Help needed for my SAK

[mtool78]

I know that these questions must have been asked earlier, but I just want to be sure what I'm doing. As I've told I have old SAK given by my dad in early 80's, scales are pretty worn and there has also been a promoting text (dad got it from Husqvarna after 10/15 years of career) -  what I would like to do is get new black scales for it. I know, MacGyver had red ones but I'd like to try if black ones can do the job...so what do I have to know to get right sized scales and where can I buy 'em without paying too much? Thanks for your help! 

[Reinier]

You should check with Neil (http://www.edcsource.com/Neil-Bees-Hive-of-SAKtivity,name,100034,user_id,shop). First you'll have to determine what size you need, for instance 84mm or 91mm.
Black scales are classy

[Neil]

Measure the length of the SAK closed.  Its most likely going to be 91mm and if so I'm out of stock 

Don't panic though, RotoKid has black scales here or if you want them to have a slot on the back for a pen then get these.

[mtool78]

Thanks for super-fast answers - I measured the scales and those are 91mm. Pen would be nice add-on. Also the spring of scissors is broken and tweezers are missing - and tooth pick looks like it's not been there only for show. 

[Neil]

Rotokid will be able to sort you out with all those spares

I won't have black 91mm scales back in stock for at least a couple of weeks, sorry.

[mtool78]

Thanks - I'll contact Rotokid.  It seems to be that the model of my SAK is "Champion" - which years that one was made? Is there any way to identify exact year or anything - markings maybe? I also found this pic which is pretty much what I'm aiming to http://www.flickr.com/photos/maba18/4696432025/# I guess those scales have been changed or was that model available with black scales?

[Reinier]

Black is/was one of the standard scale colors for the Champion. According to the SAKWiki (http://sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Champion) the Champion was produced until 2003 (give or take a year or many years I'm not sure about this). It was replaced by the Champion Plus around 2003 I believe.
The exact year your knife was manufactured may be hard to determine, but there are some things you could check in order to date your SAK. For example: if the scissors have a screw, it's from before 1991. If it is riveted, it's newer If the reamer/awl has no sewing eye, it's pre-1985. There are more identifiers though.
Do you have any pics of the actual knife?

[mtool78]

Thanks Reinier - I just love those little details which can be used to identify your tool! There is a screw on scissors and awl has no eye - so my guess of early 80's could be right? It looks pretty much like this '85 model. http://www.sakwiki.com/show_image.php?id=786

I actually took the old scales off when you told me that those can be replaced and put in the dishwasher. I'll try to take some pics later.

[Reinier]

This page may also help you date your Champion: http://victorinox.saam007.com/91mmtools.php

Or just post a couple of photos, Neil will probably be able to tell you the exact day your SAK was made

[Neil]

LoL maybe not

If you do take pictures, try and get shots of the tang stamps either side of the main blade as that will help a lot with dating