SAK Handles

C

chessmann

Joined
Aug 30, 2001
Messages
13
Hello, all - first time poster, here.

I love SAK's, particularly Victorinox. I collect as well.

I also like keeping the scales as new-looking as possible, but they seem to scuff easily, and get a lot of tiny "scratch lines" on them.

Is there any way to (safely, and without harm to the scales):

1) Buff out, or remove light scratches and scuffs?

2) Apply a solution that will provide a protective coating to the scales?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Mark
 
Welcome to BFC, chessman.

Have you ever tried simply using some 1500 or 2000 grit sandpaper? Considering the polish this can put on steel, I'd imagine it would work fairly well on a SAK handle as well. You may also want to try some of the polishing/buffing compounds sold in automotive stores for removing scratches from car paint. But be sure to experiment on an inexpensive knife first just in case these might cause the surface of the handle to become hazy.

As far as protection goes, I don't know what harm could be done by applying a car wax to the handles, though your best bet would probably entail simply purchasing a good pouch in which to carry your SAK.
 
>" ... your best bet would probably entail simply purchasing a good pouch in which to carry your SAK."

Sounds cool. Can you get one online anywhere? (I don't mean a belt pouch, I mean one that you keep in your pocket.) Thanks!
 
Or....here's another thought. My Climber had paint on the sides and the blades and was missing its tweezers so I asked Victorinox about it and they said, send it back. So I did and they put new shiny handles on and a new pair of tweezers. Plus one of those new screwdrivers in the corkscrew.

No questions asked, no charge made.:) :) :)

www.victorinox.ch
 
Thanks for the info!

Actually, I have sheaths to hold them. Unfortunately, most of the minor damage comes when I *remove* the knife from the sheath to use it for some task.

Hope there are more good ideas out there!

Mark
 
Sounds to me like Claidheamh the Elder has the best suggestion yet.:D

Welcome aboard, CM.:)
 
Just to report results:

I tried some Turtle Wax. Didn;t do anything as far as glossing it up. So I assume it did not "take" to the plastic surface. I will try Future Floor Wax today - I know plastic model builders use it to "seal" the paint jobs on their models. It is designed to go on plastic well - if "cellidor" IS plastic.

Someting that did work was Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound. Really smoothed out the surface. Have to use a completely non-abrasive cloth, though. Cheesecloth, for example.

Don't really want to send knives off to Victorinox (or USA rep). I enjoy trying to do it myself. However, I have emailed and asked for their recommendations.

Stay tuned.

Mark
 
Unfortunately, every plastic handled SAK will end up with scratches, but you can maintain the "look" by using a metal polish like Flitz and lightly buff the scales. It works.:)
 
El Cid,

Thanks for the idea. I have never heard of Flitz. Is it available at Auto Parts stores? Where can I get some to try.

At lunch I went home and tried my idea of Future Floor Polish. It is acrylic (water) based, so will do no harm to the scales.

I will probably have to wait till it dries totally hard, but the effect was FANTASTIC! The scales are a beautiful shiny red - like brand new (except for the nicks, of course)! I may try to put two to three coats of Future on, then put it through some heavy use to see how it holds up.

Heck, Future is made for your floors, so it has to have SOME sturdiness to it!

Stay tuned!

Mark
:D :D
 
I bought a tube of it at a Home Improvement store about 6 or 7 months ago, but you can use any metal polish like Metal-Glo or the ones sold at most sporting goods shops. If you're in the U.S. try your local Wal-Mart or K-Mart. Don't use too much paste, a lttle dab will suffice, and lightly buff the scales.
 
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