Any Sharpened Folding Pry Bars Under $100?

Stubai said:
Folders don't do well with any heavy torsion or prying movements and are subject to gross failure. I have seen many hand injuries related to such behavior, including the failure of liner locks. A trip to the ER will rapidly change your thoughts on abusing a folder in such fashion. That being said, if you insist on a folder, take a look at the Manix, SOG Tomcat or the Buck offerings. These three offer reasonable strength in a folder configuration.
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Thanks for the warning. I know most things in my OP are probably abusive to the idea of a pocket knife. Still I find them to be within the 'expected' use in a Hard Use design.

Is not like I'm going to try to pry open a car door after an accident with a folding knife. Who would try such a thing? ;)

FLIPE8, thx for the link, after I saw so-lo kustom's awesome pics on the 881 I froogled and googled and ebayed and amazoned checking the first 70 hits for ea. of Buck Strider / Buck 881 / Strider 881 without getting such good prices. Now I hope they don't run out before I finally order.

Please NOBODY order before me :).
 
... those Atwood pieces are very cool-looking designs, IMO.


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I'm a carpenter (among other things--- ack!), and the first thing I thought of when I saw this thread was the FatMax Fubar.
FUBAR%201-thumb.jpg




;)
 
Hello, I got the Emerson CQC-8 today and I have some impressions for you. It is not as heavy and thick as I expect form the pics. It seems very strong but probably not much stronger than the Manix. The Manix is a heck of a strong knife but I get the idea that you are looking for a less refined knife. The Manix and CQC-8 are both still good knives for use. Neither seems to be exactly what you are looking for I think.

I feel the need to suggest a tanto blade shape. The tanto is not my favorite shape but I think it makes the most sense in the role you are describing. Various companies make tantos that will suit your needs. I had a BM/Emerson CQC-7 that i got used for about $70. That may be just the ticket. Look for a used CQC-7 and see what turns up.

BTW, my new CQC-8 is actually a very nice knife. It is lighter than I had expected and has the Wave which makes it faster to open that any switchblade ever made.
 
Jerry Hossom's Retribution folder made by Ontario can be had for about that amount and it's definitely a stout fellow.
 
For the job required, and the occupation you're in, why the $100 limit? I have similar hard use requirements and would prefer to carry a small fixed. Since that's out of the question for my primarily office job, I'm going to pick up a Kershaw ZT0300. It's another strider collaboration, and can be found for $230/$250 on the exchange boards.

Of course if you can reach to $250 I'm sure others can come up with many hard use knife suggestions. If the $100 limit is based on principal, have you considered 5~ well built Byrd knives? Specifically the caracara, or possibly a smaller Byrd, so that the tip wouldn't be so apt to pop off.

I remember reading here on the boards of a similar situation that ended with a guy not being truly happy with his edc UNTIL he popped the tip off, because then it was the prybar he had been after.

Edit:
The meadowlark may work?
Cliff's review of the Byrd Pelican, which trades pointy slicing for a stronger blade.
 
Better yet, go to your local hardware store and spend $5 on a mini-prybar or cat's paw. Then spend $71 on a Spyderco Endura (New Graham) a solid, excellent quality knife. Then spend the remaining $24 on beer. I see little value in spending $100 on a knife only to trash it through activities best left to wrecking bars. Knives (despite what has been said) are designed to cut. Just my .02
 
BenchmadeBoy said:
Better yet, go to your local hardware store and spend $5 on a mini-prybar or cat's paw. Then spend $71 on a Spyderco Endura (New Graham) a solid, excellent quality knife. Then spend the remaining $24 on beer. . .
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That is out of the question. After all I can't find neither Guiness nor Grolsh locally anymore :).

As far as to the other recent contributors, I'm sure some of you are REALLY REALLY on the office all the time. I'm usually wearing a piece of silk tied around my neck, but still, this job requires you to get hands-on nto a lot of things you would only do at home with your big toolcase by your side.

On the $100 dollar question, first I will say that aint peanuts. You could say it's a matter of principle, but to be objective I really think the blade maker's art has reached a level where a production folder can take the uses I described abve and just keep going. I know the thread title probably made a few people jump and cry 'Prybar NOoo!' but if you see the actual description of duties I don't think they are too far from what your electrician grandad/uncle/neighbor did with his working blade which was probably a slipjoint.

I think the specific sugestions show that a pocketknife can be a real working tool and still be expected to function reliably.

I'm sure that trying to stem the blood flow from and open gash while trying to sign a listing agreement ("I won't go to the ER without a signed contract!") would be a great closing tool, but the local economy is not that bad yet, AND I like my blood on the inside.

There's a crowbay on my car's trunk, there's also a GAK, a multitool, assorted smaller blades, a first aid kit and five or six pounds of other toys/tools. But I know a clipboard is scary enough for a lot of customers. I can't ring a doorbell looking like I'm going to tear down the home.
 
kgriggs8 said:
Hello, I got the Emerson CQC-8 today...
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kgriggs8, I'm sure you saw so lo kustom's Strider 881 pics before you received the Emerson. Would you say you found the cqc to be as tough (Heavy Duty) looking as the Strider. Or were you a little let down in the looks department after seen the pics of the thick 881?

