Appreciation for the Explorer

Helvetica Bold · **Reply #990 on:** July 08, 2020, 10:47:10 PM

Quote from: Buzzbait on June 21, 2019, 01:11:35 AM

Finally. And old glass magnifier Explorer in sensational condition. Other than some scuffs on the scales, the knife appears to be completely unused. This is from my favorite generation of 91mm SAKs. Grey housing and glass lens. Riveted scissors and package hook. Thick tang main blade with crossbow stamp. Stronger corkscrew. Awl with sewing eye. Explorer perfection.

(Image removed from quote.)

All the good stuff on that one!

TonySal · **Reply #991 on:** July 09, 2020, 01:59:58 AM

Acuphys1 · **Reply #992 on:** July 09, 2020, 02:01:44 AM

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Helvetica Bold · **Reply #993 on:** July 09, 2020, 10:11:19 AM

Quote from: sir_mike on March 06, 2019, 02:30:59 AM

Did someone say Explorer's? I can't live without mine (the three amigo's) and even though I try others, I always come back to the Explorer! Usually carry the one in the middle with Ruby Plus scales!

Nice trio there...are those green jelly scales available as replacement items or just as limited edition? I’ve looked for them but they don’t seem to come up anywhere and I have and old Swiss Champ that would look very nice in a set of these.

Max Stone · **Reply #994 on:** July 20, 2020, 08:47:26 PM

I can’t find the post back in March to see the pic, but you’re probably referring to the ‘Victorinox color twins’ set that was a small kitchen knife and green (or orange) Spartan combo. Google to see if that’s what you’re looking for...

kamakiri · **Reply #995 on:** July 21, 2020, 07:17:19 PM

Quote from: Helvetica Bold on July 09, 2020, 10:11:19 AM

Nice trio there...are those green jelly scales available as replacement items or just as limited edition? I’ve looked for them but they don’t seem to come up anywhere and I have and old Swiss Champ that would look very nice in a set of these.

Doris Martino has them on the ‘bay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-SWISS-ARMY-VICTORINOX-91mm-EMERALD-PLUS-SCALES-W-TOOTHPICK-TWEEZER-FREE-SHIP-/382285261733

Those are the c. ‘99/‘00 (solid) translucent plus scales in sir mike’s pic. The color twin scales are ‘back painted’ (like silvertech) and a much lighter color...and a modern scale design that’s not available AFAIK in plus form. I only have the Orange color twin type.

kamakiri · **Reply #996 on:** July 21, 2020, 07:30:11 PM

And while I’m in here, these are a couple of c. ‘78 Hoffritz ‘Explorers’ (HOFFRITZ - S11231 CRAFTSMAN) one with a Neiman Marcus inlay.

.

TonySal · **Reply #997 on:** September 28, 2020, 11:30:28 PM

...Like the Explorer too.. have to carry it more!!

Acuphys1 · **Reply #998 on:** September 29, 2020, 02:09:44 AM

You should TS!!!

I switched the scales on my EDC Explorer to the Stayglow Boy Scout scales and I'm lovin it more.
Now it's a matched set with my Mate that I put Stayglow scales on a while ago, and paired it with a sweet little imported Italian knife with real Stag scales which a patient gave me for my Birthday.

Cool beans! My MODest attempts at modding.

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Aloha · **Reply #999 on:** September 29, 2020, 06:20:51 AM

What a wonderful trio.

39hotrod · **Reply #1000 on:** September 29, 2020, 02:19:02 PM

TonySal · **Reply #1001 on:** September 29, 2020, 11:14:59 PM

Quote from: Acuphys1 on September 29, 2020, 02:09:44 AM

You should TS!!!

I switched the scales on my EDC Explorer to the Stayglow Boy Scout scales and I'm lovin it more.
Now it's a matched set with my Mate that I put Stayglow scales on a while ago, and paired it with a sweet little imported Italian knife with real Stag scales which a patient gave me for my Birthday.

Cool beans! My MODest attempts at modding.

(Image removed from quote.)

Sent from my SM-T387V using Tapatalk

it counts! Looking good!

Acuphys1 · **Reply #1002 on:** September 29, 2020, 11:24:07 PM

Thanks y'all!

I never would even thought of swapping scales if not for you guys on this forum.

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MacGyver · **Reply #1003 on:** October 01, 2020, 11:49:58 AM

I know it's a bit contradictory to the title of this thread, but...

Man, i'm getting colder and colder about the Explorer.... $:-\$ The more i look at it the more i find the Philips/Mag layer near useless/redundant for me, and adding a big and unnecessary bulk to what is basically a "Climber".
IMO the value for money/function it's just not worth it. One just can not get any other realistic functions/uses out of that layer other than their intended use, and that's just limiting...
Yeah, the 3D philips it's great, but the can opener already does a good job for the most SD use i'd use it for. The Mag glass, while somewhat useful in a pinch (if you need it) it's not really worth the space it takes up, and i have quite a few largely better mag glasses. I don't need one on a daily basis.

I'll probably sell mine, not really worth keeping just to sit on a drawer. No point. $:-\$

Aloha · **Reply #1004 on:** October 01, 2020, 04:21:07 PM

Can't fault your thinking. The inline is very specific as is the mag glass. I don't mind the can opener but for me the added reach and ability to tackle more recessed screws is valuable. The mag glass is used a lot and while I do have a much better mag glass I just don't carry it. Truthfully however I am considering getting a loop for my trips to the flea market.

I do have a Salesman that I thought would boot the Explorer out use. It almost did. I also have an Adventurer that is wonderful. I can admit that familliarity in my situation plays a part in my love for the Explorer Plus. Theres the pen and pin and little driver too to me considered. Yes you can get plus scales on 91s but theres a fair bit of familiarity at play for me in addition to plus scales.

