Climber Ecoline / Climber II advise please

[craggus2000]

Hi all,
This is my first post here, so am just starting my collection of SAKs.
I have been given a Climber 91mm, but with the nylon scales, and had a few questions...
1)  It is quite old, is there any way I can date it?
2)  Although the scales seem in quite good condition, the silver has started to wear out of the heat stamped shield, is there any way to restore this? (I don't want to replace the scales due to its sentimentality).
3)  I was planning on cleaning it with a toothbrush and ethanol, as some of the attachments have lost their snap, but I think its just because of the amount of gunk. Will ethanol damage the nylon scales?
4)  Alternatively, if I wash/soak it in warm soapy water, do I need to be worried about water getting in between the knife and the scales or are they usually tightly enough attached that it can't .

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Don Pablo]

Welcome! 

1, Yes, we can try. Post some pictures? 

2, Maybe someone else will know, I don't. 

3 and 4, try soaking it in warm soapy water first. I don't know if the ethanol will cause damage, but the warm water and soap is safe and is also the recommended method. 

[craggus2000]

Thanks!
Please see the attached pictures. If I've left anything out please let me know and I'll add more.

[craggus2000]

fifth pic of scissors...

[Don Pablo]

If you can show a picture with all the tools out, for completeness sake, that would be great.

At the moment, I'd say 1991-2004.

Based on the fact that the scissors had a screw before 1991, and the hook didn't exist before 1991, and in 2004, they made the base of the blade with the word stamping thinner to match the rest, so it has to be before that. 

Late 90's most likely?

[craggus2000]

Thanks Pablo,
As requested, I've added a photo with all tools opened for completeness.

The age you suggest is roughly what I thought it to be so that's a good start! Will commence cleaning in a few days.


Does anyone have experience with restoring the silver shield please?

[Lynn LeFey]

My suggestion would be to replace the scales. The shield on the Nylon scales are just paint.

Very good condition cellidor scales (the shiny plastic ones) are very inexpensive, easy to put on, and the shield on them is an inset metal piece that doesn't wear out.

[craggus2000]

Ideally I'm not wanting to change them, mainly because apart from the shield I think they are in quite good condition. Also because of who gave it to me I don't feel I have the right to change it out of respect and for sentimental reasons.

I want to try and learn techniques in restoring items and not to replace unless absolutely necessary.

[craggus2000]

Aside from that I think I prefer the nylon scales over the cellidor versions as they feel more substantial and tactile!

[Lynn LeFey]

I can understand liking the nylon scales. I like the slight grip of their texture, myself. And I understand the respect for getting this tool with these scales.

I just don't know of any way to restore that cross.

Also, I just did a post on cleaning gunked up SAKs here...
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,75094.msg1607012.html#msg1607012

I don't think I mentioned it in the post, but use the old beat-up toothbrush to scrub any crud out of the knife after soaking, and before rinsing.

This is the method I've used on a fair number of used SAKs I've had. The tool will smell of WD40 and tool oil when you're done for a few days, but will work fabulously to bring back the 'snap' to the tools.

[craggus2000]

Thanks Lynn, I cleaned it up a few days ago - soaking it in soapy water worked a treat, along with a tooth brush. The only thing I didn't do was WD40 as I might use it on food.

Instead I blasted it with compressed air and left it in  the airing cupboard for a day.
A few drops on mineral on each tool joint and its got its walk and talk back! Every tool snaps back perfectly 

The only thing to try and figure out how is the silver Cross restoration...

I have one idea, which is to use the ink from one of those silver paint markers and a pin as a nib or sorts..... 

[Sawl Goodman]

Nice score, and great that you've cleaned it up so easily!
 
My Sportsman has nylon scales and I love them too. They give the knife an understated, rugged, all business, get the job done style. They give a good grip and are tough and resistant to chemicals that can damage cellidor.

The shield on mine has half disappeared, worn smooth with the rest of the scales. I have no thoughts to restore it. The wear is a proud badge in itself. I see the knife simply as a quality pocket knife!

The Victorinox branding is still there, tucked away on the tang like a secret. I this!

[ThePeacent]

I agree with Sawl, I have an old Explorer with very worn shield and scratched blade, to me those are battle scars and worthy signs of wear and use, they add character to it! 

[Huntsman]

Glad to see the clean up went well - Soapy water, a bit of a scrub, and some oil usually doea the trick   

Good idea about the ink pen/marker.
What about making the shield deeper with a hot pin/rod - Then filling with nail varnish   
Would be a bit tricky ....

However - Are you planing to use the SAK?   

If so I would forget about restoring the shield - As whatever you do will wear away after a few days of use - Just like the original !

Agree with Pabs on the dating.
One more think to check - Does the SD have a 'locking nub' ?
In the closed position check wether there is a little bump on the top of the SD right at the end.
If yes it's after 1999 - If no it's before.

[Don Pablo]

One more think to check - Does the SD have a 'locking nub' ?
In the closed position check wether there is a little bump on the top of the SD right at the end.
If yes it's after 1999 - If no it's before.

I didn't know about the date that the locking nub was added until now, thanks! 


In case there's any confusion, this is what the locking nub is, on the bottle opener that is sitting on top of the spring with the keychain attachment, at the bottom of the picture.
You can see that the "tang" part at the base of the tool around the pivot hole is not quite square, it has a nub sticking out on the top left corner. Between 1985 and 1999 it was fully square with no nub, before then it was round like the top one.

[Huntsman]

Excellent pics and explanation Pabs

That feature really needs a pic to explain - I could not muster one up !!

Re dates etc - Have you seen my dating sheet??
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,51872.msg1214400.html#msg1214400

I need to post a new version, there have been a few updates since this version - and some more info from El CS 

[Don Pablo]

Excellent pics and explanation Pabs

That feature really needs a pic to explain - I could not muster one up !!

Re dates etc - Have you seen my dating sheet??
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,51872.msg1214400.html#msg1214400

I need to post a new version, there have been a few updates since this version - and some more info from El CS

Yup, I saw your dating sheet. It's great and is my go-to now when I need to look up a date.