Multitool.org Forum

Tool Talk => Swiss Army Knights Forum => Topic started by: Ptisuisse on February 03, 2019, 05:58:27 PM

Title: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on February 03, 2019, 05:58:27 PM
This oddball format is still, forty years later, quite interesting and has its share of dedicated followers.
Furthermore, it is not dead :

Unfortunately, I started too late to obtain a Stag Hunter or a Walther or a Fireman at a reasonable price or any price,
but there is still a lot left to collect if one concentrates on the different versions.

108 not dead - alive and kicking
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on February 03, 2019, 06:00:09 PM
If there is no 108 Badge yet it should be created
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on February 03, 2019, 06:00:45 PM
If there is no 108 Badge yet it should be created

 :iagree:  :hatsoff:  :popcorn:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on February 03, 2019, 06:03:05 PM
This oddball format is still, forty years later, quite interesting and has its share of dedicated followers.
Furthermore, it is not dead :
  • There are a couple of modders, guys who re-mold scales out of resin,
  • A whole batch of GAKs and Troopers is going through IBACH at this very moment to be refurbished, cause yes, they still do have SOME of the parts.
  • Skilled craftsmen make custom sheaths or fancy scales out of just about anything

Unfortunately, I started too late to obtain a Stag Hunter or a Walther or a Fireman at a reasonable price or any price,
but there is still a lot left to collect if one concentrates on the different versions.

108 not dead - alive and kicking

That is one awesome collection of 108mm!  :hatsoff:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: FolderBeholder on February 03, 2019, 06:09:04 PM
This oddball format is still, forty years later, quite interesting and has its share of dedicated followers.
Furthermore, it is not dead :
  • There are a couple of modders, guys who re-mold scales out of resin,
  • A whole batch of GAKs and Troopers is going through IBACH at this very moment to be refurbished, cause yes, they still do have SOME of the parts.
  • Skilled craftsmen make custom sheaths or fancy scales out of just about anything

Unfortunately, I started too late to obtain a Stag Hunter or a Walther or a Fireman at a reasonable price or any price,
but there is still a lot left to collect if one concentrates on the different versions.

108 not dead - alive and kicking

That is one awesome collection of 108mm!  :hatsoff:
:iagree:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on February 03, 2019, 06:11:44 PM
This oddball format is still, forty years later, quite interesting and has its share of dedicated followers.
Furthermore, it is not dead :
  • There are a couple of modders, guys who re-mold scales out of resin,
  • A whole batch of GAKs and Troopers is going through IBACH at this very moment to be refurbished, cause yes, they still do have SOME of the parts.
  • Skilled craftsmen make custom sheaths or fancy scales out of just about anything

Unfortunately, I started too late to obtain a Stag Hunter or a Walther or a Fireman at a reasonable price or any price,
but there is still a lot left to collect if one concentrates on the different versions.

108 not dead - alive and kicking

That is one awesome collection of 108mm!  :hatsoff:
thanks Glenfiddich - coming from you, it is quite a compliment.
featured on the pic are the usual "reds" : solo, solo plus, pathfinder, Safari, Hunter. Looking for a Fireman
amongst the "greens", I try to collect the tang stamps variations.
Four of them : four lines, four lines large V, three lines, two lines (pics later on)
I got a couple of Adlers, because the story of this factory is interesting, and because they used Victorinox parts
Also featured is a Herbertz, because I love the neutral medallion sans german eagle.
and of course, my pride and joy, my custom Adler with fancy black and white scales courtesy of fellow member Grenboerg
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on February 03, 2019, 06:13:43 PM
How come there is a 130mm merit badge, a 111mm merit badge, and no 108 merit badge yet ?
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on February 03, 2019, 06:15:04 PM


thanks Glenfiddich - coming from you, it is quite a compliment.
featured on the pic are the usual "reds" : solo, solo plus, pathfinder, Safari, Hunter. Looking for a Fireman
amongst the "greens", I try to collect the tang stamps variations.
Four of them : four lines, four lines large V, three lines, two lines (pics later on)
I got a couple of Adlers, because the story of this factory is interesting, and because they used Victorinox parts
Also featured is a Herbertz, because I love the neutral medallion sans german eagle.
and of course, my pride and joy, my custon Adler with fancy black and white scales courtesy of membre Grenboerg

