Why do we all love Atwod tools SOOOO much?

With countycomm, Ray Kirk, Latshaw, Gerber, PocketToolX, and more out there, I don't see the need to hunt for an Atwood. I have a widgy bar, two Raker ring tools, gave my gf an Artifact, and have a carabiner full of other small tools. Still use my Leatherman Wave when I actually have to do something away from the tool box. A small prying job generally gets handled by a Stanley Wonder Bar, since it is a small pry bar.

Kudos for his work, the man has created a fanbase.
 
I think they are a bit silly.

I just don't have $110+ for a keychain bottle opener. For the most part, they are pocket jewelry. I'm glad some other guys can enjoy them, and that Peter Atwood can somehow sell them, but they just aren't for me.

There are much better values out there.

Meh.

Another large part is that I EDC a SAK, a 4 way screwdriver, and have a Vic Spirit in my backpack. Also, I bought 3 Gerber Artifacts for $15 on clearance ( for me, bro, and dad), and I get almost no use out of mine even though I tend to EDC it as well. If I was going minimal, it might be different.
 
Geez guy's...,
I thought it was just me that thought they were WAY Overpriced.
It is a very rare occasion I need a 2" prybar, LOL!!
I would like them if the price was reasonable.
I have one, got it in a trade, NEVER had a "need" to use it, so it sits. I will keep it, just 'cause, but having a "need", I also have a Leatherman Wave, Charge and the smaller one, can't think of the name, plus Gerber Suspension, Artifact and many other knife-tool-thingy's.
I just don't get why someone would spend the kind of money they sell for, but there sure seems to be a market for them out there.
I am 48 and never once have I said "I could sure use that Atwood right now"
As far as a $40 whistle, aren't they like .99 or $2 or $3, I mean, if you want a whistle
For $40, before I bought a whistle, I would get the $1 whistle and a $39 knife:)
 
yablanowitz said:
Sorry jimh0220, but in my opinion, Atwood aims for folks with more money than sense, and he seems to be a pretty good shot. I just don't happen to fall into that catagory. Gadgets are cool, but Enderes makes a keychain prybar that works great and sells for $2.89 at our local farm and ranch store. That makes a lot more sense to me, at least since I actually use it instead of carrying it around to look at.
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What he said! +1!

btw, I don't like them either...
 
I dabbled in Atwoods for a while. I needed to see what all the hubbub was about, but ultimately sold them off. Many people love Atwoods, in the same way many of us love our knives. A good Spyderco can help you survive, but an Atwood tool? Not so much.

No disrespect to those who enjoy them, but count me as one of the ones who find them to be a bit silly.
 
There are many items that fall into this category. Jewelry is one. Bracelets, rings, necklaces, and lanyard beads (particularly those with 3 digit price tags) come to mind.

Whatever you are into. It is all good...just realize that the only rationalization that makes sense to anyone else it that you buy/own it because you want it!
 
I've definitely been interested in Atwood tools, but the equivalent knife I could buy with the money is always too tempting.

It'd be nice if someone made similar tools for around $20-40. I have the widgy bar currently with my keys and that's handled all the light duty prying I ever needed done.
 
Yup, this definitely didn't go the way jimh0220 thought it would :o:).

I think the Atwood tools are functional jewelry, like a watch.
I have wanted a pry baby for a long time, it's the availability that prevents me from getting one.

Inspired by the Atwood, I picked up a Vaughan mini pry bar for like $8, at around 5 inches, it's a handy little tool.
 
The "snob appeal" of Atwoods really bothers me. First, you have to "win" a lottery to be allowed to overspend. No thanks.
 
Stelth said:
The "snob appeal" of Atwoods really bothers me. First, you have to "win" a lottery to be allowed to overspend. No thanks.
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There are a lot of things that have snob appeal included in the price tag, like Ferrari's, I wouldn't mind owning one though ;):D.
 
Atwood is the "original" keychain pry tool maker, is always making new designs and has good craftsmanship. I think this combined with people's desire for random gadgets or trinkets is why he is still in business.

I dont think people buy his tools with utility in mind. Keychain sized prytools dont make any sense.
 
I am too smart to fall for this thread.


