Do it, Don't do it, Do it, Don't do it....

[Mr. Whippy]

I have this "proto"farmer, I bought from felinevet.







The tools work fine but the scales are dying.    I would love to carry this some but don't want it to fall to pieces.    I thinking of putting on some lovely carbon fiber or carbon kevlar scales, but I'm indecisive.

Therefore, I did the British thing and started a poll (although likely flawed since I'm not British. )

Help.

[Neil]

Nobody vote!  He's not British, he's a very naughty boy! 

Sorry <cough>

Tricky one. Its a pretty uncommon SAK so part of me says preserve.

The scales are pretty dire though, it would be nice to fix it up

Nope, I'm no help

[Swiss Man]

I voted and now it is 100% to fix it up so the people have spoken FIX IT UP

[Mr. Whippy]

[kirk13]

Do it already!Better to compromise the originality and keep it working!

[J-sews]

Is there a similar red-plasticky material that you could make replacement scales from? That way you could fix it up and still sort of pay respect to the heritage of the knife.

[Black Rose]

If it is a prototype, then there can't be that many of them "out there".  From that aspect, I say leave it as is.

But the scales are pretty buggered and the blades are marked up a fair bit.  From that aspect, I say swap the scales.

Joining Neil in the "I'm no help" pool

[Stirling3749]

Yeah do it!

...And then post pics.

[Neil]

Is there a similar red-plasticky material that you could make replacement scales from? That way you could fix it up and still sort of pay respect to the heritage of the knife.

See, I'd be inclined if rescaling to choose a material that couldn't be confused as being of the same era as the knife.  That way making a clear distinction between original parts and those used many years later in a restoration.    A bit like the way if you manage to get permission to add an additional wall within a listed building they'll ask that its made from breeze blocks rather than the stone the house is built from.

[jaydar]

Is there a similar red-plasticky material that you could make replacement scales from? That way you could fix it up and still sort of pay respect to the heritage of the knife.

See, I'd be inclined if rescaling to choose a material that couldn't be confused as being of the same era as the knife.  That way making a clear distinction between original parts and those used many years later in a restoration.    A bit like the way if you manage to get permission to add an additional wall within a listed building they'll ask that its made from breeze blocks rather than the stone the house is built from.

Got to agree with that having something renovated so it retains historical value would be tricky here, I vote for all out renovation nice orange g10  farmer

[Sparky415]

   Buffalo horn   

[Zed]

   Buffalo horn   

me too  G-10 is too new for this classic, 

[MultiMat]

I said 'YES DO IT' , in a Arnie like voice no less  .

If you give it a reno , carbon fiber  , you can even use it (gently of course  ) as it stands you can only look at the battered old bird & hope she does not drop a wing 

[rp252]

The collector in me says leave it as it is, but it'll look really nice if you rescaled it.

I'd go for wood - always looks nice.  Orange G10 would be cool.

I'd give you 6/10 for the poll.  You left out the mint choc chip option 

[jaydar]

Had a dig in the old SAK box

Knew I had one of these







I think this one is a bit older based on the can opener , I dont think this will make a practical EDC as it seems to be carbon steel not stainless

the Tang stamp is just Victoria with the Crossbow

[victor7000]

I have this "proto"farmer, I bought from felinevet.

The tools work fine but the scales are dying.    I would love to carry this some but don't want it to fall to pieces.    I thinking of putting on some lovely carbon fiber or carbon kevlar scales, but I'm indecisive.

Therefore, I did the British thing and started a poll (although likely flawed since I'm not British. )

Help.

I would try to clean it. Use a bit oil and clean up the scales.
Remove carefully the mud and fill up the crack near the bail with a bit epoxy.
If this doesn't work and is not nice for you, you can still replace the scales with nice wood or horn scales.

[Mattexian]

I think it'd look great after a refurbishment.  Maybe you could find a current Vic shield and inlay it to your new scales, to do that "homage" bit, making sure to show it's heritage without worrying about it being mistaken as original.

Matt in Texas

[BIG-TARGET]

Tough call!

[Neil]

I think it'd look great after a refurbishment.  Maybe you could find a current Vic shield and inlay it to your new scales, to do that "homage" bit, making sure to show it's heritage without worrying about it being mistaken as original.

Matt in Texas

Nice idea that

[AimlessWanderer]

I firmly believe that keeping SAK's in captivity and denying them light, air and exercise is cruel and heartless. Let it do what it was born to do - and if it needs attention in order to do so - absolutely. A knife like this should be considered a member of the family, love it cherish it - fondle ... Eh? ... NO - hang on - WOAH!!! Backtrack!!
   
(Don't apply abrasive stones or WD40 to family members either!!)

... care for it, but allow it to have a full and active life ... and if it needs surgery to live a more fulfilling life - then yeah - go for it.
My vote would be for stag, buffalo, or exotic hardwood
 

[Mercury]

That's a toughie.  I couldn't even vote.   

[RageGlow]

I would definitely leave it like it is, well I mean, don't change the scales, but restore it!

Remove the scales (shouldn't be difficult by the looks of it!), clean up, some water-sand-paper (400 or above) in the tools and body, polish the ribits and bail. Like Victor said, a bit epoxy to hold the scales all together and in between the gaps, some matt transparent varnish on the scales (don't use a thick one), a bit rub and its done...

U get a classic looking tool, that is usable and looks great!

But that's just me...