And so it begins.... (My adventures into Alox!)

Reinier · **Reply #1740 on:** March 19, 2014, 07:53:35 PM

It's the same color as my car so I need one too!

Syph007 · **Reply #1741 on:** March 23, 2014, 03:59:05 PM

I've been straining my brain to get some progress on my website www.sakmodder.com

It's getting there. I figured out how to get the popup image things to work. Im now trying to organize all my customs by size and type and list everything on there for people to browse through.

Luckily irfanview has some great bulk image processing modes to add watermarks etc so I think I can get it to work without too much pain.

If I can figure out how, I really want to have some sort of SAK config wizard to help people figure out what is possible in a custom. I used to do web work for a living but that was over 8 yrs ago so alot has changed since then and Im pretty rusty.

I put a link to Gamble's kickstarter campaign there since he did a nice photoshoot with one of my Ti minichamps.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/872996112/the-mini-d-a-modular-dangler

Syph007 · **Reply #1742 on:** March 30, 2014, 03:17:14 AM

Im working on prepping another batch of scales for hard anodize.

I tried to show in this picture how the stock scales look compared to the final anodize.

If you've ever inspected the inner edge of an alox model they are quite rough. You can kind of see what I mean on the far left pic. After I strip them down the jagged edge is very apparent. I sand and buff them so they are nice and shiny smooth, and then when anodized no rough edges.

Jetbo · **Reply #1743 on:** March 30, 2014, 04:20:10 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on March 30, 2014, 03:17:14 AM

Im working on prepping another batch of scales for hard anodize.

(Image removed from quote.)

I like the look of the naked scales what nasty chemicals did you use dip them in to remove the paint?

captain spaulding · **Reply #1744 on:** March 30, 2014, 11:20:43 PM

I like the look of the naked scales as well. I wonder how it would look if you polished the smurf out of a pair.

Syph007 · **Reply #1745 on:** March 31, 2014, 02:45:11 AM

Quote from: Jetbo on March 30, 2014, 04:20:10 PM

I like the look of the naked scales what nasty chemicals did you use dip them in to remove the paint?

Heated 30% NaOH solution with an agitator. Its not the kind of thing you want to do indoors, this is backyard chemistry only.

Syph007 · **Reply #1746 on:** April 01, 2014, 09:39:49 PM

I had another request for a serrated 93 today. I got the serrations pretty even and Im happy with that. I used just a simple tool rest to hold the dremel at constant angle, and clamped the blade down. After the initial cuts I used a sharpening belt on my belt grinder and it turned out nice and sharp.

I tested on a bundle of 10 pieced of paracord and it cut though no problem in one swipe with clean cuts. I think I could cut much more if needed.

So here is a 93mm serrated voyageur.

35Studio · **Reply #1747 on:** April 01, 2014, 09:50:40 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on April 01, 2014, 09:39:49 PM

I had another request for a serrated 93 today. I got the serrations pretty even and Im happy with that. I used just a simple tool rest to hold the dremel at constant angle, and clamped the blade down. After the initial cuts I used a sharpening belt on my belt grinder and it turned out nice and sharp.

I tested on a bundle of 10 pieced of paracord and it cut though no problem in one swipe with clean cuts. I think I could cut much more if needed.

So here is a 93mm serrated voyageur.

This one was for me

. Thanks again for this !! It looks amazing! Cant wait for it to arrive.

Monrogue · **Reply #1748 on:** April 01, 2014, 10:14:30 PM

Quote from: 35Studio on April 01, 2014, 09:50:40 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on April 01, 2014, 09:39:49 PM
I had another request for a serrated 93 today. I got the serrations pretty even and Im happy with that. I used just a simple tool rest to hold the dremel at constant angle, and clamped the blade down. After the initial cuts I used a sharpening belt on my belt grinder and it turned out nice and sharp.

I tested on a bundle of 10 pieced of paracord and it cut though no problem in one swipe with clean cuts. I think I could cut much more if needed.

So here is a 93mm serrated voyageur.

This one was for me . Thanks again for this !! It looks amazing! Cant wait for it to arrive.

