Klein Tools has launched a new utility knife, model 44309, featuring a pry bar at the front.
This must be the trend these days – I’ve seen a few pry bar utility knives recently, with Klein only being the latest.
The new Klein utility knife looks a lot like their other FlickBlade models, featuring a button lock, lanyard loop, and 2 locking positions for the blade angle.
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The front of the utility knife also has a padded nub, which allows the prying end to apply more leverage.
Klein says that the new utility knife:
effectively handles cutting drywall, opening packages, removing nails, and prying open paint cans.
You can’t use the knife and pry bar at the same time, which makes sense from a safety perspective.
Price: $20
Big question – do you prefer Klein’s approach, or Milwaukee’s? See Milwaukee is Launching a New EDC Utility Knife.
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Kris P
Prybar is way more useful than a bottle opener. I keep saying I’m going to grind off the one on my fastback but haven’t gotten around to it.
norhco
I did that with mine. Those bottle opener tips are sharp and I never use it so I took a Dremel to it.
al
Finally! I loved the Toughbuilt version (which this seems inspired by) but the clip design was very flimsy and I believe they have been discontinued. This is much better to use than the Milwaukee/Gerber slide types
bonnie
Seems handy and I’d definitely take the longer Klein over the stubby Milwaukee.
Matt_T
“Big question – do you prefer Klein’s approach, or Milwaukee’s?”
As a Southpaw the thumb slide on the Milwaukee is a hard NO. I can live with the button lock folder style like the Klein. Though I doubt I’d pay extra for a pry bar if my old Milwaukee folder needs replaced.
D3t
Agreed. Us lefty’s get overlooked when it comes to some tool designs.
Orange Hat
Not a fan of either tool. If I didn’t already have too many utility knives,fixed, sliding, and folding I might buy a Milwaukee Fastback folding utility knife.
I already carry multiple ways to open a paint can so I am not interested in a pry bar wanna be as a gimmick function.
NoahG
Can’t forget the Gerber Prybid. I myself chose the Gerber Lockdown.
Stuart
Good point!
https://toolguyd.com/gerber-prybrid-utility-knife-pry-bar-deal-h2025/
https://toolguyd.com/gerber-gear-prybrid-utility-knife-early-review/
Berg
Of all the folding pry bar utility knives like this from Toughbuilt or the many no name Amazon brands this is the first one I’ve seen where they specifically design the handle scales to complement the pry bar. I’m glad that if Klein is going to take inspiration from other companies they seem to put actual thought into it and try to improve it.
Joe H
No blade spare blade storage? Darn. If only it carried extra blades and also I really like utility knives that lock at 45 degrees in addition to the stand lock position. Those two things would make it a winner for me.
Bonnie
According to the Acme listing it does have a 45 lock position. I think blade storage could get tricky with both the folding action and the reinforced handle for prying. Not a lot of space leftover.
Joe H
I don’t mind a slightly longer hand for blade storage. Hopefully they release a version like that for those who want that.
Blocky
I think I would prefer the Klein, but i use the Olfa LA-X and Tajima equivalent extensively.
Travis
That Olfa is tough to beat. Didn’t think I would like it but really started using and appreciating it over time.
Jared
Before clicking into this post I was actually thinking: “I don’t like pry bars on the ends of my knives, they just poke into my palm”. This is a great solution for that!
While tip-down pocket clips aren’t usually my preference, it makes a lot of sense to keep the pokey prybar end up when it’s in your pocket.
I’ve used the end of my sliding utility blade knives for light prying before (e.g. Olfa), but I know it’s not made for that and I risk ruining the knife.