Slipjointing locking tools

Craig · **on:** May 11, 2009, 09:08:05 PM

Here's a couple of threads from British Blades concerning converting locking multitools to slipjoints which would mean in my case that they would get carried about 100 times more. The first link is a conversion on a Pulse and the second on a Spirit (N.B. despite what it says in the opening post he does tell you how to do it in post 11). The one on the Spirit seems especially good and there is a suggestion on the thread that it might also work on a Swisstool.

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71573&highlight=pulse

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36566&highlight=scissors

I'm considering giving the Victorinox conversion a go. Can anyone give me and idea how much resistance to closing the Spirit or Swisstool would provide as a slipjoint?

Nikos · **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2009, 09:27:53 PM

The temporary Spirit mod was quite interesting. I wonder if that really makes it legal to EDC. Perhaps one of our friendly LEOs could give some insight?

Neil · **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2009, 09:42:45 PM

I've been using on an off a SwissTool with its locks defeated for a while now, ~~because I'm nuts~~ as an experiment.

Initially I was concerned about losing a digit but so far my typing speed has not been impaired

You do have to be careful, the tension on tools is not comparable with a normal SAK though it certainly beats using a non-locking Opinel no.6

I suspect things could be improved by modifying the back spring but both the SwissTool and the Spirit are riveted together so this would require some major surgery. One day I'll probably have a go but its not on my priority list.

Neil

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2009, 10:05:30 PM

I just wish Vic would get around to making a slippy Spirit/Swisstool

appletree_man · **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:37:05 PM

I pondered simply chopping out the locking bar on the Spirit, but i'd have needed a Dremmel or similar. It could be done without dismantling it.

nuphoria · **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:42:05 PM

Ooh, a legal Spirit would certainly get my vote (and pennies)

Leatherman123 · **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2009, 01:26:52 AM

With current knife laws, I can honestly see Vic coming out with a non locking Spirit. The Swisstool is a heavy duty tool, so I don't think they would make it a slippy. It may take them a few years though, as it did the Spirit X!

Nikos · **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2009, 03:43:07 PM

Quote from: NKB on May 11, 2009, 09:42:45 PM

I've been using on an off a SwissTool with its locks defeated for a while now, ~~because I'm nuts~~ as an experiment.

Say Neil, how did you do it and have you consulted with a LEO or similar as to the legality of the mod outcome? I'd very much like to know if a temporary solution (such as the one described in the link in the OP) is deemed enough to avoid a trip to the police dept. if you get searched.

Neil · **Reply #8 on:** May 12, 2009, 05:18:18 PM

I've removed the lock spring and put a little glue under the lock release button to stop it rattling. It is now a slippie. Its not my primary tool so its not been taken out and about.

Neil

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2009, 10:11:40 PM

Quote from: NKB on May 12, 2009, 05:18:18 PM

I've removed the lock spring and put a little glue under the lock release button to stop it rattling. It is now a slippie. Its not my primary tool so its not been taken out and about.

Neil

Can you keep us updated mate

Neil · **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2009, 11:52:17 PM

Will do. I really do need to dismantle it to go any further though

Neil

Nikos · **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2009, 11:55:45 PM

Man I'm on the lookout for 4mm pivots for so long...

US-based knife shops and knifemakers just use imperial sizes and it seems 5/36'' isn't all that popular for pivots (pin stock on the other hand...

) If we could get our hands on such pivots we could probably make our Spirits serviceable!

Hello Lurker! Remove this ad and much more by logging in.