New ( to me ) Spartan Lite

[sambeaux]

Again, I have some questions and observations. From reading reviews, I was expecting the light in the Spartan Lite to be really pathetic. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it is brighter and more useful than I expected. My question, again, concerns age. The knife is in fantastic shape and was never sharpened. I thought the Spartan Lite was a relatively new knife... It has a pin hold in the scales, has the newest cap lifter, etc.... But the eyeglass screwdriver that came with it is the older round style. Have the Spartan Lites been in production that long? When did Victorinox switch to the hex style eyeglass screwdrivers? How long has the Spartan Lite been in production? Thanks!!

Sam

[sambeaux]

Also, has anyone tried modding a Spartan Lite to add a combo tool and remove the opener layer? It seems like a prime candidate for compacting.

Sam

[jerseydevil]

SAKWiki is your friend!    The LED light was introduced in 2002.  Not sure when the mini screwdriver was changed, it could just be a replacement.  I have several older knives with newer ones, and newer knives with the older style.  I'm not picky about it.  As for the combo tool swap, that would be a pretty useful mod. 

[sambeaux]

Found some info... I looked for the mini screwdriver info on sakwiki, but didn't find it. I found another site: SAAM? That had info on the mini screwdriver. Apparently, the model I have was used from 2002-2008. It is round, has PAT on it, but uses the new style squared blade instead of the old style tapered shaft.

This may be the basis for my first mod. Now I just need to get my hands on a 91mm combo tool.

Sam

[enki_ck]

Yup, that's the site of one of our members. It's listed on the wiki also.

[Luna Knife]

Another fan of the spartan lite here.

I keep mine in a cowhide sheath I wear for dressing up. People cheer when you are the only one with a corkscrew and wine needs opening.

It the sheath prevents the light from accidentially coming on in your pocket and draining the battery.

[SAK Guy]

I like mine! Just bright enough for a trip to the bathroom in the dead of night!

What color scales on yours?

Mine.

[sambeaux]

Mine is wearing Ruby Red. I didn't know they came in other colors.

If I go through with the mod, I'll probably upgrade her to Ruby Red plus scales.

I measured it side by side with my Trail Guide and it looks like the Lite layer is exactly the same width as the metal saw and scissors layers combined... So... the end result should be the same size as the Trail Guide.

I like the leather sheath idea.

My girlfriend and some of her friends enjoy the occasional bottle of wine. I've been the hero more than once for having a corkscrew handy.

Sam

[jazzbass]

Also, has anyone tried modding a Spartan Lite to add a combo tool and remove the opener layer? It seems like a prime candidate for compacting.

Sam

Like this? http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,27590.msg486398.html#msg486398. I made this years ago for another MTO member.

BTW, I can usually date an 84mm or 91mm Victorinox knife to with a few years if you post pictures. Good pictures with the tools open, stampings/markings visible, etc.

My notes show that the hex shaped mini screwdriver appeared in 2010. The bronze rivet dates to late 2009 according to my evidence, even though Victorinox says 2007.

[SAK Guy]

Once again, I love this place!

[HarleyXJGuy]

Also, has anyone tried modding a Spartan Lite to add a combo tool and remove the opener layer? It seems like a prime candidate for compacting.

Sam

Like this? http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,27590.msg486398.html#msg486398. I made this years ago for another MTO member.

BTW, I can usually date an 84mm or 91mm Victorinox knife to with a few years if you post pictures. Good pictures with the tools open, stampings/markings visible, etc.

My notes show that the hex shaped mini screwdriver appeared in 2010. The bronze rivet dates to late 2009 according to my evidence, even though Victorinox says 2007.

Can not see the pics but I am betting it is a great knife. Scientist is a model I am very interested in.

Also would love to post up some pics of my OC Pioneer to get a better idea of when it was made.

[sambeaux]

That looks PERFECT! I tried searching around to see if anyone had made one, but I had no luck. It's always good to get an idea of what the end result will be. Thanks!

I'll try to get some pics posted in the morning if I get a chance. If not, then perhaps tomorrow night.

Thanks again.

Sam