Sterling silver scales

[z1913]

Couple month back I bought used Classic SD with Tiffany sterling silver scales.

The knife was in a reasonable condition and I liked both the look and the heft of the knife.

The only issue I noticed was that the scales felt tiny bit out of place (but still firmly attached) and the T&T were difficult to pull out. I assigned it to the softness of the scale material - that the scales got sligtly deformed over time.

But about a week ago the front scales fell off. I tried to attach it back again but I was not able to. I did not want to use too much force not to damage it so I am sending it today to Ibach to service.

But if you ever wondered how the sterling silver scales look from the inside, I am attaching some pictures. I was bit surprised to see the tape/glue resisuals inside it. I do not know if it is factory original or whether the pervious owners removed the scales and re-attached it with the glue (that would explain why the scales were bit off from the beginning).

[Rizio Il Ghiro]

Interesting view indeed! Many thanks for sharing! 

[Echotech]

[Huntsman]

 

Hey the rivets/pins look a bit wrong - They seem really flush with the liner - Or is that just an illusion ( ) / the photo?

Also the dimples for the pins in the scale loos like they are filled in - Strange   

[z1913]

The pins are indeed flush with the liner - perfectly aligned.

There are no corresponding dimples in the scales. The dots on the scales visible in the picture are just imprints on the glue - probably just a reaction to different material of the pin. I guess they could not use the standard system used for cellidor models (rivet and corresponding hole in the scales) because of the silver? So some kind of glue to atttach it is needed.

I was even thinking whether I did not get a counterfeit here... We will see what Ibach says.

[nate j]

I guess they could not use the standard system used for cellidor models (rivet and corresponding hole in the scales) because of the silver? So some kind of glue to atttach it is needed.

Yes.  The flexibility of the material of cellidor and nylon scales (and of course their design) allows them to “pop” (friction fit) onto the rivets.  When more rigid scale materials (e.g. metal, wood) are used, the scales must be attached by other means, such as adhesive (as here) or pinning through the scales (Alox models).

[Aloha]

Interesting.  Thank you for posting.  I would have thought they'd be glued/epoxied on? 

[Huntsman]

The pins are indeed flush with the liner - perfectly aligned.

Hmm so how is the knife held together? 
The pins aren't just to hold the scales?
I guess they must overlap the holes a little!

[z1913]

Hmm so how is the knife held together? 
The pins aren't just to hold the scales?
I guess they must overlap the holes a little!

Hmm, good question - the one not covered by the tape/glue felt fully aligned with the liner. Unfortunately I already shipped the knife for service so I can’t further check. Maybe the holes in the liner are bevelled?

[nate j]

If the holes are countersunk, the pins can be flush and still hold the knife together.

[z1913]

My Tiffany classic came back from the service today. The scales are re-attached, all cleaned, the T&T are easy to pull out again.
Thank you, Victorinox! What a great service for a total of 75CZK (=3€!).

[Aloha]

Looks great.  Congrats. 

[AzteCypher]

 

[Rizio Il Ghiro]

  That’s a lovely looking knife!

[nate j]

I would have expected nothing less from Vic, but glad to hear they did right by you.