Enjoy your custom

Syph does excellent work, and the serrations look great

stealth007s · **Reply #1749 on:** April 02, 2014, 05:50:14 AM

Nice job on the scalloping Robert

MadPlumbarian · **Reply #1750 on:** April 02, 2014, 01:15:50 PM

That serration looks great, well so does the rest of the knife like always, but good job on the serration! JR

spyghost · **Reply #1751 on:** April 03, 2014, 07:22:41 AM

any updates here on the cybertool 34 mod?

i'm owning this model of sak and looking at rebuilding it. my tool has gone a long way and deserves some fine restoration

Syph007 · **Reply #1752 on:** April 03, 2014, 02:39:57 PM

Quote from: spyghost on April 03, 2014, 07:22:41 AM

any updates here on the cybertool 34 mod?

i'm owning this model of sak and looking at rebuilding it. my tool has gone a long way and deserves some fine restoration

Doing a CT is for sure on the list, but thats a harder mod for sure. I can make alox scales that will work but that plastic bit holder would drive me nuts if I left it on an alox conversion. I think it would best to be remade in aluminum and clear hard anodized.

nj2656 · **Reply #1753 on:** April 03, 2014, 06:28:17 PM

A brass bit holder with brass scales and liners. Set small bit drive magnets in the holes. Circuit board engraving on the scales. That would be an interesting CT

Syph007 · **Reply #1754 on:** April 09, 2014, 10:03:13 PM

Here is something a bit different for today. A 4 layer bladeless mod. If I was to carry a bladeless SAK as a companion to a dedicated folder, this would be it. All the essentials are here.

It took me 5 tries to fit the tools on there though an have each tool be accessible and not block a nail nick. I've very happy with how it turned out though.

Monrogue · **Reply #1755 on:** April 09, 2014, 10:06:14 PM

That's really cool Syph

MadPlumbarian · **Reply #1756 on:** April 09, 2014, 10:13:25 PM

Holy tank! Nice one Syph! JR

neillcurrie · **Reply #1757 on:** April 11, 2014, 04:42:22 PM

Syph007
Wondering why you used two springs under the Pliers? Why not just use the spring the pliers originally come with?

Syph007 · **Reply #1758 on:** April 11, 2014, 06:01:32 PM

Quote from: neillcurrie on April 11, 2014, 04:42:22 PM

Syph007
Wondering why you used two springs under the Pliers? Why not just use the spring the pliers originally come with?

Those are for the 91mm saks. They dont work on 93mm alox.

neillcurrie · **Reply #1759 on:** April 11, 2014, 06:38:24 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on April 11, 2014, 06:01:32 PM

Quote from: neillcurrie on April 11, 2014, 04:42:22 PM
Syph007
Wondering why you used two springs under the Pliers? Why not just use the spring the pliers originally come with?

Those are for the 91mm saks. They dont work on 93mm alox.

There must be something I am missing then.
The spring from a backtool-less (pre-92 ??) scissors fits the chassis from an Alox 93mm perfectly after drilling the holes to the correct Alox sizes. I also just lined up springs from 91mm saw and file blades too (also backtool-less), and it also seems like all I'd need to do is increase the hole sizes.
So is there something specific and peculiar about the backtool-less Plier spring that makes it impossible to use similarly?? I don't have a Plier layer to check against.

Syph007 · **Reply #1760 on:** April 11, 2014, 10:16:59 PM

You can get away with using it functionally, but its too short so it will look pretty odd. Theres a thread on here somewhere with pics of what it looks like. Big space at the end.

Syph007 · **Reply #1761 on:** April 11, 2014, 10:22:14 PM

Here'e the thread that explains exactly.

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,29175.0.html

Pic from that thread. See the big gap a the end.

neillcurrie · **Reply #1762 on:** April 11, 2014, 10:52:41 PM

Everything's now clearer!!
Many thanks

hiraethus · **Reply #1763 on:** April 12, 2014, 11:27:59 PM

Since getting my first Cadet a few weeks ago I've come to really like the clean lines of the Alox knives. Now I've got a couple of Pioneers on the way too I've just read this thread from the beginning (re-read, actually) and can't wait to get stuck in to some Alox mods. Really appreciate the work you've put in documenting your work over the last couple of years.

Syph007 · **Reply #1764 on:** April 12, 2014, 11:47:09 PM

Quote from: hiraethus on April 12, 2014, 11:27:59 PM

Since getting my first Cadet a few weeks ago I've come to really like the clean lines of the Alox knives. Now I've got a couple of Pioneers on the way too I've just read this thread from the beginning (re-read, actually) and can't wait to get stuck in to some Alox mods. Really appreciate the work you've put in documenting your work over the last couple of years.

