Back to working in a car garage...

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SuzukiGS750EZ

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Dec 30, 2008
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Hey guys. I'm back working in yet another car garage, and find myself wanting to carry a knife. I'm afraid to carry the ones i own now because they're all expensive and not something i'm looking forward to ruining or losing if they catch something. I used to carry a Supertool 300 but gave it to my brother. It would mainly be used opening boxes, although the other day I needed one to slice a plastic shroud out from around a blower motor on a chevy van to access it. Not really into razor knives, and i dont think i need a multitool at this place as tools are close enough by where i dont feel the need to have pliers on hand for a backup set. Wondering what other mechanics carry and whatnot. Are knives that come off of tool trucks warrantyable? If so buying off the snapon truck may be worth it to me if broken blades or worn out locks, etc. will be fixed or replaced.
 
I am an ASE verified mechanic by trade. Based off personal preference I would recommend to you (not knowing lock type, size, handle/blade material or price) in the <$50 range an Ontario Utilitac 2, in the 50-100 range a full size Griptilian, the 100-150 range a Spyderco Gayle Bradley (if your ok with carbon steel) or a Manix 2 G10 154CM or S30V (for a stainless option) and in the >$150 range a DPx HEST/f or even one of the ZT 05xx series.

Another direction would be an izula or BK14 you could carry it on your belt so it'd be harder to get snagged on something and loose.
 
Yeah, my knives range from an opinel to a sebenza 21. I do have a full size grip, in D2, but i need something easily sharpenable. I guess i should have been more specific lol, i havent posted in the general section in some time. I'm looking for a pocket knife, under 60$ (online). Blade material isn't a big deal as long as its easily serviceable, lock type can be anything but a slip joint or lockback. I also don't want something i'll fall in love with and protect from smashing into metal lol, but something thats not uncomfortable. Maybe a tanto? I don't own a tanto, but i could imagine the tip being something useful. Do you know if snapon carries warranty on knives?
 
Snap On sells mostly junk. Sometimes they have some Kershaws that cost more than you can find somewhere eose. In most cases, they won't warranty the knife like they do their tools anyways because it's a third party sale.

Second on the Utilitac. I can verify it cuts through radiator hose, wiring harnesses, and scrapes off grease and rust like it was made for it. Mine has seen about a hundred times the use since this picture too.

 
Are you talking about the specific configuration? I have a lot of work in this knife but round handle / tanto is a factory option.
 
Don't be put off by the zytel scales, these don't feel like any other zytel I've ever handled. CRKT M16/14's, Zancudo/Rat 1's & 2's even the mighty Griptilian like doesn't feel like these. Ontario got poly handles right on this one.

The drop point is a recurve so I highly advise you go with the tanto, like you I didn't own another tanto and working in the field I'm very surprised how well suited it is. It is especially good in a "pencil grip" where you hold the blade with the handle resting on the web of your thumb. Gives very precise tip control for things like slitting open wiring harnesses and cutting out DIY gaskets.
 
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I very we'll may go with that knife. Thanks. How's it do with smacking into metal by accident or stripping wiring?
 
Have you seen the cold steel code 4 Tanto? It's a good value( around $75) and has decent steel (Aus 8) with a fairly aggressive Tanto grind blade.
 
SuzukiGS750EZ said:
Hey guys. I'm back working in yet another car garage, and find myself wanting to carry a knife. I'm afraid to carry the ones i own now because they're all expensive and not something i'm looking forward to ruining or losing if they catch something. I used to carry a Supertool 300 but gave it to my brother. It would mainly be used opening boxes, although the other day I needed one to slice a plastic shroud out from around a blower motor on a chevy van to access it. Not really into razor knives, and i dont think i need a multitool at this place as tools are close enough by where i dont feel the need to have pliers on hand for a backup set. Wondering what other mechanics carry and whatnot. Are knives that come off of tool trucks warrantyable? If so buying off the snapon truck may be worth it to me if broken blades or worn out locks, etc. will be fixed or replaced.
Click to expand...

What's a tool truck?
 
I would get a Swiss Army knife. Not expensive, get one with 2 blades, won't scare anyone.
 
I carried a Rat 1 for the longest while I was working in a body shop. Easy to sharpen and plenty tough for the shop.
 
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