Curious what people think…. If a purpose-built tool existed specifically for opening graded slabs safely that doesn’t use hand tools and eliminates most of the risk to the card when opening a slab, would you buy something like that? Would you feel more comfortable using a table top tool specifically designed for this rather than trying existing methods that use hand tools or power tools? Got in an debate with a friend over this one. I think there would be a market for this, he thinks people would continue using existing methods. Thoughts?
I use a little hand saw and flathead and have cracked probably 500 slabs or so. Only damaged one card many years ago when I was rushing and not paying attention. It’s not so hard you’ll get used to it
One already exists 
Personally no. I feel like this would incentivize companies to change their slab more often. Good ol biters, and screwdriver never fail me.
Also no tool is perfect, so if one messes up the card and its not a user error would that company pay market to compensate me?
That is an interesting consideration but I feel like any company that made something like this would include disclaimers that they are not liable for any damage to your card through the use or improper use of the product. There is no way a company could police fraud on this. What would stop someone from cracking a 7 and saying they cracked a 10 and now it was damaged? It would be hard ever prove if the product itself damaged the card or the user did accidentally in some way. Definitely food for thought though, thanks for your reply.
Id like to think for any slab cracking the person in question will consider the risk. I do think the idea can marketed towards specific people, but overall wouldnt be very popular in the community. It would be right up there with Kurt if Im being honest.
I can appreciate that perspective. Not sure on the popularity in the community but people are going to crack slabs whether there is a specific tool or not. I see people asking about it and talking about it all the time. I think it would have to be marketed towards cracking for resubmission or personal collection preference rather than cracking just to crack them. I am more in the sports card community so not sure if the TCG community has differing views.
Cracking slabs? It’s been known to happen but I like to take them out to dinner first
Literally laughed out loud. Scared my dog
I thought about this the other day and considered finding a way to make a machine or something to sell. Problem is that:
PSA: a bottle opener costs $5 and does the job beautifully.
BGS & CGC: idk what machine you could make that would be able to crack from different companies safely.
SGC: take a tiny screwdriver and put it in the sides. Literally the easiest thing ever.
TAG: hands’ll do