Modding 91mm scales

[Kraken]

Hi folks! I was wondering if anyone has modded standard 91mm SAK scales to accommodate the pen from plus scales? I can purchase the navy camouflage scales, but they only come in standard, not plus. I want to replace my classic red plus scales on my EDC Explorer with the navy camo ones, but really want to have the slot for the pen as well. I'm okay with cutting and filing the notch on the end of the scale for the pen, but wanted to know if anyone else had been down this path before and had any advice. 

[Helvetica Bold]

I’m sure it’s possible but it’s a case of how much you want it! The plus scales have more of a channel for the pen but what’s there may support it I guess. I think it might be that you come across other niggly problem too but I don’t wont to stop you trying and someone else may have More experience with this.

Myself, I love the navy camo too and wish they did plus in that colour but I just went for yellow in the end on my Explorer! 

[enki_ck]

You can, but the result won't be very nice. The plus scales are a bit thicker than regular scales cause of the pen so if you just file a groove, the plastic pen cap will protrude above the scale and the scale will be very thin in that portion.

[kamakiri]

You can, but the result won't be very nice. The plus scales are a bit thicker than regular scales cause of the pen so if you just file a groove, the plastic pen cap will protrude above the scale and the scale will be very thin in that portion.

Agree with all the potential issues, but not the ‘wont be very nice’. I did one and the pen tip can be modified for a flush fit, if desired. I left the tip thick and I can grab the pen without removing the knife from my pocket.

The back shield scale is a mid-‘90s Marlboro Troubleshooter mod. The other knife is a ‘05+ Champion Plus with a short tweezer mod.

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[Kraken]

Agree with all the potential issues, but not the ‘wont be very nice’. I did one and the pen tip can be modified for a flush fit, if desired. I left the tip thick and I can grab the pen without removing the knife from my pocket.

The back shield scale is a mid-‘90s Marlboro Troubleshooter mod. The other knife is a ‘05+ Champion Plus with a short tweezer mod.

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Thanks for the pics kamakiri, they definitely help! I wouldn't mind having to modify the end of the pen to make it fit a bit more flush. I think I'll find a set of standard scales that I have laying around and try it on those first. 

[kamakiri]

Thanks for the pics kamakiri, they definitely help! I wouldn't mind having to modify the end of the pen to make it fit a bit more flush. I think I'll find a set of standard scales that I have laying around and try it on those first.

Glad to help Kraken!  I think it’s a good idea to practice. I’m still somewhat surprised I didn’t poke through with the burr on the dremel working by hand. A router setup would probably be smarter and make quick work of it.

Good luck, and I’d like to hear how it goes!

[Kraken]

It seems like Felix might have been stalking this forum:

[Aloha]

Good luck with the project  . 

Nice job kamakiri.   

[kamakiri]

It seems like Felix might have been stalking this forum:

Haha. Maybe he did! 

I like that he did it with just needle files...and on one of the newer ‘hollow’ type scales. The ones from the Troubleshooter were near solid (I believe because of the backside stainless shield inlay) so there was a lot more material that I needed to remove. It made for quite a pile of cellidor dust.

Good luck with the project  . 

Nice job kamakiri.