That is quite an interesting one, is that also made of Victorinox parts?
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on February 03, 2019, 06:21:53 PM
Nope, it is a C.J. Herbertz, respectable german Solingen maker. Finish is different, quality of the materials is different. Looks cheaper.
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Nix on February 03, 2019, 06:35:38 PM
How come there is a 130mm merit badge, a 111mm merit badge, and no 108 merit badge yet ?

Send the mods a PM requesting that a 108mm collector badge be made. Seems like a great idea!  I second the motion.  :tu:


(although I did give away my only 108mm, a Mauser.)
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on February 03, 2019, 06:44:07 PM
How come there is a 130mm merit badge, a 111mm merit badge, and no 108 merit badge yet ?

Send the mods a PM requesting that a 108mm collector badge be made. Seems like a great idea!  I second the motion.  :tu:


(although I did give away my only 108mm, a Mauser.)

thanks for your support, mate. Get a GAK !
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on February 03, 2019, 07:50:52 PM

amongst the "greens", I try to collect the tang stamps variations.
Four of them : four lines, four lines large V, three lines, two lines (pics later on)
sorry for the lousy pic, they shine so much they are impossible to shoot properly in artificial light but you get the idea.....
left to right : 4 lines large V, 4 lines normal v, 3 lines, and the rare two-liner.

Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Mizedog on February 03, 2019, 09:43:25 PM
I think a 108mm on a dangler would be a great companion to a 58mm on a keychain.  I'll have to look for one of these gems. At 6'4", I wonder if a 1008mm in my hand,  would feel like a 91mm does to "normal" people...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on February 04, 2019, 10:02:28 AM
I think a 108mm on a dangler would be a great companion to a 58mm on a keychain.  I'll have to look for one of these gems. At 6'4", I wonder if a 1008mm in my hand,  would feel like a 91mm does to "normal" people...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Mizedog, I'm 6'2"+ and I feel much more comfortable with a 108 that with an alox 93 or anything smaller.
Since my interest for that frame format was rekindled, I reckon it is the perfect balance of no-frills matter-of-fact design,
ruggedness, usability, and smaller bulk than a 111 or 130. works for me. On top of that the GAK is built like a tank and dirt cheap. Amazing value.
Mizedog, I DO NOT recommend a 1008 (pun intended)
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on April 09, 2019, 07:17:41 PM
Def, may I respectfully ask you to put my 108 badge request on top of the pile of files ?  :rofl:

The 108s will remain wrapped up 'til I get my award.

And those of you who would love that badge, please join me !

c'mon Tim, Glenfiddich, Boonies and the others !
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on April 09, 2019, 09:39:17 PM
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/87ycklcevx3nhdr/2019-02-24%2012.55.38.jpg?raw=1)

 :climber:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Myron on April 09, 2019, 10:23:13 PM
Wow, super nice collections of 108 mm's you guys!
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on April 13, 2019, 10:10:08 AM
Wow, super nice collections of 108 mm's you guys!
"Dye the way",

just Rit-dyed one of my battered-up Troopers. The result is a black battered-up Trooper
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: VICMAN on April 13, 2019, 02:03:47 PM
"Dye the way",

just Rit-dyed one of my battered-up Troopers. The result is a black battered-up Trooper