Thanks! Ya its been a fun couple of years and I haven't gotten tired of it yet. There are still plenty of cool things to try. I love alox knives! I did decide to focus though on the 93mm pioneer frame. I can fit just about any tool on there, the springs are nice and symmetrical too. I finished up all 84mm size mods now and I wont be doing any more of those anytime soon. If I ever get back into that size I will be making up custom backsprings for scissors additions. I strongly prefer the pioneer to the cadet though for overall feel and function.

I was just looking over how many donor knives Ive bought since I started and its a bit nutty. Over 300 pioneer/farmer SAKs and about 400 msc cellidor. Mostly compacts/swisschamps/explorers to get the good parts. Oh how I wish I had a friend at the Vic headquarters!

875fps · **Reply #1765 on:** April 14, 2014, 10:32:23 PM

Quote from: Syph007 on March 19, 2014, 12:23:24 AM

Quote from: 875fps on March 17, 2014, 09:54:56 PM
Hey man ... had to register so I could post on your thread. Man you do some absolutely gorgeous work!

I'm extremely interested in modding a few SAKs of my own and there is a TON of useful information here. I'm only on page 23 and can't wait to have time to finish the rest of it.

From what I'm seeing, it would be cheaper in the long run for me to source some brass liners instead of using the stock ones so that I can make tools of different widths without having to spend a ton to rob liners out of other knives.

For your scissor backsprings, what steel are you using? Did I read correctly that you use 440? Is that A, B, or C? I think I found a company that will waterjet them for me, I just need to come up with a template for them. I'm still looking for an anodizer so I can put some color in my work!

From what I can tell, the best way to put scissors in a 93mm is to get a Solo and do some modding to the blade's backspring? I haven't seen exactly what needs to be done to it yet. Can anyone provide a little help on that? I would love to be able to put my Farmer back in my pocket with scissors instead of a saw. It's in a million pieces right now waiting to be put back together. I have a very limited amount of pivots so I want it to be perfect before I start cutting on them!

I have almost everything I need from knifekits. I forgot to add washers to my cart, but after going back and looking it doesn't look like they have any 1/8th ones anyway. I've already taken apart 4 Pioneers and drilled 1/8" pivot holes in them along with a Farmer, and an Explorer (only to find out the Explorer with the gray mag has the longer inline Phillips!!). From what I'm reading you guys extend the pivot barrels into the actual scales. I need to look into doing that. Right now all I've done to my practice SAK is to countersink the middle hole so the torx screw sits flush.

The final part is just acquiring the Alox knives. I can get Farmers on Amazon for $30. Is there a local MT guy that sells them cheaper? I would love to support a local guy if I can.

I love getting my hands dirty and for whatever reason working with these SAKs is very soothing.

Thanks for all the crazy information you're laying on us Syph!!

Hey there. Well you did have to register on THE best forum for SAK enthusiasts if you are that interested in SAKs and modding this is the place to be!

If you need a few extra stock alox liners to avoid cannibalizing new alox for liners I can help you out there. I have quite a few spares and I probably only use stock liners for half my builds.

I dont think knifekits carries 1/8" washers, but usaknifemaker does. Ive also bought msc things from texasknife and knifemaking.com (jantz)

I make my own washers now from shim stock since I need smaller OD ones then any place sells anyhow.

Thanks and sorry for the really late reply ... life with 3 very active kids gets very chaotic at times.

So after I posted this I was able to add scissors to my Farmer by using a backspring from an 91mm with the hook. Yes, there's the cavity in it but, personally, I don't think it looks any worse than the shorter 91mm without the hook, and there's 100% less work involved. It's certainly not pretty but it's my personal one and it's a user and I actually like the Frankenstein look to it.

I think I'm going to be limited on making my own liners and modding backsprings until I get a belt sander, which won't be any time soon so I'm going to stick to bare minimal mods using the stock liners.

I was able to score an Explorer with the shorter Phillips but I haven't been able to take the time to see what all it's going to take to get it added. I think I want to replace the can opener with it so I need to get them all measured to see what washers I need, if any.

I love looking at your pictures, man! You do some beautiful, beautiful work.