Victorinox in the 2020's: Realistic Possibilities

[Etherealicer]

Stephan B.?
He's doing one for me as we speak

Great guy!

May or may not have ordered one, or two of him as well

[kamakiri]

So...

Having spent a while with my Deluxe Tinker, and really liking Vic's mini pliers, i suddenly thought of a model that (as far as i know) doesn't exist, and it would be great. A little bulky but worth it (for me).

And then i found this old thread: https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?topic=40593.0

Similar to what i had in mind, but not quite...

here's the idea from the thread (photoshop'd):

(Image removed from quote.)

Now my idea was going further as to replace the useless (to me) mag glass with the finer #1 inline phillips, like the one found on the 111mm models:

(Image removed from quote.)

Now THIS, is a serious tinkerer's EDC tool 


Of course we could also have a Yeoman-ized version, to those who want to slim it down... 


So, what do you guys think...?

 

Saw it done here already. Here or in the mod forum.

I’m already convinced it would be a good mod for me too, and even better if introduced by Victorinox as a 4th option for that tool layer. I just haven gotten around to getting the required donor(s).

...

Victorinox should read the reviews on the Serrated Spartans. People who try the SE blades seem to like or love them. Please give us more serrated options!!

[MacGyver]

Saw it done here already. Here or in the mod forum.

I’m already convinced it would be a good mod for me too, and even better if introduced by Victorinox as a 4th option for that tool layer. I just haven gotten around to getting the required donor(s).

But do you mean just an explorer with pliers or with the 111mm's thin phillips #1 in place of the mag glass?

I would love to actually see it, even if just a mod...

[Sawl Goodman]

Never mind the surely zero chance of the scissors returning, I see the discontinuation of the 84mm line being a realistic possibility. The Cadet might hold on but it would be a terrible shame if the rest went.

[kamakiri]

But do you mean just an explorer with pliers or with the 111mm's thin phillips #1 in place of the mag glass?

I would love to actually see it, even if just a mod...

It was the 111mm Phillips in place of the magnifier, IIRC. I think it fit under the short Phillips.

I don’t think I bookmarked it.

[MacGyver]

It was the 111mm Phillips in place of the magnifier, IIRC. I think it fit under the short Phillips.

I don’t think I bookmarked it.

Hummm... interesting...

And it would fit there indeed... Nice 
But it would be nice if Vic came up with an official shorter version of it (for 91mm), to sit side by side in that layer. Can't understand why they never did, since it already exists for the 111mm, and it's way more useful than that darn mag glass, that's for sure...

[ComboTool]

But do you mean just an explorer with pliers or with the 111mm's thin phillips #1 in place of the mag glass?

I would love to actually see it, even if just a mod...

I did this on a Ranger here (I used the old long-ish inline Phillips and matching backspring, I don't know if it would work with the newer version that comes opposite the clear magnifier).

[MacGyver]

I did this on a Ranger here (I used the old long-ish inline Phillips and matching backspring, I don't know if it would work with the newer version that comes opposite the clear magnifier).

Man that's nice... 

Thanks for the link. Nice work you've done there 

While i'd prefer the pliers myself instead of saw's, this version is also great.
I just can't understand why Vic has never thought of pairing that SD with the #2 on the 91mm range... Maybe because of the Cybertool they thought people wouldn't need it. They are so wrong...
While the Cybertool is great, especially for electronics, it's just not for me.

It just makes much more sense from a utility POV than the mag glass for sure.

[Sawl Goodman]

I just can't understand why Vic has never thought of pairing that SD with the #2 on the 91mm range... Maybe because of the Cybertool they thought people wouldn't need it. They are so wrong...
While the Cybertool is great, especially for electronics, it's just not for me.

It just makes much more sense from a utility POV than the mag glass for sure.

I love the magnifier. I'm just one of those people, I guess. 

[SirVicaLot]

Something else I want (so Vic will probably not make it) is a Compact with awl instead of that stupid hook. Also like an option with a serrated blade while we are at it 

Someone here willing to make a mod? For commission of course 

[kamakiri]

I did this on a Ranger here (I used the old long-ish inline Phillips and matching backspring, I don't know if it would work with the newer version that comes opposite the clear magnifier).

That’s the one I meant!  Thanks for posting and excellent work! 

There a a couple of versions of the clear mag backspring. The newer (I think) ~’11+ ones might fit better. The ones that went back to glass mag, but in a clear bezel/housing.

[kamakiri]

Something else I want (so Vic will probably not make it) is a Compact with awl instead of that stupid hook. Also like an option with a serrated blade while we are at it 

Someone here willing to make a mod? For commission of course 

I wouldn’t want to try to fit an awl behind the scissors. New, vintage or otherwise. Shape (needed) of the scissor backspring would likely cause the awl to poke out. I don’t think there’s a way to work around the geometry and layout. At least not without it looking kinda funky.

Edit: wrong problem...fits, but no spring compression on the tools. And the awl would only poke out when the scissors are being deployed. An additional bump would be needed like in the late ‘80s opener/awl spring that prevents getting stabbed (when the caplifter is in either 90° or full open positions.)

Picture might help:

[kamakiri]

Sorry...totally not thinking. You could use the opener backspring ‘keyed’ to a scissor end to make it work. For the opener backspring, anything ‘85+ would work. ‘90s+ and you’d have the keyring lug. Small spacers needed for the difference in thickness.

