Adding a bail to SAK Pioneer (or other SAKs)

[Deinos]

I really, really, really despise the protruding keyring hole on the alox pioneer. It is way too sharp and makes using it with certain grips uncomfortable. I have considered taking a dremel to it, but I like having the ability to add a fob, etc. to it...

So I was wondering, has anyone tried adding a bail or lanyard hole/ring in place of the pin near that end of the scales? I have never had my SAK apart before; is replacing the pin fairly easy? Do they make that specific lanyard ring (or whatever the proper term is for that part)?

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[sabre cat]

Why don't you use a Wenger Soldier/Standard Issue? It is the same basic knife as the Pioneer but has a bail instead. I might even have a spare bail or a full knife somewhere. Let me look around.

Get back to me the end of the week. I will let you know what I find.

 

[Deinos]

Why don't you use a Wenger Soldier/Standard Issue? It is the same basic knife as the Pioneer but has a bail instead. I might even have a spare bail or a full knife somewhere. Let me look around.

Get back to me the end of the week. I will let you know what I find.

Thanks for the info! Had no idea that knife existed. Don’t know why they wouldn’t go the bail route with that knife. Way more useful in size and shape and it doesn’t seem like it would get in the way at all...

 

[sabre cat]

Thanks for the info! Had no idea that knife existed. Don’t know why they wouldn’t go the bail route with that knife. Way more useful in size and shape and it doesn’t seem like it would get in the way at all...

I prefer the Wenger myself. You should know the bail can get in the way of the blade, though. Not a big deal really. Just make sure the bail is not in the path of the blade when you close the knife.

I will dig through my stash of odds and ends for the bail this weekend. If I find it, it's yours. I do have a couple of extra knives but one is not in very good shape. The other is almost perfect. If you are interested, let me know. Maybe we can trade or something.

 

[Deinos]

Yeah, just a matter of paying attention to it on closing (have a beer scout, so used to minding the bail). Appreciate the look, but no rush on it. Let me know what you come up with if you do though! Wenger still including the bail on newer models, or did they give it up entirely? Have never seen it when perusing SAKs.

 

[sabre cat]

Wenger made three knives that were basically the same. First, their Soldier model issued to Swiss troops. No bail on this model.

Second, the Standard Issue (SI). It is made for the commercial market. This is the exact same knife as the Soldier model except it comes with a bail. I have reason to believe Wenger used excess parts from their contracts with the Swiss military in Standard Issue production. Remove the bail and it becomes the Soldier. Some collectors also use the term "Standard Issue" for the government issued Wengers.

Third, the Model 70. Also made for the commercial market. Like the Standard Issue, it offers a bail but, it does not have a production date stamped on the blade. You may find it marketed as a Soldier/SI. However, if there is no production date on the blade, it is not considered a true Soldier model among collectors.

They all look the same if you don't look closely. Hope this helps.