Nail breakers! List them!

R

redbird063

Joined
Aug 28, 2012
Messages
156
I just thought it would be a good idea to start a thread where people can list knives that they feel are "nail breakers." It's a good thing to be aware of imo when buying a slippie.

My List:
GEC 78 American Jack(pre break-in)
Northwoods 2-Bladed Madison Barlow(Clip blade only)
 
I would second the 78.
I know some think the 73, but I have only had one 73 that was a nailbreaker. It was a single blade long match-strike pull from 2011. Could not get it open at all. Sent it back
I have a hard time with the secondary pen blades on peanuts. I don't even try anymore.
The punch on the HJ3 is another "blade" I could not get to open.
 
I chipped my honking thumbnail so far down on my 2015 (CPM 154) Indian River Jack, I had to put it up for a while Lol
But this is the only IRJ I've ever handled so don't know if it's typical ... and it has trained me to handle it in such a way as to not chip the nail now HA !!!
I don't name inanimate objects ... but this one ... her name is Annabelle :D
 
I have never honestly run across a "nail breaker" but the earlier GEC #73s, those in the first two years, come close.
 
Definitely my 78.....pre sending it in to be addressed. GEC rocks....2 weeks door to door and fixed her right up. Went from a nail breaker unusable knife to a very workable (still strongest pull I have) knife. Love it now. So do my nails.

Jim
 
The only nail breakers I have are the GEC variety.
#73 Trapper.... this was the first and I sent it to GEC to be lightened. I think I've gotten used to the super strong springs since then.

#36. I have two and one is harder than the other. Thankfully I was smart enough to get the EO versions. Even then they are stiff.

#54, especially the Northwoods Forest Jack, and the #78 are about the same for me.

Personally I love the strong pulls and snaps. I like that not everyone can open them. You should hear other people's comments when they want to borrow your knife and are unable to open it!
 
Worst offender I ever had was a Queen made Bulldog USA Wildcat Driller, the big elephant toenail pattern.

I've had many early GECs which were/are an 8 (#23, 54, 73 mainly), but this Bulldog was a 9+, a true nailbreaker.
 
1987 Winchester 3964 stockman, almost inpossible to get the main open. Stressed the backspring and managed to get it to an 8 pull or so and useable. The nick location doesn't help.
 
Matchstick-pull #73s from 2013 were pretty bad at an 8. A #23 from the early years was more or less impossible for me.
One of my old, old John Lloyds had to be sent back to have the pull lightened. But now it, along with his current production knives, are at a perfect 5-6.
The little #25s have been difficult at times.

But I'd rather have a strong snap that lightens over time than a weak blade that turns floppy in a few decades. Finding old knives (usually cam tangs, mind you!) that have lost all snap is a tragedy for me.
 
cairndude said:
GEC #55 Bear Trap, err...Hound Tooth

View attachment 519521
Click to expand...

Wow, I don't consider this one to be all that bad..... even has a nail nick which makes opening easier than a long pull. I guess everyone's mileage will vary. If you think this is a bear trap, then you better avoid the #54, and most certainly the #36!
 
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