Scaling around a bit

[DavZell]

I received an 84mm Grand Prix Small (large/small blades, both openers, scissors, and a metal file, plus philips on the back).  The scales were a bit rough, so I spent an inordinate amount of time using 12 grits of sand paper and micro mesh to bring it back to life.  Unsure of what the initial grits would do, I tested them on an old Wenger I had nearby.  That led to project number 2.

Unfortunately, I didn't think to take a before shot of the Grand Prix Small, but suffice it to say, it had been previously loved.  Here is the after:




The Wenger was just a plain black Esquire (equivalent to a Vic Classic) with non-metal, painted logo.  Now with  scuffing, I felt it a good time to try what I'd seen done to black Vic scales, and apply a textured brush finish.  It was nice, but then I decided to laser engraver it, which I hadn't done to a SAK previously. I nailed it on the first try!  I put a teardrop pattern on the scales (no inspiration for it, just WTH).  The scale both vaporized and raised a little around the edges, leaving an excellent grippy texture.  What luck!   Here is the result:   

[Edit:  the tear drop shapes are not thick lines, but two parallel lines.  It just looks chunky in the picture.]



Regarding safety, my laser is well ventilated and exhausts out a second storey window.  No fumes were inhaled.

[IMR4198]

Nice work.  The black Esquire is really attractive with the pattern you produced.  Best wishes.  G
 
 

[nate j]

Nice work.  The black Esquire is really attractive with the pattern you produced.  Best wishes.  G
 
 

Excellent work on both!

[Farmer X]

The Grand Prix always brings back memories for me. Great work!

[gustophersmob]

  whoah!

They both look great! Love the pattern on the wenger 

[Kenj111]

  looking good!

[AzteCypher]

Pretty impressive. 

[pfrsantos]

Pretty impressive. 

My thoughs, too. They're pretty and they're impressive.

Well done, thanks for sharing!

 

[Huntsman]

Nice work mate

[DavZell]

Thanks everyone.  After more time with the Wenger, the scales are almost like a tactile fidget toy.  I'll try the same process on red Vic scales.  Hopefully with the same result.

[IMR4198]

Can you do lettering like: VICTORINOX?  Best wishes.  G
 

[DavZell]

The laser could do most any design or pattern, keeping in mind the limitations of the materials being marked.  Fine details may not be possible in the scales, for example, if the right balance of laser power and material melting can't be found.