That said, the basic pry bar design hasn’t seen much innovation—until now. Enter Rob van Dyck, a Vancouver-based designer with a vision. Rob saw the potential to blend two tools: the classic pry bar and the fixed-blade knife. With that goal in mind, he created Sanctum Brand and their debut product, The Hard Bar. While deceptively simple in appearance, this tool is the result of extensive research and development, reimagining what an EDC multitool can be.
The Hard Bar features a titanium pry bar that securely houses a compact fixed blade using Sanctum’s proprietary Click-Lock system. This innovative mechanism allows for single-handed deployment, with satisfying haptic feedback when the blade locks into the pry. It’s practical, fidget-friendly, and undeniably cool.
The prototype I’ve been testing features a blade made from D2 steel, though the production version will upgrade to 14C28N stainless steel—a welcome improvement for edge retention and corrosion resistance. The Hard Bar measures 134 mm (5.28") long and weighs 73 g (2.57 oz), striking an excellent balance between size and portability. Its weight feels deceptively light thanks to the space milled for the knife, making it a breeze to carry.
Design and Functionality
Visually, the titanium pry bar is both sleek and rugged, with a finish that promises to age gracefully while hiding wear and tear. The SANCTUM branding is subtle and tasteful, avoiding the billboard-style logos that plague many EDC products. Additional features include an integrated pocket clip, which fits snugly over a variety of pocket materials, and a lanyard hole for additional carry options. The Ultem inlay is more than just a pop of color—it’s a crucial component of the locking mechanism, seamlessly blending aesthetics and functionality.
The blade is equally well thought out. Though compact, it’s designed to serve as either a backup blade for EDC enthusiasts or a primary blade for those who need one occasionally. It deploys via a small nub, which breaks the spring tension and allows you to slide it out smoothly. The sheepsfoot blade shape is highly utilitarian, making it perfect for everyday tasks. It arrived razor-sharp, a testament to the attention Rob has given to edge geometry.
The blade is skeletonized, reducing weight without sacrificing functionality. The jimping along the spine provides ample grip, ensuring it stays firmly in hand during use. While the index finger groove could be slightly larger, it’s not a deal-breaker, as this isn’t a knife designed for heavy-duty tasks like breaking down boxes all day. A bottle opener at the blade’s top rounds out the tool—a common addition to pry bars but still handy to have.
What truly sets The Hard Bar apart is its versatility. For those who aren’t drawn to pry bars, Sanctum Brand has an alternative: a version of the knife that attaches directly to a cell phone case. This unique feature transforms your phone into an EDC multitool, offering a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of pry bars or just want a compact blade always within reach, this innovation broadens the appeal of the Hard Bar.
Final Thoughts
The Hard Bar represents a new breed of pry bar and is a game-changer for the genre. It’s thoughtfully designed, expertly crafted, and packed with features that elevate it beyond the competition. Rob van Dyck’s passion for innovation and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of this tool.
With its clever integration of a blade and pry bar, and the option to attach the knife to a cell phone case, The Hard Bar is a versatile, space-saving solution for EDC enthusiasts. It’s not just a tool—it’s a testament to what happens when you think outside the box. I’m excited to see what else Sanctum Brand has in store for the future.
