Badge Request: Scale Changer

BPRoberts · **on:** June 12, 2025, 09:23:54 PM

My step-daughter-in-law was supposed to graduate vet tech school, get married, and buy a house this fall. My wife and I were talking about gifts, and decided to get her an SAK with some pet themed scales, and a Rebar for her fiance since he's an iron worker. I ordered them last year when I found a good price, we got both engraved with their initials and wedding date, and tucked them away in the closet for when we needed them.

And then he canceled the wedding.

So now I was stuck with two engraved multis. The Leatherman went to a friend of ours who helps with our camper maintenance. He didn't have one, has been a huge help, and doesn't care about the engraving. He says he uses it all the time.

But I didn't know anyone who needed a Spartan, and I didn't want to waste the scales. When I found a good deal on a SAK with the watch opener, I decided taking a SAK apart with a SAK would be a fun little project.

[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]

After soaking the scales in hot water, I was able to wedge the opener in and pop them off. It was easier than I thought. Definitely use nice hot water. I soaked them in just warmish the first time and it made a huge difference.

[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]

Ever wonder what the inside of a Swiss Army Knife looks like?

[ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]

My wife thought she'd like an Explorer, so I got one, popped the reds off, and snapped the paw prints on.

I did do the vice-towel pinch that a lot of people recommend, but they felt pretty well attached before.

Fun little project, and now I can do it for my knives if I ever find one that I want to change out.

IMR4198 · **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2025, 09:46:37 PM

That pet paw print is snappy. Good job. I generally hold one that has new scales up to the lights and see if any gap shows. Then I hold the SAK by one opened tool and tap the scales with a fingernail. See if it rattles.
Best wishes and congrats to your wife on her Explorer. G

Farmer X · **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2025, 12:53:21 AM

Great work. Hope your wife enjoys her Explorer!

Myron · **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2025, 03:05:15 AM

Sorry to hear about the change in plans, and I hope your step DIL is doing ok. That kind of abrupt change of direction can be tough.

But good for you for making SAK lemonade out of these lemons. Nicely done, and I look forward to seeing your badge under your name in future posts!

BPRoberts · **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2025, 05:34:31 AM

To clarify (I realize the way I wrote it was a little vague) this is still going to SDIL. Wife is happy with her Classic and Farmer X.

Antti Lammi · **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2025, 09:02:49 AM

Badge awarded

Tuisto · **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2026, 09:37:35 PM

You know, I think I'm reviving a pretty dead thread here but I was wondering whether others had used the Victorinox Watch Tool (or whatever they call the thing) to pop scales off. I've never actually done it but am preparing to so that I can replace the red scales on my Work Champ with the Rescue Tool's GITD scales. I have one of the Vic Watch Tools and thought it may be a better idea to use that than to use a bladed implement (like the small blade or the can opener) to pop the scale off.

Frenchephaistos · **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2026, 10:04:31 PM

Just be careful with nice hot water ; too hot and the cellidor might warp a bit.

psyjohn · **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2026, 11:39:38 PM

I used the can opener whenever I was removing scales, until I got a watch tool. It works much better since it has more surface area for leverage.

Tuisto · **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2026, 11:55:25 PM

Quote from: Frenchephaistos on March 05, 2026, 10:04:31 PM

Just be careful with nice hot water ; too hot and the cellidor might warp a bit.

Hephaistos, I was actually considering not using hot water at all. I hope that doesn't have too much of an impact on the process.

IMR4198 · **Reply #10 on:** March 06, 2026, 12:12:55 AM

I always do the hot water and use the blade of the can opener. Don't get the water boiling hot. Best wishes. G

Tuisto · **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2026, 12:59:41 AM

You know Gary, I'm just not sure I like the idea of submerging the thing in water. I know it shouldn't have any effect but I still just don't like the thought of it. I've seen some people put it in Ziplock and submerge it. I was considering possibly doing that, instead.

AzteCypher · **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2026, 05:16:31 AM

I use a very dull small SAK blade which works very well for me. If you're not looking to reuse the scales you're removing, you don't have to put it in hot water. If you think you might want to reuse them, placing the SAK in a Ziplock can work as well. Just make sure to get as much of the air out as possible to make it easier to submerge.

Tuisto · **Reply #13 on:** March 06, 2026, 05:45:26 AM

No, I'm not looking to reuse the scales afterwards. I think I may try putting it in a Ziplock and submerging in warm water. Then I'll use the Watch Tool to remove the scales. This'll be my first scale swap, so I hope things go okay, haha. Perhaps I should try it on a different model first. I also got red plus scales to put on my 91mm Ranger and Spartan. But for those I think I only need to replace the back scale, since the front scale is exactly the same (well, except for the front scale on my Ranger, since it has the 'Camping' logo). Thanks for all the advice, guys! I'll take photos and post it when I get around to it.