Need some feedback on doing 91mm Ti mods.

[Syph007]

Hello all, I got some Ti 91mm SAK blanks cut and was about to build some test super tinkers and I got to thinking.

1. Do you think people would prefer them riveted together, or built with pivots/screws? Cost would be less for riveted since I dont have to buy pivots.

2. Would people want T&T slots. The benefit of none is that build cost will be less and 2 outside liners get dropped, so the SAK is nice and thin. I like that option as I keep a 58mm manager on my keys that has tweezers and pen.

Liners I will make in brass and colored alox, to give the 91mm a total makeover.

So if you wouldn't mind weighing in, I'd appreciate it.  Im just looking to be able to provide some Ti goodness to the overlooked but insanely popular 91mm SAK.

I promise to do a giveaway of one of the first super tinkers I build with the new Ti scales.   

[SAK Guy]

Cool! Rivets and no TT for me! 

[magentus]

Syph those look lovely!

I've voted for rivets and no T n T (I'm all for keeping the cost down so more people can afford a great mod).

 

[jazzbass]

2. Would people want T&T slots. The benefit of none is that build cost will be less and 2 outside liners get dropped, so the SAK is nice and thin. I like that option as I keep a 58mm manager on my keys that has tweezers and pen.

I think I may have mentioned this before, but I'll add it here - if you decide to do T&T, I'd add them to only the back scale like the newer digital Traveller/Voyager knives do. I did this with a aluminum Spartan I made years ago:

[Syph007]

Very nice! And good idea too. 

[16VGTIDave]

A mod/custom Ti knife, of any make/brand/design, is not for short cuts or economizing. I believe that tweezers and toothpicks are what help define a SAK. I just quickly asked a few non-SAK people what they think defines a SAK. After red, cork screw, can opener, MacGyver, screwdriver, they all mentioned T&T. The pin and pen as found with the Plus scales add to the iconic SAK function density.

With that in mind, pivots/screws and slots for tweezers and toothpicks are required in my opinion. Slots for a pin and pen are desired. This may drive the price out of reach for some, but a custom isn't for everyone, it is for a few.

Dave

[ducttapetech]

With T and T, riveted and a bail would be sweet!

[magentus]

With T and T, riveted and a bail would be sweet!

Ooooh, a bail would be sweet.

[enki_ck]

I voted riveted and no T&T but if you do decide to go the T&T route, I second jazzbass' suggestion. of keeping it one sided.

[comis]

I prefer pivots and screws, I think it will be easier to maintain and someday even for tool replacement(if broken).

I think having Toothpick and Tweezers as option, on one side, will be a great option.  Sure it's more costly and more work, but custom is all about craftsmanship in my mind.

[Caranthanus]

Voted for TT, T&T are mandatory ... other stuff is free option

[Monrogue]

I voted for pivots and screws, but don't necessarily have a big preference there.  Either one works for me in the end. 

I voted for the T & T for sure   The lack of scale tools is my biggest issue with alox SAKs.  I would like the straight pin as well, but don't need the pen as much.  I do like the idea of scale tools all being on the back scale

[comis]

Good idea, if there is option for pen and straight pin, way better.  There is always this void for alox market, and I sure hope a custom can fill that void.

[Toolslinger]

I think my self-control is slipping and I'm going to need a SAK mod.

Awesome stuff as always Syph.

[PTRSAK]

I voted pivots and no T&T, but after seeing the "one side" option I think that would be a good choice.
My main reasons for voting no were aesthetics. I think the cutout with a "blob" of plastic in it would look out of place, especially on the front scales and if they get a trip through the Syph-o-matic colour anodizer. But hiding them on the "back" scale works for me too.

Same reason I voted for pivots. I can't see exposed rivets looking up to the high-tech standard of a Ti knife, especially if they are brass. Maybe if they were nickel-silver or silver steel, but not yellow brass. (I'm talking about the look of the material here, nothing about quality of peening).
I'm sure that a little goodle-fu could turn up some Ti screws in the appropriate size and they could be colour anodiized to match the scale. 

