El Cheapo knives

[ringzero]

For me, the beautiful thing about cheap knives for EDC is that I can abuse the hell out of them without much regret.

If I get into a situation where something really needs prying, a hole needs to be dug through drywall, something tight up against concrete needs cutting - then I won't hesitate to do it with an el cheapo.

Helping a woman with a broke down car I had to crawl underneath and cut several heavy rubber hanger straps with steel threads inside.  Then I had to pry free a stubborn piece of exhaust pipe.  My EDC KaBar Dozier handled this with no problems, just needed sharpening afterward.

For me, this is the beauty of having multiple identical EDC:  if a tip snaps or an edge chips out, it's no big deal.

1. That knife only cost me 16 bucks.

2. It can be replaced in my pocket with an identical model as soon as I get home.

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Ringzero, it sounds to me like you need a SwissTool Spirit so you can have a true awl and crate opener/pry bar.  If you want to go the cheap route, pick up a County Comm Pry Widgy or a Victorinox Small Tinker for your reamer and prying needs.

The Spirit is a great tool, but I don't EDC a multi because the weight is too much for pocket carry and I won't EDC a belt sheath.

I always have a Vic Tinker in my pocket.  Didn't use the Tinker because I was afraid of damaging it.  I'd rather trash a KaBar Dozier than my beloved Tinker.  ;>

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[american lockpicker]

This reminds me of a long time ago back when I bought stuff that was made anywhere... Well one day I needed a knife and I seen some lockback folders at a drugstore for $6.99 a piece(Stainless China). So I bought one and a week later it was falling apart thumbstud came unscrewed, blade was loose, lock would fail, etc. I bought a new one same knife it lasted a few days. Then I bought a 3rd one it had the thumbstud changed to a rivit but had other problems like the other 2 knives. So I said F*** it I'll buy a decent knife and I took $60 to walmart and found a USA made kershaw for $54 and some change. And I started using it and it lasted me for years. When I finally got bored with it I sold it for $15 and it was well used but still functional. Sure I spent more than I would have on a cheepie but its payed for itself because I didn't need to keep replacing it and when it was no longer of use I was able to sell it and have a bit of money for my next knife purchase.