Thanks for the update.
 
diversionmary,

On the 5 Bird knives comment, I have to say that is exactly what I'm trying to get away from. I don't want to do all that I have to do with a common knife (My SAK Copp Cadet is in my pocket right now and I know it is Not suitable for those uses).

I don't want to buy multiple knives knowing everyday use would take them to the breaking point. I want a TOUGH knife that can take a reasonable edge and can do the types of jobs I've described. After this purchase I do't want to HAVE to buy an EDC knife ever again. Of course we all know we don't HAVE to have most of the knives we own ;).

If anyone is still reading, take for an OT example my wristwatch. I always wanted a Speedmaster PROF. I researched and read and got the catalog, read the forums, etc. Tried it on, searched for good prices / dealers.

So what am I wearing now. The same watch I was wearing the last time I snorkled, when I last shot my 12ga., the one I read the time on when my kid was born (what a scream, good lungs). A Seiko Black Monster.

It does not mean there aren't nicer watches on the maket (Breguet, VC, AP, GP) or tougher hard use watches (G-Shock) but for my everyday use, I want something that is not disposable and yes, something that does not cost and arm and a leg.

Maybe i'm just getting old but I'm trying to move to 'things' that have a good quality/usability ratio. I can reasonably expect my SAK and my watch and my shoes (with resoling) to outlast me. And I think that's a good thing. I looking for the same from my new harder use knife. We will see.
 
I would add a vote for the Buck/ Strider 889, if you can visually inspect the lock prior to purchase.

I've seen some I would not trust, and others, including mine, that lock up as securely as any liner lock I've held. Combined with the blade geo. and thickness, I've pried rocks with it, batoned kindling... And it's still going strong.

May be easier to find than the other Buck/ Strider mod. mentionned, and guaranteed you can find one for well under 100.00$ US.
 
Does if have to be a folder? If not, you might check out a Graham Bros Razel. A little over your price point, but hella stout and still very handy to carry around.
 
The SOG Tomcat was mentioned...I'll second that, as it's a VERY sturdy folder.
 
OrangeJoe said:
diversionmary,

On the 5 Bird knives comment...

I don't want to buy multiple knives ... After this purchase I do't want to HAVE to buy an EDC knife ever again.

If anyone is still reading, take for an OT example my wristwatch...

Maybe i'm just getting old but I'm trying to move to 'things' that have a good quality/usability ratio...
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I understand what you're going for and I hope there is a solution for you. With my long term durable/quality tools, I usually seek out features and do research regardless of price. I don't know if it's absolutely unrealistic to expect a lifetime hard use folding knife for <$100, but it's probably pretty close. Who knows :)

Good luck, take a look at real Striders too.
 
Look at the Wilson Cop Tool for a small prying/cutting tool, or the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. It's thick/cheap and versitile. Good luck, let us know what you decided on.
 
diversionmary said:
I understand what you're going for and I hope there is a solution for you. With my long term durable/quality tools, I usually seek out features and do research regardless of price. I don't know if it's absolutely unrealistic to expect a lifetime hard use folding knife for <$100, but it's probably pretty close. Who knows :)

Good luck, take a look at real Striders too.
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As I understand it (I may be wrong) Emerson has a good repair service so I could be on the same 'knife' even if it has gone back to the shop a few times. Don't know about Buck(881) but I'm guessing since that is a known manufacturer I could also get it fixed short of snapping the blade. Just like good shoes, watches and cars ; you'll probably be able to keep them for life, while putting them through hard use. That doesn't mean they won't get regular maintenance and repair. It probably means they WILL HAVE to be taken care of to last so long. :)

Remember I just sell the homes, I have no intention of playing contractor. My definition of hard use probably got some of the member of this forum laughing at me. :(

So many choices. Now I feel like I have to go out and buy and buy and buy.

I'm just going to have to take a break from this thread, I can feel my wallet geting lighter even as I type this. :)

Will let you all know what I finally choose, when I order/receive it.

Again everyone, thanks for the input!
 
OrangeJoe said:
kgriggs8, I'm sure you saw so lo kustom's Strider 881 pics before you received the Emerson. Would you say you found the cqc to be as tough (Heavy Duty) looking as the Strider. Or were you a little let down in the looks department after seen the pics of the thick 881?

Thanks for the update.
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Hello,
While the Emerson CQC-8 does not appear as stout as the Strider by any means, I can't say I was dissapointed. I don't like folding pry bars really, I just wanted a knife I knew I could trust in a sticky situation. I have a few that I would trust, Spyderco Manix, Military and now the Emerson CQC-8.

For me, the Manix is just over the weight limit that I will carry on a normal day. The Emerson and Military will ride in my pockets no problem. I really don't see a clear winner in strength between the Emerson and Manix. They are both tough knives for sure but they make even tougher ones as well. I feel that you would be well served by either of these knives and I would be very surprised if you ever broke one of them unless you were trying to.

I have a great suggestion for you to check out that may be right up your alley. The Spyderco D'allara Drop Point. It is one heck of a stout knife that would compare very well to either the Emerson or the Manix. In fact, I think it would be better than the Manix for what you have in mind due to the hollow ground blade instead of the flat ground blade on the Manix. The really good news is, it can be had for about half what the Manix or Emerson costs. You can get them new for $60 give or take. Great knife for the money and one really great choice for what you have in mind. I don't know why I didn't think of this knife before.
 
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