GA
Southern Grind, Zac Brown’s Georgia-based knife company, offers unrivaled knife lines and unique metal works made by American hands using extremely high quality materials and an unparalleled attention to detail.
As a true knife enthusiast, Zac has always been interested in blade design and production. He created Southern Grind to be representative of what he believes knives should be – ruggedly dependable and highly functional, born from state of the art technology and quality that is second to none.
The blade material is the classic American blade steel developed by American steel manufacturer Crucible called CPM S35VN. The stainless steel formulation is a gentle formula tweak in 2009 of the already outstanding quality of the S30VN blade steel.
The frame material choice for this new American classic is our U.S.-made alpha beta titanium alloy used in medical implants and aerospace applications. The Ti-6Al-4V material is light, strong, heat-resistant and corrosion-free. A lifetime of use will polish the edges of bead blast finished frames to a beautiful patina.
The overall fit and finish of the Urban series knives are second to none. The solid DPx Gear "bank vault" lock up and crisp snap as the bearing pivot blade flies open is a testament to the American knife maker's art.
The DPx HEST Originals are made by Shon Rowen Manufacturing in Idaho Falls, ID.
Rowen Manufacturing is a family company built upon old fashioned, made in the U.S.A., quality craftsmanship. Shon has been a machinist and metalworker since childhood, having learned the craft from his father, also a machinist by trade. His spacious, climate controlled facility in Idaho operates under the premise people do better work when they are comfortable. Rowen's exclusive heat treatment to the 1095 Spring Steel used for the DPx HEST Original results in a Rockwell Hardness of 57-58.
Our DPx HEST Original sells day in, day out because it is the perfect EDC survival knife. A combination of RYP’s lifetime of hard won field experience and Shon Rowen’s obsession with manufacturing quality.
The DPx HEAT Hikers are made by White River Knife and Tool Company in Coopersville, MI.
White River Knives is a family operated and owned company who's name is inspired by the White River that runs through the family property in the Manistee National Forest in Michigan. They are passionate about making premium American made knives, with a focus on those used for hunting and fishing. White River offers decades of manufacturing experience with a keen eye for fit and finish.
Professionals that like to lighten their load, love these minimalist but tough 2.1 oz knives with carabiner clip and lightweight Kydex sheath. Manufactured in Michigan from CPM S30V martensitic stainless steel they hold a wicked edge. The steel was developed by Cornell-educated Dick Barber at New York’s Crucible Industries in collaboration with knife-making legend Chris Reeve. The DPx Gear HEAT Hiker is minimalist art that lasts many lifetimes.
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Learn about the legendary man, Billy Waugh and see the knife he inspired: The RYP and Bill Harsey Designed, Billy Waugh DEMO Folder.
RYP first met Billy when he was writing his book Licensed to Kill, Hired Guns in The War on Terror. Driving his cop Harley across the country during the winter, Billy graciously took out time from his wedding day to meet at the local Waffle House.
The two men - one an author, and one an operator, both veterans of numerous hot spots often at the same time - hit it off immediately. They have been fast friends ever since.
Darrell
September 17, 2019
Weren’t the early urban folders made by Florian or a company other than southern grind?