Ed Huntress wrote:
....
First, what you're describing sounds quite a bit like a Red Devil pry bar
that I have -- my thinnest one, which is tapered very thin, about 1-1/2"
wide, and really strong. ...

Like so?
http://tinyurl.com/ycv3vdg

I'd start with something already made if at all possible. It's not that you
need great strength, it's just that you're otherwise dealing with more
variables than it's worth.

I'm beginning to think that starting with something like the Red Devil
is the right way to go. But that some customization is likely. One
problem is that there are a LOT of pry bars online, but I'd really like
to put my hands on them and the best local hardware store doesn't have
that many.

Thanks,
Bob