The most pocketable fixed-blade on the planet

The Hard Bar - A compact everyday carry fixed blade designed for maximum pocketability, stealth, and convenience.

Despite being a knife guy, I found myself without one far too often (or it was 30 feet away, somewhere in a bag, and I was standing on a ladder). Having a knife with me wasn't enough, I wanted one on me, at all times. Taking out the trash late at night, on on hike, or swinging in my hammock - I didn't want to have to think about it, I just wanted one reliably with me, without any inconvenience.

Typically, compromises have to be made when choosing a fixed blade knife. Knowing that I don't need a lot of blade to cut what I needed, the mission became: make a mini fixed blade, so slim that I would forget it was in my pocket. That's when the Hard Bar was born - it's a compact fixed blade knife designed for everyday carry (EDC). It’s built to be as pocketable as possible, with a slim pry-sheath system that removes the bulk and friction typically associated with carrying a fixed blade.

These were my main friction points in carrying a knife every day:

Bulk

Anything in my pocket is my version of hell on earth, except my phone. I wanted them empty, or at least feeling like they were.

Lack of carry options

A belt clip wasn't an option for me, and sometimes I didn't want others to see a deep carry clip, which immediately gets attention if going through security, like at most venues. When possible, I prefer to remain stealth.

Intimidation

Sure... you can carry a 4" tactical flipper to a date, to the office happy hour, or to the football game, but I felt these scenarios were better suited for something less showy or intimidating. Even when I had a large knife with me, I found myself hesitant to whip it out at certain events. Just as people notice when you're prepared, they notice when you're considerate. In the end, there were many events I was deciding to not bring a knife to.

The knife I designed for myself was made to keep me prepared and them not scared.

Keeping others comfortable was never a major point in why I designed this compact / small fixed blade system, but during the process I realized how important it can actually be. It's hard to quantify this because most people will never tell you that your knife makes them intimidated. If you're lucky, you'll pick up on their body language indicating that they're uncomfortable. A major reason I carry a knife is to be useful to those around me, so the last thing I want to do is come off as a threat. When possible I prefer to fly under the radar.

For me, this is why the Hard Bar is the most pocketable fixed-blade knife on the planet:

1. The pry-sheath is slim and compact - it's also a separate pry-tool. Zero dead-weight.

2. Many carry options - side clip it and forget about it, or toss it in one of the Sanctum phone cases.

3. Stealth, sometimes it’s best to fly under the radar and not make people flinch when you take out your favorite pocket tool.

When you design with intention to remove the friction of daily use, you carry it more and people notice. This has been my biggest everyday carry (EDC) unlock. I now literally have a fixed-blade in my pocket 24/7/365. Never have I been this consistent with carrying a blade. Period.