Modifications to Swiss Army Knives

SuzukiGS750EZ · Jul 12, 2009

Are there any of you who have modified or do modify your swiss army knives somehow? Whether it's to a tool, making an add on, whatever.

orca8589 · Jul 12, 2009

I've added wooden scales, and re-ground a couple of tools, but that's the extent of my mods. Others here have done some amazing things with SAK's.

Here's a link to a thread in the embellishment forum on scales:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=637767&highlight=swiss

and adding/removing tools:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=642113&highlight=scissors

thx - cpr

SuzukiGS750EZ · Jul 12, 2009

Care to post pics/what you did?

orca8589 · Jul 12, 2009

SuzukiGS750EZ said:
Care to post pics/what you did?

I wish I could, but we don't have a digital camera. My phone pics won't show enough detail of the scale work, and the tool mods (I ground a screwdriver a little thinner, among other small thing like that) were small enough that I'd need a fairly good macro-shot to show them.

I hope the links above are informative.

thx - cpr

SuzukiGS750EZ · Jul 12, 2009

Thanks i really appreciate it.

Gareth UK · Jul 13, 2009

I play around with modding SAKs, maybe doing around a dozen or so. There are others who do far more than I to a very high standard, I'm strictly a hobbyist compared to some. I did write a "how-to" if you fancied having a go yourself.

http://www.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=435&Itemid=35

ScottK · Jul 21, 2009

I have a few pix of modded SAKS on my website: http://www.knifecooperative.com

Mike L. · Jul 21, 2009

Here's some I have done.

SuzukiGS750EZ · Jul 21, 2009

I Love those!

Mike L. · Jul 21, 2009

Thanks!

Buzzbait · Jul 22, 2009

I've done a few sets of scales.

I've also modified some of the tools.

SuzukiGS750EZ · Jul 22, 2009

I like the wirestripper mod, how did you do that?

Buzzbait · Jul 22, 2009

SuzukiGS750EZ said:
I like the wirestripper mod, how did you do that?

A started the shape of the groove with a small round hobby file. Once the initial shape was created, I did most of the work with a fine grinding bit on a Dremel tool. A have a Buddy who used to work for a federal arsenal. He gave me some totally awesome small grinding bits. I'd just grind a bit, dunk the tool in some water to cool things down, grind some more, dunk some more...... The Dremel work took about 15 minutes.

SuzukiGS750EZ · Jul 22, 2009

Thats one mod i would do to all my tools. Why they don't sharpen it on the SAK's i have not a clue.

orca8589 · Jul 23, 2009

Buzzbait - share some notes on working with the micarta material for the scales? GREAT work there. I've done a few with wood, but I'd like to work in some micarta on some of mine.

thx - cpr

Charlie Fox · Jul 23, 2009

ScottK said:
I have a few pix of modded SAKS on my website: http://www.knifecooperative.com

E-mail incoming!

Buzzbait · Jul 24, 2009

orca8589 said:
Buzzbait - share some notes on working with the micarta material for the scales? GREAT work there. I've done a few with wood, but I'd like to work in some micarta on some of mine.

I've never done wood scales, but have worked with wood before. I don't think the procedure would change much. Saws, grinding bits and sandpaper work great on micarta. The micarta may dull things more quickly though. I do switch over to wet/dry paper for the finishing touches. The big difference is the dust. You need to wear a respirator when using micarta. The dust is nasty enough that I won't even do the work in my garage. I drag a table and chair outside, and work in the open air.

Buck_Fan · Jul 27, 2009

I did my first one. Still going to do one more coat of tung oil. The wood is Buckeye burl.

Harayasu · Jul 28, 2009

That is a nice piece of work. I like knives with wooden handles, it gives me a back to basics feeling.

Gareth UK · Jul 28, 2009

Here are some of mine.

These are all non-standard SAKs i.e they have never been produced by Victorinox. I've also done quite a few re-creations of rare and retired tools.