Does anyone know a cheap alternative to the shiro bits?

[Straightfromtheinkwell]

I'm aware you can use anything for the pivot but the rest of the hardware you really do need the specialized bits

 

[TRfromMT]

You want cheap… how’s this? Make your own. I made my own out of a nickel. Just file it until it is thin enough on one edge, then a couple corners to make it the width of a narrow screwdriver bit. I liked it because the nickel was softer than the screw head so it didn’t scratch it. I’ve made pivot tools for other knives out of nickels as well, such as a Hinderer that is a wide screwdriver with a slot in the middle removed.

 

[Straightfromtheinkwell]

You want cheap… how’s this? Make your own. I made my own out of a nickel. Just file it until it is thin enough on one edge, then a couple corners to make it the width of a narrow screwdriver bit. I liked it because the nickel was softer than the screw head so it didn’t scratch it. I’ve made pivot tools for other knives out of nickels as well, such as a Hinderer that is a wide screwdriver with a slot in the middle removed.

maybe but shiro uses male screws sometimes and idk how I'd make my own bit for one of those

 

[scorpnsnake]

3D print shop will sort it quick and cheap.

 

[Jsega51]

I have the bits from REK knives that work great

 

[BluegrassBrian]

You want cheap… how’s this? Make your own. I made my own out of a nickel. Just file it until it is thin enough on one edge, then a couple corners to make it the width of a narrow screwdriver bit. I liked it because the nickel was softer than the screw head so it didn’t scratch it. I’ve made pivot tools for other knives out of nickels as well, such as a Hinderer that is a wide screwdriver with a slot in the middle removed.

You just use little diamond files or what? I may try that.

I have the bits from REK knives that work great

REK bits work on Shiro hardware? Do you have a pic or link to illustrate? I'll have to seat around for that..
EDIT: REK makes an actual Shiro tool with bits..


Good to know

 

[ferider]

Not sure what cheap means for a > $500 knife. Check out Josh's website: https://rek-products.myshopify.com/products/shirogorov-tool-bits

PS: posted parallel to Jacob ....

 

[TRfromMT]

You just use little diamond files or what? I may try that.

I have a couple small (6”), thin hobby files.

 

[Jsega51]

REK bits work on Shiro hardware? Do you have a pic or link to illustrate? I'll have to seat around for that..

Josh at REK knives made bits for Shiro knives, link posted above!

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

I’m still trying to wrap my head around why someone would want cheap bits to work on an expensive knife.

 

[Jsega51]

Not sure what cheap means for a > $500 knife. Check out Josh's website: https://rek-products.myshopify.com/products/shirogorov-tool-bits

PS: posted parallel to Jacob ....

Heck yeah, thanks for getting the link so fast! The bits as a set runs $175 but if you get the tool and bits direct from Shiro when they make them, you’ll pay $350+ so the REK option doesn’t seem too bad, they’re really nice quality too.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Also, I believe the Shiro bits from REK are discontinued, so when they are gone, they’re gone.

Then the option will be to make your own or buy from Shiro.

 

[BluegrassBrian]

I’m still trying to wrap my head around why someone would want cheap bits to work on an expensive knife.

Availability is one factor.
Shirogorov, Microtech, CKF, and more have sold tools for their hardware but they tend to sell out quickly.

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Availability is one factor.
Shirogorov, Microtech, CKF, and more have sold tools for their hardware but they tend to sell out quickly.

Availability does not coincide with “cheap.”

 

[BluegrassBrian]

Availability does not coincide with “cheap.”

Does the cost really matter if the tool works?

 

[Sharp & Fiery]

Does the cost really matter if the tool works?

That’s my point too.

The title of the thread is “cheap alternatives.”

 

[Jsega51]

I think we’re all in agreement that there just aren’t “cheap” options other than using a nickel from your change cup, which I have done and have had to still do even after buying the REK bits, sometimes a screw just works loose!

I wish Shiro would make more of those little round tools with the different sized nubs around the outside of it, i forget the name or nickname that they had.

 

[jjg6319]

Did you guys ever look through McMaster Carr?? Maybe you can find something close and modify it.

I found spanner bits there for the Hinderers (see below link):

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[eveled]

Did you guys ever look through McMaster Carr?? Maybe you can find something close and modify it.

I found spanner bits there for the Hinderers (see below link):

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Put “bit” into their search bar the results are mind blowing.

 

[Jsega51]

Did you guys ever look through McMaster Carr?? Maybe you can find something close and modify it.

I found spanner bits there for the Hinderers (see below link):

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Here’s a little caveat though, Shirogorov makes all their own hardware, the screws and barrels are made from Ti and using hardened steel bits (or screwdrivers) tend to chew up the edges of the Ti heads, the specific bits made for these knives are actually tapered in a way to prevent this. Cheap options may be out there but it’s not worth sacrificing expensive knife parts.