As you may have noticed, I have started carrying a SAK much more frequently. I have had a Robert J Lessard full custom for a while and it is lovely. But the SAK I have been gravitating towards recently is a non-custom Victorinox Compact with replacement scales from Prometheus Design Werx. This is a review of the scales.

The idea of scale swapping on Swiss Army Knives has been around for a while. Once CNCs were affordable enough to show up a small or even hobbyist shops, it became possible to batch out a bunch of high precision scales that can mesh with the pre-existing knife architecture. That’s no mean feat as the factory scales accomodate two large posts and up to four slots or channels (needle, toothpick, pen, and tweezers) are cut into the scale, some running between the posts. Once CNC machines were cheap enough to make scales that were press fit tight, a burgeoning niche of aftermarket scales has developed.

Here is the product page. There are a few versions—Ti, Black G10, OD Green G10, Orange, Gray, and Bright Green—each with and without fullers. The Ti version has three slots, the others have two. The scales are $58.00 or a dollar more with fullers. The clip is already attached when shipped. You need tools to install the scales. I’ll go through the tools and my method of installing the scales below. Note the scales only work for 91 MM Victorinox SAKs

Some are simple swaps for the originals offering no additional features just different colors and materials. The PDW scales, however, add features, while losing two tool slots (the needle and one of either the pen or tweezers—I chose to keep the tweezers). Specifically, the PDW scales provide a true contoured surface, a locating glow dot, and an excellent pocket clip. They also are bit more durable than the traditional celluloid handles. I also really like the aesthetics of the PDW replacement scales. Here are the scales on a Victorinox Compact, one of the best SAKs out there in terms of unique tools per ounce, and next to the very excellent (and also good looking) Prometheus Lights Beta QR Ti v3:

Overall, I really like the scales. A SAK is a great knife to carry as it is unlikely to attract negative attention. Dressing it up a little will both make it nicer looking and easier to carry. The fit and finish is excellent and the value is really there. The clip alone is worth probably $30. The scales are just excellent.

Highly Recommended

Installing Your Scales

Here are the tools you will need:

1x tool to remove the scales (I recommend a small flathead screwdriver)

1x tool to press fit the scales in place (I used a bench vise)

1x a torx bit screwdriver

How To:

Step 1: Remove all of the scale tools from your SAK and set them aside.

Step 2: Place the flat tip of the flat head screwdriver in the handle scale tool slot and lift the scale off the handle on one end.

Step 3: Place the shaft of the flat head screwdriver under the lifted end of the scales and work down to the end still fixed to the handle until you separate the scales from the handles. Repeat for the other side.

Step 4: Remove the clip from the PDW scales.

Step 5: Place the replacement scales on the knife squeezing them in place by hand.

Step 6 (OPTIONAL): Wrap the knife in a rag, a strip of leather, or a strip of silicone to protect the scales in the next step. (Two of the three vises in my shop have wood jaws, so they are soft enough to not require the knife to be wrapped.

Step 7: Place the knife in a vise and squeeze until you here two pops (one for each side). Remove the knife and inspect for a tight fit, checking the edges of the handle and the scales for no gaps.

Step 8: Reattach the pocket clip and insert the scale tools.

In all, this process takes about five minutes. If you are careful you can remove the factory scales and they will be in perfect condition, even reusable. I think it might be possible to do this with a pair of vise pliers, but the uneven pressure will make it difficult to snap the scales in place all at once. I have a very, very nice bench vise with maple jaws and it easily snapped everything in place.

A Word on SAK Selection

Any 91 MM SAK will work, of course, but the best knife, in my opinion, is the Compact. I am not a huge fan of duplicate tools (like the small and large penknife) and the Compact gives you one of the best selections of tools without duplicating any implement. If you’re looking for a larger tool, the Deluxe Tinker is a good choice.

Amazon Links

Victorinox Compact

Victorinox Deluxe Tinker