SAKs on the scale.

[El Corkscrew]

If you know SAKs then you know that there are fluctuations in the weight of various knives over the years which usually affect the overall thickness and feel of the knives.  The difference is obvious when comparing a current model to a vintage model but there are even more subtle fluctuations to discover.  I'm currently exploring these differences and if you have a scale at home, I invite you to share your SAK on the scale photo.  Disclaimer, this is not the best scale and could be inaccurate, sometimes it teeters 0.2g. 

First we have the Victorinox Soldier:
Top to bottom
'81 71.3g
'91 70.3g
'01 70.0g
'89 72.0g

The big weight difference is the '81, which is a full gram heavier than the other two.  Funny though, there's only 0.3 g difference between the '91 and '01, the '91 feels heavier and has a thicker looking cap lifter and blade.

The curve ball is the '89 on the bottom which is almost a gram heavier than the '81.  Very interesting...  I wonder if they were celebrating the Berlin Wall coming down or perhaps the EU banning CFC's... hmmm

I shall post more SAKs on scales....  whether you like it or not.   

[zoidberg]

 

[El Corkscrew]

Next we have a few Super Tinkers.  In this series we see the knives losing 5.3g total over about 50 years.


Top to Bottom

-Current (New Stamp, Officier Suisse, no Crossbow) 84.1g

-'85 -91 (No hook, can key, 90 degree lock on cap lifter) 85.8g

-61-68 (Bail, file on phillips) 89.4g

[El Corkscrew]

Next we have a look at one particular era SAK;

El Spartan circa 1986-2004

Top to bottom:

Spartan - Green 60.0g
Spartan - Serrated (weekender) 58.7g
Spartan II - (nylon scales) 58.0g
Spartan Plus (with plus tools on board) 61.7g

[El Corkscrew]

 

[El Corkscrew]

Today we look at the Fisherman, the first we can date around '92-'04  - 100.7g

The second is much more specific as it has ruler on fish scaler ('75), Square Phillips ('80) and plastic-tip tweezers('78) (unless they have been replaced)  So we'll date this one '78-'80 - 103g

[El Corkscrew]

And now two Campers

The one with the Inlay dates 74-80

The other one is somewhat enigmatic as it has brand new scales and main blade but also has pre-'85 features; obviously a repair, but I do wonder from when because it is 2.5g lighter than the other.  The inlay CAN'T weigh that much.