[SirVicaLot]

Holy moly, thanks for thinking it through, kamakiri  I have no experience with SAK modding, so these problems and solutions wouldn’t even occur to me 

Would you be willing to give it a go?

[kamakiri]

Holy moly, thanks for thinking it through, kamakiri  I have no experience with SAK modding, so these problems and solutions wouldn’t even occur to me 

Would you be willing to give it a go?

Honestly, I’d think you’d be better off with a modder who has better equipment to do the backspring work. I do appreciate the offer, but I’m certain there are better modders for that type of work!

[SirVicaLot]

 

[SgtTowser]

Just watched a video by a guy who uses the cap lifter on a Vic SAK as a quarter inch socket driver. Nifty. Only problem was the socket fits a bit at an odd angle. Machining a tiny notch into the cap lifter would allow a socket to seat flat and drive securely. It would not harm the other functions of the cap lifter.

The only thing it might harm would be sales of cyber tools. 

[MacGyver]

Just watched a video by a guy who uses the cap lifter on a Vic SAK as a quarter inch socket driver. Nifty. Only problem was the socket fits a bit at an odd angle. Machining a tiny notch into the cap lifter would allow a socket to seat flat and drive securely. It would not harm the other functions of the cap lifter.

The only thing it might harm would be sales of cyber tools. 

That idea is not really new.
Saw something similar a few years ago. That's what gave me the idea to make my modded hex SD bits to use with the cap lifter.
I still like my idea better, all I need are the bits, no socket adding extra carry weight needed...

I posted the idea when I joined the forum, here:

https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,69632.msg1389312.html#_

[SgtTowser]

Mac,

I want to be able to drive existing sockets effectively in a pinch, not file/saw gaps in hex shanked drivers.   

The idea of using cap lifters to turn sockets goes back to the 1970s in my experience. I suspect it was done many decades before then too.

The guy’s video reminded me how awkward it is...without a notch.

A notch in the cap lifter would let a socket sit flat. It would cost Vic a 10 millionth of a cent over a few years production.

No extra inventory carry.

Just a little extra utility for customers before someone else does it.

But if someone wants to saw/file hex-shanked drivers for a project, well, by god I recommend your approach for sure.

 

[SgtTowser]

Mac,

Did you saw/file those gaps with the file on that big, wide Champ you like to carry? 

[kamakiri]

Just watched a video by a guy who uses the cap lifter on a Vic SAK as a quarter inch socket driver. Nifty. Only problem was the socket fits a bit at an odd angle. Machining a tiny notch into the cap lifter would allow a socket to seat flat and drive securely. It would not harm the other functions of the cap lifter.

The only thing it might harm would be sales of cyber tools. 

A picture would be nice.

Is it a notch that ‘grabs’ two opposite corners/edges of the hex?  This is what I think you mean.

Or is it a 1/4” hex hole in the side? This would be nice too for possible right angle use, but might be useless on a non locking tool.

[MacGyver]

Mac,

I want to be able to drive existing sockets effectively in a pinch, not file/saw gaps in hex shanked drivers.   

The idea of using cap lifters to turn sockets goes back to the 1970s in my experience. I suspect it was done many decades before then too.

The guy%u2019s video reminded me how awkward it is...without a notch.

A notch in the cap lifter would let a socket sit flat. It would cost Vic a 10 millionth of a cent over a few years production.

No extra inventory carry.

Just a little extra utility for customers before someone else does it.

But if someone wants to saw/file hex-shanked drivers for a project, well, by god I recommend your approach for sure.

 

 Mate,

My idea is obviously for my personal use, and according to my philosophy of what and how i would use a SAK for, as well as what i'm willing to carry as extra implements and it's practical/relevant usage within that context.
If my idea is useful to others too that's great, if not that's fine too.

I personally don't need a socket to turn all possible type/size of screws daily, while on the go. A #1 and #2 phillips and the ability to use them inline with any sak with a bottle opener (being sturdier than the back phillips and not needing the thick layer of Vic's inline phillips), or any equivalent sturdy flat piece of metal, for that matter, it's perfectly suited for what i would need to use with a SAK in a pinch, for 95% of the screw types i might encounter. If i need something more complex, i'll just wait until i get a proper dedicated SD with the appropriate size and shaped bit.

Regarding on how i made the notches on the bits, i've explained that in detail on the same post on the link i posted earlier, feel free to read if interested.

Mac,

Did you saw/file those gaps with the file on that big, wide Champ you like to carry? 

BTW, i don't own a swiss champ, and if i tried to made those notches with Vic's metal saw, i'd probably still be making them now... 

[dadwithkids]

I'm really hoping for a Victorinox Delemont Evo S11... that is, an Evolution 11 that has a locking blade.

Love my Tinker (that I just got!)... and if the blade locked and I had a nail tool instead of the second blade, I think that'd be perfect.

[Max Stone]

Evolution S111 has a spring lock?

[Noa Isumi]

All I want is what I have wanted for several years now...

OHO Workchamp


Ya I know I could build one out of a Workchamp and a Sentinel now that all 111mm are liner lock; but would love to see one factory

[dadwithkids]

Evolution S111 has a spring lock?

Yes it does have the spring lock, but the S111 has a secondary blade instead of the fingernail tool... The Evo 10 has the fingernail tool but no locking blade... <sigh>

[Max Stone]

What makes collecting SAKs so much fun!