CRKT Ta-Bar Tool- Does it qualify as a one piece tool?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I just took some close ups of the Ta-Bar Tool I brought home from SHOT, and I started to wonder if this qualifies as a one piece tool.



I suppose in the most basic concept the answer would be no, as there are actually four pieces to this tool- the main body, the rubber gasket that holds the bit inboard of the tool, the double ended bit itself, and the kydex sheath, which in reality is numerous parts by the time you count two sheets of kydex and six rivets!



Of course, we consider the Atwood Nibble to be a one piece tool, despite it's three o-rings and one bit in addition to the main body, so I don't think we can really pull the Ta-Bar Tool from the One Piece category.



While I have yet to use the Ta-Bar tool for anything serious, I actually find that I like this tool.  I was initially concerned that the sheath is not likely to hold the blade securely enough to protect the user's hands from the the sharp edge, but I have found that the tool is safe enough to grip without the sheath, provided that you practice the ancient art of keeping your fingers away from the edge.



And, given that the edge is chisel ground, it is pretty well a razor, so you wouldn't really want to get your fingers too close to it if you don't really have to!



The pry bar end feels pretty robust, although given that the Ta-Bar is stainless steel rather than a tool steel, I'm not sure how sturdy it would be for any really heavy prying, but again, given the size of it, I doubt you'd be doing anything that heavy with it.



The bit slot holds the bit pretty solidly, although you want to make sure to hold on to it since there's no retention system.  It does make a nice wrench though.  Assuming there isn't an expense to water jet cutting I'd like to see some additional cutouts in different sizes.



The grip on the backside is quite effective- very grippy, although the grip isn't cut all that cleanly.  Still this is a pre-production model, so there's a very good chance that the production model will be somewhat neater.



With an MSRP of $20, I really think this would represent a good value.  You can probably get it for the $12-15 range which puts it at the same price point as a dedicated small pry bar, but adds the benefits of a wrench, bottle opener, two screwdrivers and a blade. 

Def

[Sazabi]

You're forgetting the ruler, Def.   Still, it does look like an interesting piece of kit... how does it stack against the EOD breacher bar?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'd like to answer that but I don't have the breacher bar to compare.

Def

[Sazabi]

It's alright, Def.  Maybe someone else will be able to compare the pryability of the two tools.

[Mr. Whippy]

Very impressive.  It looks like a real user.  Might have to add that to the CRKT list...

[Neil]

That thing scares the crap out of me.  I really just can't get over having a blade where I'd instinctively want to put my hand.    

[Freudian Frog]

The only reason I wouldn't call it a one-piece tool is because it REQUIRES the sheath to operate the other end of it.

Well, you could go without it. But you can't go without all your blood.

[Sazabi]

The only reason I wouldn't call it a one-piece tool is because it REQUIRES the sheath to operate the other end of it.

Well, you could go without it. But you can't go without all your blood.

Same is said with the Toucan, RingTool, and other bladed one-piece tools, though, Frog. :p

[Freudian Frog]

The only reason I wouldn't call it a one-piece tool is because it REQUIRES the sheath to operate the other end of it.

Well, you could go without it. But you can't go without all your blood.

Same is said with the Toucan, RingTool, and other bladed one-piece tools, though, Frog. :p

Then I call those two-piece tools too! ;P

[donvito]

When I first saw this tool in the CRKT 2010 catalog the burglar in me said They should consider making a version without a blade oxygen wrench and other cut outs like you mentioned Def A blunt tip rescue blade?

[J-sews]

It does look pretty cool but I'd be stabbing myself all the time with it I fear.

[Gadget Guy]

Do they make it in titanium?       Looks like a pretty cool tool for the $$$.   

[BIG-TARGET]

The Ta-Bar is a bit large, but it may squeek by as qualified

[AHB]

I definitely need one of these...
Scary or not...  

[John]

I'm liking it a lot 

When prying out in the field I'd just have to remember to pack kevlar gloves 


 

[M.TEX]

 I think it's ok tool...I don't like that bottle opener , and the shape of the blade.
 But for the price I think  is good to try some Mods....

[MultiMat]

That sure looks natty & at that price what is a couple of sutures  .
I like it

[Grant Lamontagne]

I have to say that the criticism of the bottle opener is unfounded- it works quite well!   

Def

[MultiMat]

Def you sure it is safe to be drinking & using that tool 

[Grant Lamontagne]

On the contrary, I think it's mandatory! 

Def

[MultiMat]

 

Def I hope you have a common blood group  . You go wild man

[J-sews]

Def I hope you have a common blood group  . You go wild man

Hehe

[Grant Lamontagne]

RH+ I think... been so long since I gave blood I can't remember....

Def

[Magnus]

what is the balance like on that thing?  I just cant help but think it would make a great thowing knife/ bo-shuriken

[Neil]

On the contrary, I think it's mandatory! 

Def

What, to have been drinking before buying it   I can see that

[Precise]

As far as safety goes...isn't this on par with the Knife-Wrench?!?

[Woz]

I will get one for sure. Seems to be a nice gadget.

[SlackOne]

As far as safety goes...isn't this on par with the Knife-Wrench?!?

I think I might get one, just to go around singing "Knife-WREEEENCH!  For kids!"

[MultiMat]

MTO laser etching would be cool on this one 

When will these be available 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I dunno yet, but given the interest, a Multitool.org version is very likely!

We'll keep you informed!

Def