Changing scales

[sergemaster]

Amici,
A quick question, although I know that one of the beauties of the SAK is that you can change the scales to whatever color and style/material you like, my question is about the initial scales that you first remove to replace with something else. Can these be reused more than once, or is it once they're removed from a SAK for some sort of upgrade, they're now headed to the rubbish bin unless you reapply them with some sort of adhesive? Just curious to know can SAK scales be used more than once.

Cheers,
Serge

[bren10man]

Once the scales are removed, they are done.  You cannot reuse them, unless you carefully pry them off (newer, modern scales that is; older ones are brittle) and then use an adhesive (not recommended) to hold them in place.

The 3 points where the brass rivets fit into the insertes in the scales fit just right.  Removed, they damage the scales due to the prying done to take them off.

[felinevet]

I have occasionally been able to remove and reapply perfectly without adhesive. It is rare that I can do this but it can be done sometimes with great care.

[Reinier]

It seems that nylon scales can usually be reused once or twice without the need for an adhesive. With cellidor ones it's different

[Neil]

Do keep in mind that you don't need to swamp the SAK with glue to reapply old scales.  Just a tiny amount in each bushing well is all that's required. So its not a messy process

[sergemaster]

Amici,
I hope this pix illustrates the talking points that were posted earlier. The top set are a brand spanking new set of red 91 mm scales that I picked up from Rotokid about 1 year or so ago that I keep as spares and haven't used yet.

Below that, is a set I removed from my 1990 + Swisschamp which I replaced with another pair of scales courtesy again of Rotokid. If you look closely at these, you will see that the edges around where the bushings would rest are ragged, as if the bushing ripped out of the plastic scale at the time of removal and replacement. So I believe this backs up the case regarding the older scales.

As for the new ones, I also had a pair of blue scales that I briefly had on my Swisschamp, but after deciding to go with white, I removed and later installed them on a friends Swisschamp that was in desperate need of a makeover. So far those scales have not fallen off, and it has been some considerable amount of time since I did this.

Cheers,
Serge

[felinevet]

Do keep in mind that you don't need to swamp the SAK with glue to reapply old scales.  Just a tiny amount in each bushing well is all that's required. So its not a messy process

Excellent point. Too much adhesive and you will either fill in the T&T slots and block them or, if you put the T&T in too soon, you will glue them in place. 

[J Mackrel Jones]

The SAK Owner's Manual says you can remove scales without damaging the sockets by putting the knife in boiling water for two minutes and removing the scale immediately.  You may have to press the warm scale flat tho.
Which way you use a blade to pop off the scales makes a difference too:  lift the scale with the edge of the blade nearest the rivet.  Twisting the other way, lifting the edge farthest from the rivet, causes more damage to the locking-socket.   

[captain spaulding]

I am definitely no SAK expert, but I have taken off the scales and replaced them multiple times without any problems.  Is there something i'm missing here. 

[WhichDawg]

I am definitely no SAK expert, but I have taken off the scales and replaced them multiple times without any problems.  Is there something i'm missing here. 

I know what you mean, I've done a few (hand-full) and had little problems but I think when you do hundreds and all types, from the solid scales to the hollow ones and the older ones where they are more brittle the problems arise 

[Ashley]

Boiling hot water huh?

[ICanFixThat]

I think if you're very careful you can switch them 2-3 times.  The boiling water preparation soulds interesting.  I've used the hair dryer for the new DD scales and it worked very well.