Victorinox awl in scissors layer

ComboTool · **on:** November 21, 2020, 03:56:37 PM

I'm not a huge fan of the hook, but usually don't mind. However, in opener-less builds the hook slot is really begging to be occupied by the now missing awl. There are several known problems with this, the main one being that there is very little spring tension with the awl instead of the hook. I tried to solve this by moving the pivot hole and I'm pleased to report that this restored satisfactory spring to the scissors (which I then proceeded to ruin by overpeening, of course

) and to the awl itself. The nail nick is accessible, if a little low, and the awl tip remains between the liners during the opening of the scissors so I shouldn't stab my own hand inadvertently. The only remaining problem is the bump in the backspring opposite the scissors handle, which might create a dull point on the edge of the awl over time. Only time will tell if that's an issue, in the meantime I'm pleased to introduce the Compact Craftsman.

Max Stone · **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2020, 04:05:24 PM

Good work - nice mod

SAKTaschenmesser · **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2020, 07:50:43 PM

That's a cracker.

I have in mind making something similar, three layers, so without scissors. Hook instead of awl, that kind of mod is way out of my league.

Reinier · **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2020, 11:17:34 PM

Awlsome.

ComboTool · **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2020, 10:23:23 AM

Quote from: SAKTaschenmesser on November 21, 2020, 07:50:43 PM

that kind of mod is way out of my league.

In fact it's not that difficult. To fill the existing hole you just need to hammer a piece of brass, it's like peening without requiring the same precision so if you're modding SAKs you already know how to do this. Drilling a new hole is more a matter of tools than of skill. Once you get a bench drill and carbide bits (and believe me, with all the enablers in this forum you will eventually) it goes from almost impossible to downright easy.

SAKTaschenmesser · **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2020, 11:43:01 AM

Quote from: ComboTool on November 22, 2020, 10:23:23 AM

In fact it's not that difficult. To fill the existing hole you just need to hammer a piece of brass, it's like peening without requiring the same precision so if you're modding SAKs you already know how to do this. Drilling a new hole is more a matter of tools than of skill. Once you get a bench drill and carbide bits (and believe me, with all the enablers in this forum you will eventually) it goes from almost impossible to downright easy.

Many thanks. Would love a proper workshop with drill press, but I still live in the city so space is a premium. I just have hand drills a Dremel hobby work station. I think that I’ve been using standard centre and metal bits. Are the carbide bits the fine ones that are sometimes described for use by jewellers? What size do you think is best for drilling out existing pins and pivots? 2.0mm?

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ComboTool · **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2020, 01:49:38 PM

For drilling out pivots you don't need carbide, brass is soft enough to use regular metal bits. I use 2.5mm bits for the outer pins and 2mm for the inner ones. Centering bits are not required but they definitely make things easier.