Hints for 74mm modders

ComboTool · **on:** November 20, 2024, 01:50:38 PM

The Victorinox 74mm line has become my favorite SAK size as it's the smallest that can comfortably handle an apple. However, the configurations and tools have always been very limited (even when they were still available new). Modding, in particular the addition of 65mm tools is an obvious solution. I have now made (and remade

) several and I thought I'd share what I've learnt along the way. While there are several 74mm mods around, I don't think I have seen specific 74mm advice in one place so I decided to start this thread.

This is not a step-by-step tutorial and I won't rehash the general principles of SAK modding, there are plenty of resources on this forum already. 58/65mm SAKs are very similar in build to the 74mm line so most of that advice applies here. This thread is just a collection of tips for those intending to mod 74mm SAKs. Please feel free to add your own experiences or link to resources I may have missed.

ComboTool · **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2024, 01:53:59 PM

The main source for additional tools is the Wenger 65mm line. The Pocket Tool Chest offers a combo tool (bottle opener/screwdriver), a glasses/jeweller's screwdriver which IMHO is pretty much everything the 74mm line lacks, with an awl thrown in as a bonus. If you're into golf or sewing you can even find tools for your hobby in Wenger special models. The 65mm line uses the same 2mm pin size as modern 74mm (older 74mm used 1.5mm pins, they can be redrilled to 2mm).

The tang of the 65mm tools is slightly larger than on 74mm tools but in my experience they can be used without modification. Wide (two-spring) 65mm tools can use wide 74mm springs (scissors, blade, wide file) and narrow 65mm tools (one-spring) can use narrow 74mm springs (file, orange peeler) without any issue. Narrow springs come in two models (that I know of), the main difference being the height of the tool in closed position. This can be important for nail nick access so you should try both.

58mm tools can be used (e.g. here), although I haven't done it so I don't know if it requires any work besides drilling to 2mm. Leatherman Micra tools can be made to work but it requires extensive modification of the tool, see this thread for two examples.

ComboTool · **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2024, 01:59:45 PM

One unique characteristic of the 74mm line is the free-floating backspring, which can be seen here. It is used by the main blade layer, which can have the small blade or a nail file on the opposite end. No matter what, you will end with an excess of floating springs and a need for one-end spring (especially the narrow ones). In order to lower my Executive consumption, I tried to use floating springs with two narrow tools opposite each other. I'm pleased to report that it works, although it requires some modifications of one of the tools. The tang on the small blade is much smaller than on other tools so the tool that will reside on this side requires some grinding (otherwise it will interfere with the opening of the tool on the other backspring of the layer).
Obviously this configuration requires additional spacers, I usually put a 1mm washer besides the tool with the large tang and the original spacer besides the tool with the small tang. Using two Victorinox spacers is possible (if you have enough, which brings back the problem of donor consumption). Using two washers probably works too although I don't have washers small enough to use on the small blade side so I haven't tried.
Some trial and error is required to find an orientation where both nail nicks are accessible. In my experience the long nail file/small screwdriver combination works well but it all depend on the resting height of the neighbouring layer. Nail nick access is the main issue with 74mm mods, be ready to try many orientations and you may end up with a tool layout that's very different from what you had in mind at the beginning.

ComboTool · **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2024, 02:07:40 PM

If you don't like the floating backspring solution, it is possible to pace two narrow springs on the back of a thick one but it requires washers (0.2-0.3mm) to compensate for the slight difference in thickness.

If you're planning to have more than two layers, you'll need additional liners which are hard to find: there's one in the Executive and as far as I know that's it, no other model has internal liners. However, the external liners found on cellidor models can be used without a problem. They're marginally thicker (0.6mm vs 0.4mm) and they're full (without cutouts for the tools) but it doesn't seem to interfere with the tools. The difference is noticeable when viewed from the ends, so if it bothers you you should standardise on one or the other type of liner.