3D Printers

[meanx]

I wonder in the not so distance future as 3D printers and print materials get more sophisticated will one be able to order a SAK online and print it at home,  only problem is who is going to do the quality inspection. 

I hope to post a plastic 3D printed SAK in the next month or two.

[nuphoria]

Interesting concept, and perhaps something with a serious likelihood of happening.

I'd be happy to be able to print parts, like 84mm scissors, then use them in all kinds of mods

[jeroen.thys.37]

Nice idea! You could create custom scales. 

[Lynn LeFey]

In theory, it sounds neat. In reality, the steel used in MTs is not just good steel, but heat treated, something that you can't just print out.

Next, no printer's resolution could match the resolution of blade edges, so those would have to be done yourself.

However, as jeroen said, it WOULD be possible to make you own scales, which in itself opens up some interesting possibilities.

[?eter]

I have some 3d printed nylon and steel objects at home. The nylon surface finish is not great - very porous. The stainless steel is fantastic, with good density and nice finish. I don't know what hte edge-holding is like though...

[meanx]

I have some 3d printed nylon and steel objects at home. The nylon surface finish is not great - very porous. The stainless steel is fantastic, with good density and nice finish. I don't know what hte edge-holding is like though...

I believe so, but I'm sure with the right nylon printing material one would be able to get a nice smooth finish and then with a good polish get a nice gloss finish for scales, the shield can be inlayed printed in the scales.

[?eter]

The 'detail' plastics here have a nice finish, although they are acrylic resins, not nylon: http://www.shapeways.com/materials