You often hear the phrase "sharpened prybar" to describe a knife designated for rough duty. I am beginning to believe there is a useful role for such an actual prybar, sharpened or not, and one should be handy.

You can obtain prybars in a wide range of sizes and shapes. The smallest I bother with is about 7 inches long, with a right angle leg about one inch which gives it nice leverage. Such prybars are often available in matched sets of varying sizes and they are rather handy and portable. Using my small prybar can spare my good, sharp knives for more suitable tasks; the increased weight is minimal. There are also really midget bars, suitable for key ring carry and they also can come in handy.

I also have more robust bars for heavier duty and a couple reside underneath our bed, waiting until the Big One collapses our dwelling about us and we must pry ourselves (and others) from the wreckage.

Check out the assortment at your local store. I'll bet you will find something useful.