Kraken · **Reply #1005 on:** October 01, 2020, 05:03:42 PM

Quote from: Aloha on October 01, 2020, 04:21:07 PM

Can't fault your thinking. The inline is very specific as is the mag glass. I don't mind the can opener but for me the added reach and ability to tackle more recessed screws is valuable.

The ability of the inline Philips to get to recessed screws is what sold me on the Explorer. I tried the Tinker, an although it could get to recessed screws as well, it was limited by the T-handle configuration as there needed to be enough clearance to turn it. In my experience, when I had to use the back side Philips, there wasn't always enough room to use it. I also like the fact that the Explorer's inline has that 90 degree stop available as well. But this is one of the great things about SAKs, IMO; you choose your toolset based on your needs/experiences and there's usually something for everyone. And when there's not, you can always head over to the Mod forum for inspiration.

Sawl Goodman · **Reply #1006 on:** October 02, 2020, 02:09:34 AM

I've said this before. I'm unlikely ever to choose the Explorer for outside pocket carry. Too thick and I don't need the Phillips/magnifier and scissor layers. I do, however, find it an excellent kitchen tool. It handles well, and with it I can open packages; tighten pot and pot lid handles; inspect ingredient lists in fine print; slice frozen ginger; pull corks (v. rarely).

TonySal · **Reply #1007 on:** October 02, 2020, 02:23:55 AM

Quote from: Sawl Goodman on October 02, 2020, 02:09:34 AM

I've said this before. I'm unlikely ever to choose the Explorer for outside pocket carry. Too thick and I don't need the Phillips/magnifier and scissor layers. I do, however, find it an excellent kitchen tool. It handles well, and with it I can open packages; tighten pot and pot lid handles; inspect ingredient lists in fine print; slice frozen ginger; pull corks (v. rarely).

Sidney Porter · **Reply #1008 on:** October 02, 2020, 02:33:24 AM

I like scissors so my edc is a climber or explorer. It depends on the pants I am wearing. Jeans = explorer, khaki=climber, dress= sportsman relying on a classic for the scissor

TonySal · **Reply #1009 on:** October 02, 2020, 02:40:18 AM

...yes my Edc is a Climber one an Executive! Love SAK scizzors

SgtTowser · **Reply #1010 on:** October 02, 2020, 05:27:30 AM

Need some identification and strategic assessment from some of the experienced knights here.

I found what I believe is an old Explorer—maybe early 1980s—in rough condition. Got it for a couple bucks to rehabilitate, because I liked the idea of an inline Phillips on a bit thinner form factor. And I just like old stuff, because now I’m old.

Solid red scales (couple of cracks and a shard chipped off at tail scale with the shield.)
Says Rostfrei on tang.
Cork screw is double coiled.
Magnifying glass is embedded in somewhat dark grey plastic.
Awl has no hole.

Question 1: is this an Explorer?
Question 2: Is this 80s vintage?
Question 3: did the main blades of old Explorers look this thin edge to spine, or has this main blade been massively sharpened down?
Question 4: what kind of replacement scales make sense for this old model? Strip some off another 91mm donor knife? Order some plus scales from Swiss Bianco? Migrate to G-10, Micarta, or metal? I’m not sure I want to hang titanium scales on this example.

There are a number of Explorer lovers, so I am hoping they will chime in with what has worked well for them regarding scale replacements.

SgtTowser · **Reply #1011 on:** October 02, 2020, 05:49:29 AM

It came in a nice little leather belt pouch. Is this an aftermarket pounce, or did Victorinox sell paunches like this back in the day? This pouch has not brand stamps on it anywhere, so I’m guessing its an aftermarket pouch.

SgtTowser · **Reply #1012 on:** October 02, 2020, 06:03:27 PM

Ooops, I overlooked the “X’s” pressed into the pattern on the leather pouch. It’s apparently a Vic pouch..

Aloha · **Reply #1013 on:** October 02, 2020, 06:06:32 PM

YES Vic pouch. My Zermatt is like this with the addition of a space for a steel.

SgtTowser · **Reply #1014 on:** October 02, 2020, 06:29:36 PM

Aloha

Any idea of age of your knife pouch? Are they still made and sold in this style.

Also, like a bone head I found the mod forum AFTER posting this.

SgtTowser · **Reply #1015 on:** October 02, 2020, 06:43:56 PM

Acuphys1

Is that a nano switch blade on your lanyard?

Very trick even if not.

Acuphys1 · **Reply #1016 on:** October 02, 2020, 06:48:11 PM

No Sgt,
It's a Maserin mini folder imported from Italy, with stag scales

Like this one
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/ME699O/maserin-699o-mignon-classic-miniature-folding-knife-blade-colored-bone-scales-colors-will-vary

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Aloha · **Reply #1017 on:** October 02, 2020, 06:55:52 PM

Quote from: SgtTowser on October 02, 2020, 06:29:36 PM

Aloha

Any idea of age of your knife pouch? Are they still made and sold in this style.

Also, like a bone head I found the mod forum AFTER posting this.

The knife is a no hook, no eye in reamer, 4 turn grooved corkscrew, no pin or pen space Champion so I'd say mid 80s?

Yes they are still being sold.

PiterM · **Reply #1018 on:** March 07, 2021, 02:08:11 AM

Just a pair of Explorers... my favorite model probably.

TonySal · **Reply #1019 on:** March 07, 2021, 03:01:08 AM

Quote from: PiterM on March 07, 2021, 02:08:11 AM

Just a pair of Explorers... my favorite model probably.

(Image removed from quote.)

nice!

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