Dynasty Series Wenger. How are the scales held on?

[PTRSAK]

I just got a slightly pocket work Ivanhoe that has a broken corkscrew as its main fault.

I would like to pull it apart and replace the broken tool and perhaps also upgrade it to a Gawain by adding scissors...

BUT, I can't see how the scales are held on and I don't want to go levering at them risking breakage if there is a "trick" to getting them off.

I'm guessing they are held on with some form of adhesive (glue or tape) and either heating or freezing will make it easy to pop them off damage free.

So, anybody know for sure?

[PTRSAK]

...okay, I got it.    While giving Ivanhoe a bath I rinsed him with hot, hot water and after that the scales would move slightly while gently prying under one end.

Managed to slip a thin blade in and cut the adhesive as I went and the scales came off fairly easily.
It's that sticky gummy stuff that never really dries.

So, there you have it.

[basilio]

Thank you!
I recently found a King Arthur with worn scales, and was just thinking about a way to replace them.
For the moment I used a black marker for cd's and dvd's, to cover the spots where the black finish went off.
The result is not too bad, and the paint seems to say there.

[North Man]

the scales is just incredible well made, it seem adhesive is used on other products also, the wood on EvoWood is a tape of kind if i remember info, anybody ever seen scales fall of on any product by the brand, it may be possible to happen with adhesives, ?ps since someone will or have removed the scales, i would love to see pictures of it, front and back?

[lowtech]

This is valuable Information, thanks!

And as North man says, any pics? Makes it easier to decide where to insert the blade.

[ICanFixThat]

Yup... good info, thanks for the informationn I've always wondered.

[PTRSAK]

With the back scale, I found the best place to lever against was the (broken) corkscrew.
I levered gently with the SAK blade until I could slip the Exacto blade between the scales and the side liners. Then it was just a case of keeping the pressure on and gradually cutting away the adhesive. As you go it gets easier until the scale hinges up on what's left of the glue. It appears to be a transfer tape type adhesive.



The front scale was a little harder as it didn't have the corkscrew cutout. Levering at the Awl had next to no effect with the pressure I was happy applying. Although the scales are pretty worn, I didn't want to damage the finish any further.
In the end (no pun intended) I found this to be the most successful..



I used the spine of the SAK blade and after about 10-15 seconds of firm but gentle pressure the scale lifted enough to get the hobby knife blade in and begin cutting the glue.

Even being careful I still managed to scratch the scale where I was levering... D'oh!

This last pic is after cleaning up the gummy mess of the adhesive.  it's like Sellotape residue, the easiest way to remove it is roll it off with your fingers.



I think that after doing this one I would even feel confident getting the scales off the Stainless Golf Pro that I picked up recently. Seems sacrilege to rip apart a BNIB uncommon (I won't say rare) knife... But something in my brain is whispering about a Stainless Nomad with pliers.

[Wootz]

There should definitely be more stainless saks! 

[North Man]

thanks alot for pictures

[lowtech]

thanks alot for pictures

What he said. 

[MARIOS7319]

Valuable info and nice photos. 

[papercut]

Nice info!  I was wondering the same thing myself.

[basilio]

Very good informations, thanks!

[papercut]

Really enjoying my Galahad Lock.  I am having trouble with sharpening the blade though, is the steel standard SAK steel?

I need to pick up a Gawain at some point too.