[jaydar]

I voted pivots and no T&T, but after seeing the "one side" option I think that would be a good choice.
My main reasons for voting no were aesthetics. I think the cutout with a "blob" of plastic in it would look out of place.

I would assume he will be hand crafting Matching Titanium Tweezers and Toothpick

No T&T for me thats what the classic on my keys is for 

[firiki]

Preferably rivets though I would gladly consider pivots. Probably no T&T.

The backscale approach is tempting but the fewer the liners the better for me. I could be wrong.

[Aloha]

TnT arent crucial but iconic part of the SAK.  I also believe a custom is just that, an item for those who want something non mainstream and will pay for it. 

Jazzbass's one side approach is a nice balance.   

[ebarberena]

1. Pivots & Screws are a most for me. This is what helps define a Syph Custom and on of the main reasons I like mine so much. It just gives the SAK a touch of quality, not to mention the added benefits on service, future customization, longevity, etc.

2. T&T are a good add-on and differentiates the 91mm SAKs form the 93'ers. It depends on how thick the scales are going to be. I see a problem with thin scales, mainly on CS versions. The SAK would look funny with the CS protruding too much form the back scale. If you are going thick enough (3.4mm) to house the scale tools' plastic heads, I think you definitely should include them.

[Syph007]

Ok thanks all!  Luckily on Ti its easy to provide all of the options, as I can countersink the holes then finish the scales.  If they were aluminum to be anodized then Id have to decide ahead of time if I was going to use screws or rivets.

Ive had a job on the books for a long time for a Ti yeomon that Im finally going to be able to make with a set of these.  The fellow wanted a copper body made to hold the mag glass, so that should be fun to figure out.  

Im working on a set of these today and hopefully will be ready to show today or tomorrow.  And of course I hope they work correctly.

[mrynnr]

Ok thanks all!  Luckily on Ti its easy to provide all of the options, as I can countersink the holes then finish the scales.  If they were aluminum to be anodized then Id have to decide ahead of time if I was going to use screws or rivets.

Ive had a job on the books for a long time for a Ti yeomon that Im finally going to be able to make with a set of these.  The fellow wanted a copper body made to hold the mag glass, so that should be fun to figure out.  

Im working on a set of these today and hopefully will be ready to show today or tomorrow.  And of course I hope they work correctly.

O... M... G!

[Zed]

Ti yeoman look forward to seeing these 

[gene stoner]

Ti Swisschamp.  I was just thinking how cool metal scales would be on it.

[Singh]

T&T would be nice. I'd take rivets over screws, only because i have no plans to take the thing apart.

but either way, I'd sign up for a Ti version of a Super Tinker.

[TazzieRob]

I'd choose red anodised liners with red anodised screws to really make it pop 

[Glofindel]

Pivot screws and no T&T for me I like the clean look on the scale.

[Aloha]

Ti Swisschamp.  I was just thinking how cool Ti metal scales would be on it.

Adjusted so we're clear HOW FREAKING AWESOME THIS WOULD BE!!!!!!

I was thinking the same thing but I cannot begin to imagine how bonkers I'd be to have one.

[Syph007]

Ti Swisschamp.  I was just thinking how cool Ti metal scales would be on it.

Adjusted so we're clear HOW FREAKING AWESOME THIS WOULD BE!!!!!!

I was thinking the same thing but I cannot begin to imagine how bonkers I'd be to have one.

Ive got liners from swisschamps being anodized in black and red.   

[hiraethus]

Screw pivots and T+T for sure.  If you're going to do something, do it properly.

[pingu]

I love the visual simplicity of my T&Tless Soldiers Knife and don't consider it less of a SAK for that.  Or the absence of a corkscrew.

CS screwed pivots sounds good.