Multitool.org Forum
Tool Talk => Edged Tools => Topic started by: Swiss Reformer on August 21, 2020, 02:28:02 AM
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Hello, everyone.
About a year ago I was using a Kershaw knife to try and pry out a piece of hard plastic out of something it was lodged in. Only a small portion of the blade could get under the plastic. After some strong effort, the tip of the blade just broke off - breaking point was about 3/8 - 1/4 of an inch from the tip.
I was pretty surprised, but later realized I had no basis for any expectations. I didn't suspect steel would break like that under most forms of human pressure. Then again, I have no idea if breaking off was normal or abnormal, considering the circumstances. I probably paid under $40 for the knife (I've tried to find the name of the model, but can't to this point). When closed, it was about 3"-3.5".
Would like to get a feel for whether breakage as above should be considered surprising or not for a Kershaw or similar. Or, would *any* knife of similar size be likely to break given how I used (or misused) it.
Thanks in advance!
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Sorry, Swiss Reformer, but you really can't blame the knife. The knife is meant to cut, not pry. Perhaps a screwdriver or a pry bar would be better suited to the task at hand.
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It depends on the force and the knife.
Some knives have thicker points or more forgiving steel (they will bend rather than break).
You should be able to pry a bit with a knife, though most are not designed for that.
Price is not the issue, rather than the tool design,
As mentioned, a much cheaper screwdriver or pry tool may have fared better.
Some multitools have special pry tools in them, for that.
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Thank you both, much appreciated.
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Breakage not surprising under the circumstances.
A few options to possibly consider for the future:
- For about the same price as a replacement Kershaw, you could get a SAK. Something like a Pioneer would have a main blade that would cut anything the Kershaw would have, and the cap lifter/screwdriver would handle light to medium duty prying.
- If you see more medium to heavy duty prying (relatively speaking) in your future, a well made OPMT/pocket pry bar will take all the punishment you can dish out without using a hammer or cheater.
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I see a lot of knives with broken tips at the flea market. Its not surprising at all as the tip of many knives are thin. I'm a big fan of small pry tool but I understand when the need strikes folks use whats at hand. I'd say its very normal breakage
I hope you could regrind the knife tip as its not a massive break.
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Thank you, Nate. Actually, I've got quite a few SAKs. My problem is while I've got plenty of knives...I've an equal amount of ignorance re: practical application/steel :D
In this particular instance, I wasn't home and just had access to the knife I had at the time...but honestly, even had I been home I would have grabbed whichever knife was closest at hand. Live and learn!
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I see a lot of knives with broken tips at the flea market. Its not surprising at all as the tip of many knives are thin. I'm a big fan of small pry tool but I understand when the need strikes folks use whats at hand. I'd say its very normal breakage
I hope you could regrind the knife tip as its not a massive break.
Regrinding didn't occur to me...I'll have to keep that in mind. Thanks!
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I will say this. My Leek has probably the most fragile tip of any knife in my collection. I only use it for cutting, and I'm still fearful the tip will break. It's barely thicker than a sheet of cardstock at the tip.
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I will say this. My Leek has probably the most fragile tip of any knife in my collection. I only use it for cutting, and I'm still fearful the tip will break. It's barely thicker than a sheet of cardstock at the tip.
Surfing the net I stumbled across the model name of the knife I broke. It was the Amplitude...whose point is somewhat similar to the Leek! Guess I should have known better, but my ignorance was bliss until the break!