How to change Vic Cadet scales?

[DocT]

I see that Flytanium has scales for the Victorinox Cadet. Since the scales are pinned, how in the world do you change the scales? Also, what sort of attachments are needed for the new scales?

 

[yablanowitz]

Can't be sure without seeing them. Either you have to disassemble the knife and pin it back together with the new scales, or they epoxy onto the existing scales. Probably the latter.

 

[osvcap]

I bought one already set up from a dealer that had the carbon fiber scales. I considering buying another set and doing it myself. I ran across a post somewhere that someone wrote to grind off one side of the pins. When reassembled with the replacement scales, instead of pins it uses screws and nuts. On the nut side scale, the holes are cut to the shape of the nut to prevent it from spinning during assembly. I decided against doing a second one with my semi-arthritic hands.

 

[hsherzfeld]

You can drill out the pins using a 2.5mm drill bit.

 

[DocT]

Thanks! Sounds like a lot of work.

 

[yablanowitz]

It's not for everyone, that's for sure. The two SAKs I carry are both customs I did myself. I don't know that I'd do another now, my fingers aren't as nimble as they used to be.

 

[hsherzfeld]

Thanks! Sounds like a lot of work.

It's definitely a project. A drill press and a vise are very helpful for keeping the drill bit centered on the pin. It's also best to practice on a sacrificial knife that you don't mind destroying. Now, if your plan is to buy custom scales, then you don't have to be as careful in drilling out the pins as you would if you planned on re-using the original scales.

To attach new scales, you either have to peen your own pins out of brass round stock or use another attachment method. I bought some custom-machined threaded pivot barrels and screws on Etsy from a seller in Russia, DE Customs. Much easier than peening brass pins, and a much more attractive end result.

 

[DocT]

These Flytanium scales come with the screws. I'm afraid that I don't have the equipment to do this work any longer. We sold most everything when we moved and I no longer have a garage, even. Well, I will have to look for another solution.