Alox cadet nail file

Rich S · **on:** July 08, 2022, 03:49:29 PM

I really want an Alox Cadet, but also want/need a second small blade.
Question - can the nail file on the Alox Cadet be sharpened to use as a second blade?
I'm thinking of just sharpening the nail side from from the back side only.
Not thinking of a mod.

Thanks for any input.

pfrsantos · **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2022, 04:22:08 PM

Quote from: Rich S on July 08, 2022, 03:49:29 PM

I really want an Alox Cadet, but also want/need a second small blade.
Question - can the nail file on the Alox Cadet be sharpened to use as a second blade?
I'm thinking of just sharpening the nail side from from the back side only.
Not thinking of a mod.

Thanks for any input.

I thought of that, too!

Some questions, though: sharpen awl the back side up to the tip? It would make for a small blade, but it would be dangerous for cleaning your nails with the tip.

How safe would it be to use the file, with the edge sharpenned? You'd need to place your finger on the back side of the nail, where some pressure could make it close or be unsteady.

If you still want to do it, you need some care not to ruin the temper of the tool.

Any more thought s on this?

MadPlumbarian · **Reply #2 on:** July 08, 2022, 04:45:39 PM

Huh interesting

my thing is I hate dual blades,, any custom sak I’d have a nail file or awl put in place of a 2nd blade, I’d just rather have more tools vs two of the same thing, but for someone who like the two diff sizes your also keeping the file so your tech not loosing anything,, like he just said it might be a little dangerous to clean under the fingernails, but honestly who hasn’t used small blade

? My only worry would be when filing and your sliding that blade back and forth and you accidentally slip, or if you put one edge against your thumb to glide it, you’d only have the one side so working one hand should be fine but the other you’d be sliding the blade on the thumb..
Just a few things to think off..
JR

nate j · **Reply #3 on:** July 08, 2022, 05:04:23 PM

I suppose you could put an edge on it and use it as a crude small blade, but I don’t think it’s a great option for a couple of reasons:

- Trying to put an edge on it while maintaining your file surface is going to result in poor edge and blade geometry

- I believe the file is only hardened to 53 HRC, which IMO makes it too soft for a knife blade

Rich S · **Reply #4 on:** July 08, 2022, 05:25:49 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't realize the nail file was much softer steel. I've been a Tinker guy for 30+ years. On my second Tinker with a third for dress ware. I guess I shouldn't abandon my beloved Tinkers.

Thanks again for your input.

Sneider · **Reply #5 on:** July 08, 2022, 07:41:37 PM

Maybe replacing the file with a small blade would be an option?
Self made or by a modder.

marlowe221 · **Reply #6 on:** July 08, 2022, 07:55:59 PM

Another option would be to get a Recruit and replace the scales with titanium or brass or something like that. That way you get the two blades and you're only modding the scales.

Rich S · **Reply #7 on:** July 08, 2022, 08:13:13 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions, but I'll stick with my Tinker. I feel guilty even thinking about changing to a different EDC SAK after 30+ years with a Tinker.

Bunk Tuppins · **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2022, 10:17:01 PM

I like the Cadet model a lot and suggest getting one to try out. If you hate it, it makes a great gift! The 'large' blade on the 84mm Cadet is only about 50% longer than the small blade on a 91mm SAK.

PitCarver · **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2022, 10:30:31 PM

Personally, I like the Cadet as is. While I do like a small blade at times I feel that the nail file on the Cadet is good.

Tasky · **Reply #10 on:** July 08, 2022, 11:06:32 PM

I almost never use the small blade on most of my larger SAKs, and typically resort to an 84mm or smaller on the rare occasions when I actually need a small blade.
So if ever I am in a position to try and mod my own Vics, you'll likely have a selection of small blades to exchange for nail files!

Rich S · **Reply #11 on:** July 08, 2022, 11:20:34 PM

I have a Cadet along with about 60 other W's and V's; both old and new. I need the 91mm size to grip it firmly. Dominant right hand damaged and after surgical repair only about 60% usage and nearly no fine motor control. I've put grip tape on the sides on my Tinkers. I tried the 84mm Tinker, but just not enough to grip. That should have told me a Cadet was also too small. Collection has all sizes, but only use 91's.
Thanks again for all suggestions. Probably shouldn't have started this thread. Sorry.

Sawl Goodman · **Reply #12 on:** July 09, 2022, 02:50:26 AM

Quote from: Rich S on July 08, 2022, 11:20:34 PM

I have a Cadet along with about 60 other W's and V's; both old and new. I need the 91mm size to grip it firmly. Dominant right hand damaged and after surgical repair only about 60% usage and nearly no fine motor control. I've put grip tape on the sides on my Tinkers. I tried the 84mm Tinker, but just not enough to grip. That should have told me a Cadet was also too small. Collection has all sizes, but only use 91's.
Thanks again for all suggestions. Probably shouldn't have started this thread. Sorry.

I also find two layer 84mm alox too thin. I struggle sometimes with two layer 91mm knives. I like the Spartan for it toolset & its slimness in the pocket but less so to hold. My Hiker, which I love for its handling comfort when using the small blade, is king here. When I get a round tuit I'm going make a thicker back scale for a Spartan!

I've found this a great thread, so thanks for starting it!

Myron · **Reply #13 on:** July 09, 2022, 05:13:45 PM

Rich, I have a Cadet with a nail file that was sharpened into a pen blade. When I got the knife, the main blade was toast, so I disassembled it and put a brand new main blade in it, then reassembled. It was my first time doing this, so my drilling and peening results are messy. I now use the pen blade as a letter opener.

It's the knife on the left in this picture. The knife on the right is a Cadet II, which came with the pen blade from the factory. I took this one apart and replaced all the implements at the same time.

Hope this helps.

Rizio Il Ghiro · **Reply #14 on:** July 10, 2022, 08:51:02 AM

Nice work, Myron! Your peening looks pretty good to me - all my examples thankfully get hidden by scales!

Swisster · **Reply #15 on:** July 10, 2022, 03:26:40 PM

The difficulty with having it modded is the price. $30 knife becomes over $200 and no longer warrants the price for it. If you want a second blade I would recommend an Alox Electrician that isn’t much longer of a knife and serves the purpose. It’s an easy replacement for a Cadet and if a quarter inch is a deal breaker on a knife you may not want to carry one.