Looks great Ptisuisse! :like: :tu: :tu:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Barry Rowland on April 14, 2019, 08:47:38 PM
 :iagree:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: cody6268 on April 14, 2019, 10:51:13 PM
I have never seen a Herbertz GAK before.  I know Robert Klaas/Kissing Crane did as well (they also offered the fixed blade GAK utility knife), and it was even sold here in a box, but I have never seen one offered for sale.  I guess, in part because they don't have a name on the tang stamp, just the pair of kissing cranes as typical.  Some KCs don't even have a tang stamp.
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on April 16, 2019, 01:28:45 PM
I have never seen a Herbertz GAK before.  I know Robert Klaas/Kissing Crane did as well (they also offered the fixed blade GAK utility knife), and it was even sold here in a box, but I have never seen one offered for sale.  I guess, in part because they don't have a name on the tang stamp, just the pair of kissing cranes as typical.  Some KCs don't even have a tang stamp.
I have pictures somewhere of two different Herbertz tang stamps on GAKS.
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on April 17, 2019, 02:53:13 PM
What sould I do to get Grant's attention and get that lo...u....sy badge created ?
Every man needs a pat on the back from time to time.
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on April 17, 2019, 07:42:04 PM
I’ll give you a :hatsoff:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: SteveC on April 17, 2019, 07:48:27 PM
Patience  ;)    the badge is in the process of being made. When Whoey gets it done you will be the first to know  :pok:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Thunderpants on April 17, 2019, 08:37:23 PM
Does anyone know if all the 108s were shipped in nasty plastic pouches?
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on April 17, 2019, 09:11:46 PM
Patience  ;)    the badge is in the process of being made. When Whoey gets it done you will be the first to know  :pok:

 :woohoo:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: glenfiddich1983 on April 17, 2019, 09:13:13 PM
Does anyone know if all the 108s were shipped in nasty plastic pouches?

I’m affraid most of them were  >:D
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Thunderpants on April 17, 2019, 09:14:15 PM
I knew you'd know!
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on April 18, 2019, 12:08:26 PM
I knew you'd know!
There is this guy, somewhere in the former russian block, who makes tremendous leather pouches for the 108's.
Pretty much the colour you want, the thickness you want, and the embossed brand you want. Thick leather.
Sure thing, there are plenty of skilled leather craftsmen in the States, but what this russian guy makes worked for me.

https://www.ebay.fr/itm/Leather-case-made-for-GAK-108Victorinox-Bundeswehr-knife/264254907823

Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on April 18, 2019, 12:16:22 PM
Patience  ;)    the badge is in the process of being made. When Whoey gets it done you will be the first to know  :pok:
Thank you very much for your trouble, on behalf of all of us who wait for that coveted award    :drool:
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on April 19, 2019, 01:35:38 PM
I have never seen a Herbertz GAK before.  I know Robert Klaas/Kissing Crane did as well (they also offered the fixed blade GAK utility knife), and it was even sold here in a box, but I have never seen one offered for sale.  I guess, in part because they don't have a name on the tang stamp, just the pair of kissing cranes as typical.  Some KCs don't even have a tang stamp.
Well, it is not quite a GAK, because it does not have the german crest on the scale. More like a civilian version. Actually, there were two versions (see the blade tangs), and I own one of them.
But now, take a look at the original Victorinox introductory offer from 1978 : the crest is oval shape, not rectangular like on the Troopers. Puzzling.
Title: Re: 108 mm Badge request
Post by: Ptisuisse on May 04, 2019, 10:11:22 PM
I have never seen a Herbertz GAK before.  I know Robert Klaas/Kissing Crane did as well (they also offered the fixed blade GAK utility knife), and it was even sold here in a box, but I have never seen one offered for sale.  I guess, in part because they don't have a name on the tang stamp, just the pair of kissing cranes as typical.  Some KCs don't even have a tang stamp.
C.J.Herbertz did make GAK lookalikes, but without the German Army crest. (Got one from Ebay.de).
With at least three different styles of stamping on the blade, which would suggest a fairly long production run. Indeed the knife I own does not have any crest. It looks a lot like the Trooper on the old 1978 Victorinox poster below.