Fighter/Thief Combo Help

[Zerack]

I am new to the game and had some questions regarding a fighter/thief combo. I basically want to make a pretty pure fighter but I want the ability to open locks and disarm traps. How high would I have to take the thief in order to open most chest in the game? Currently I am a level 5 fighter and a level 1 thief. I also wouldn't mind some of the thiefs offensive skills to supplement my attacks. So basically I want a pretty pure fighter with the ability to open most chest and maybe a little extra offensive power from the thief. Would 3-5 levels of thief accomplish that? Some recommended feats/skills would be appriciated as well.

[Xandax]

I would personally not go much higher then a couple of levels of rogue, unless you really want to stack up on sneakattack or improved evasion.
3-5 levels should be enough in my experience.

I would however not advice to choose it simply to open locks since you can bash them down with a weapon that does elemental damage.

But - others are much better at "building" characters then I am, I usually just mix as I see fit

[Caranthe]

My two coppers..

I agree with Xandax.. Go 2 more Rogue levels for another 16 +2x Int modifier skill points. Max out your 2 desired skills, you should get them up to +12 or something (assuming a Dex bonus of +3 or better).

A for feats, I my book you cannot beat Ambidexterity/TWF/Weapon Focus & Specialization (rapier).
Wit the 3 Rogue levels you'll be doing 6d6+4 base damage on a normal hit, plus 1.5 x Strength bonus. (Although I'm expecting more emphasis on Dex than Str for this character..)

Hope that helps a bit,
Carrie