58mm Scale removal... suggestions?

[RedRamage]

I'm thinking of taking off the silvertech scales on a SwissLite that I have.  I want to do a little experimenting with this knife, but I DON'T want to damage/break the scales.  I'd like to keep them in good condition to be reused.

And suggestions on how to go about doing this?  What's the best method?

[kkokkolis]

I've done it easily with the Watchmaker's blade of my XAVT but you might use any knife. Just be gentle.

[Fattsgalore]

All you need is a utility knife/box cutter. All my 58mm have been removed with a simple UT/BC knife. The thin blade slides underneath the scales rather easy. With Sig lites I start from the little hole that's used for pushing out the battery and the pen side next to the pen slide.

Another thing that may help with an easy removal is using a hair dryer or heat gun to warm up the scales before removal. That and take it slow.

I've put 58mm Silvertechs on a Bijou and Minichamp and 91mm ST on a Cybertool34...
It's always a good look...

[Syph007]

Yes a hairdryer to warm a bit (or sit in front of a heater for a bit) and a small blade and they pop right off undamaged. 

[kkokkolis]

Forgot to mention that you might put the blade first where the tweezers/toothpick tunnel exit is.

[M0rkoni]

Excellent tips, guys. That should be it, I have nothing else to add. 
 
 

[RedRamage]

Did the surgery today.  My wife has a heat gun for craft embossing, which worked really really well.  Heated up the edges and a little prying with the watch tool and it popped off pretty well.

Just to add, it also helped to heat it when I put it back together.  One side wasn't popping back on well, so shot it with a little heat and it pushed on well.