Nuh-uh. No way. NOT doing it.

I see what you are doing here ;)


Good one ;)
 
I agree on the pricing but I am getting what I pay for thats for sure so the slightly high price was no big deal. I bought these two things knowing they would be on me all the time and be used. I have a Funnybone on my personal key chain next to my Craftsman four way flat head screw driver and I have a Ti Wroach. in my opinion the Ti Wroach is the most useful of ALL his tools. I use it mostly at work. I wear scrubs so it hangs nicely from the hip drawstring along with a work key. The Funnybone doesnt get nearly as much use as the Wroach but I have always wanted a multi size keychain wrench. I havent seen other Atwood tools that would serve me as well as the Wroach. I am not a collector or profiter I just go with what fits my preferences.
 
kozak6 said:
I think they are a bit silly.

I just don't have $110+ for a keychain bottle opener. For the most part, they are pocket jewelry. I'm glad some other guys can enjoy them, and that Peter Atwood can somehow sell them, but they just aren't for me.

There are much better values out there.

Meh.

Another large part is that I EDC a SAK, a 4 way screwdriver, and have a Vic Spirit in my backpack. Also, I bought 3 Gerber Artifacts for $15 on clearance ( for me, bro, and dad), and I get almost no use out of mine even though I tend to EDC it as well. If I was going minimal, it might be different.
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Thanks, I guess I'm not the only one with this opinion.
 
I used to not find the appeal of them until I stumbled across a pair of BrewDrivers.... +14 tools later, I can't stop buying them :thumbup:

I still don't understand the use of S30V in a pry tool, especially when there are better steels out there (CPM-3V, tougher stainless steels, etc), but that doesn't stop people from buying them up.

I collect anodized Ti Atwood's and the fun part is the search for limited run or rare pieces on various forums and eBay.... plus Peter is a stand-up guy to deal with.

For the doubters out there, my advice is to pick up a lightly used Atwood and check them out. If you don't like it, the secondary market will treat you very well on resell. The Artifact and other crappy mass-produced tools feel like a Mtech vs. a Sebenza compared to Atwoods. Just one small-time collectors opinion...... :thumbup:
 
symphonyincminor said:
I used to not find the appeal of them until I stumbled across a pair of BrewDrivers.... +14 tools later, I can't stop buying them :thumbup:

I still don't understand the use of S30V in a pry tool, especially when there are better steels out there (CPM-3V, tougher stainless steels, etc), but that doesn't stop people from buying them up.

I collect anodized Ti Atwood's and the fun part is the search for limited run or rare pieces on various forums and eBay.... plus Peter is a stand-up guy to deal with.

For the doubters out there, my advice is to pick up a lightly used Atwood and check them out. If you don't like it, the secondary market will treat you very well on resell. The Artifact and other crappy mass-produced tools feel like a Mtech vs. a Sebenza compared to Atwoods. Just one small-time collectors opinion...... :thumbup:
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This has been my experience exactly! I could not have said it better. I have Peter's blog subscribed in my Google reader and I jump on most of his releases... that is, when I'm not too late. I'm a collector and these puppies are very collectible IMHO. :thumbup:
 
symphonyincminor said:
I used to not find the appeal of them until I stumbled across a pair of BrewDrivers.... +14 tools later, I can't stop buying them :thumbup:

I still don't understand the use of S30V in a pry tool, especially when there are better steels out there (CPM-3V, tougher stainless steels, etc), but that doesn't stop people from buying them up.

I collect anodized Ti Atwood's and the fun part is the search for limited run or rare pieces on various forums and eBay.... plus Peter is a stand-up guy to deal with.

For the doubters out there, my advice is to pick up a lightly used Atwood and check them out. If you don't like it, the secondary market will treat you very well on resell. The Artifact and other crappy mass-produced tools feel like a Mtech vs. a Sebenza compared to Atwoods. Just one small-time collectors opinion...... :thumbup:
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Nobody's doubting their collectability, just their usefulness. ;)
 
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I've never found myself in a position to need a prybaby or any other Atwood doodad. Since I'm in my late 50's and still haven't found a need for an Atwood, I don't think I'm missing out on anything by not having one. I'd rather spend the money on another pocket knife.
 
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