Can your EDC do this?

[talonturbo]

I read Buzzbait’s thread an enjoyed it thoroughly. I used to EDC a Para about three quarters of the time and a Manix the rest. I ended up buying a SNG (same as Buzzbait’s) and sold both Spydies. But since reading the thread, I’ve really missed my Para. Thought about it lots. Missed its slight edge in slicing ability over the SNG.

However, yesterday, I had to think thing’s over. I have this stupid art/prototyping class as part of my program (mechanical engineering/car parts design). I had to modify this clay-wrapped plastic thing mid class. I needed to cut off part of the high density plastic under the clay, and I needed to do it ASAP, meaning EDC (SNG) or nothing. I sliced through it no problem. But the piece still wouldn’t come free. Since it was partially covered in clay, I couldn’t see the part that I had not cut. There were side supports that were buried and invisible to me.

So, out came the $400 Strider “prybar” again. A screwdriver would not have gotten in there. I reached it back down into its cuts, and began prying. Wouldn’t come loose. Pried harder. Repeatedly. Finally broke it free. Not only did I pry the thick piece of unseen plastic off, but pried off a few chunks of the wood base underneath the project.

The SNG got it done. But this got me thinking. Do I really miss my Para and Manix? Would I have tried that with either of them? Certainly not the Para, and I’m definitely leaning towards a no for the Manix. The pivots and tips just can’t take it. Sure they slice great, but is that honestly all you guys need from an EDC? It obviously isn’t for me. A knife is a tool. It cuts, and that’s the primary use, but not the only one. At least for some of us. I’ve hammered and pried and scraped, but whatever I carry still needs to cut. So for pure cutting ability, I miss my Spydies, but for EDC, I think I need more.

Who needs more than slicing from an EDC? Sometimes slicing isn’t the “life or death” situation you need a knife for. Are you guys prepared?

 

[Esav Benyamin]

That's why my pants have at least 4 pockets and a belt!

Two knives minimum, three more likely, four not unusual ... OK, some of them are for fun. Yes. I've got a tanto SnG. Poke, pry, cut, chop anything.

I could see supplementing the Strider with a small Spydie, like a Cricket or a Kiwi. Or at least a Victorinox Classic.

 

[Joe Dirt]

That's a great story but I don't ever need anything as strong as a Strider. Plus, I just think they are too thick and beefy. I don't like things to be like bricks in my pocket.

I don't use my knives to pry EVER or as a screwdriver EVER.

 

[beefangusbeef]

It sounds like in your line of work you'd be much better suited with a multi-tool unless you like the fashion statement or cooness factor of having a "tactical" knife.

 

[HoB]

I wouldn't pry with the first 0.5" of the tip of a Manix, but if I could get at least 1" or even 1.5" in, I would not hesitate to do some resonable prying with the Manix. If I read your description right, you inserted a good part of the blade in between those pieces?

 

[Buzzbait]

It definitely sounds like you need something more robust than the Para. The Para is a great knife, but I'm not sure that I'd subject it to your needs. It sounds like you've come to the same conclusions as I had. The Para is an awesome knife, but if you need something more robust, The SNG is a dynamite choice.

I might subject the Manix to those same jobs though. The Manix does have a smaller pivot, but the steel liners are probably a much stronger pivot housing than the plain G-10 scale on the SNG. The tips for my Manix and SNG seem to be similar in geometry, with a slight edge to the SNG is strength.

And for the record, I also do some prying here and there, during the coarse of my day. I just don't use the Para. I use an Atwood Prybaby.

http://www.phlaunt.com/atwoodknives/

 

[benh]

I have a bead blast basic PryBaby and use it all the time. It's a great little tool. Prys well and I find it works perfectly to open my beers, too.

I've never seen that shiny brushed finish PryBaby before. Looks like the inner curve of the bottle opener is sharpened?

 

[Buzzbait]

Yep. That's one of the first generation of Prybaby Juniors. I think it was called the Junior. Hard to remember. It had a cord cutter built in. There was also a larger sized model with a diamond hone on one side.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I don't get the whole prybaby thing.

I hardly ever pry on anything. If I do it's with the claw end of a hammer or a crowbar.

What are you guys all prying on all the time that you need to have one of these?

 

[Buzzbait]

I was prying heavy duty staples out of some wood today. Last week, I was prying back aluminum brackets inside of a computer server. I can go for weeks without needing to pry anything, and then get assaulted with prying duties out of nowhere. When it rains, it pours.

Hammers and crowbars don't fit in my pocket either. Hehehehehehe

 

[Rupestris]

In my line of work I need to cut stuff once in a while but never need to pry stuff. What seems to come up more than both of those are small screws, nuts, bolts and small adjustment knobs that tend to stick. A Swiss+Tech tool (not the leatherman type but the keychain type) and a Leatherman Squirt P4 are my EDC's along with the Mini Grip.

If it needs pryin' I need to go to the tool box.

Then again, If I can get both the little EDC tools clamped on I could always yank instaed of pry.

 

[J85909266]

*orders titanium Prybaby in Ice Blue High Voltage pattern*

Damn you Bladeforums!

 

[Chett]

i wouldnt use a $400 knife fer prying, but suit yerself :x

 

[Hondo.3]

I EDC a Razel. I have a lot of confidence in its abilities.

 

[Cliff Stamp]

You will tend to crack the blade on folders before prying, the pivot and such usually isn't a concern. Even Zytel handles are stronger than the blades unless you actually try to break them by prying on the last inch or so of grip.

As for prying with a $$$ folder, you don't buy something built like the Strider folders to actually cut things, they are designed and promoted for heavier work. That being said, Spyderco knives like the Endura and similar have more robust tips due to the sabre grind and lack of distal taper.

-Cliff

 

[Buzzbait]

I EDC a Razel. I have a lot of confidence in its abilities.

Well that's just plain cheating!!!!

 

[Thomas Linton]

A 6" mini wrecking bar available in any Home Depot for < $10 is with me all the time. I'd much rather risk it than an expensive folding knife -- or any expensive knife for that matter.

 

[beefangusbeef]

I just ordered one of the small bugout bars. I find myself repeatedly clearing jammed firearms on the job....... I have chipped more than a few blades going that.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I think you'll like it. I keep a Prybaby on my keyring. It's rare I need it, but when I do, it's the best. Breaking & entering !!

 

[Buzzbait]

I have one of the Micro Bug-Out Bars in my B.O.B. It's an absolute tank!!! It's not exactly a pocket-type tool, like the PryBaby, but you can be confident that it'll get the job done, and you'll never break it. That's for sure.