How to disassemble a Swiss Army Knife

[@Setnja92]

Victorinox really should start to offer (at least limited) customisation of their knives for customers. Everytime i look in their eshop and want to buy their knife, there is no model, that fits perfectly to what i want. Everytime there is one tool, i do not want and one tool, that is missing.

[@JoshsShop]

I know the feeling.

[@chicagotypewriter2094]

No way they’d ever do this. They know for a fact that people like collecting. Doing so would kill a huge part of business Not saying I wouldn’t like that, but that’s super detrimental to the company

[@vtxdaryl]

You went so fast on the scale removal, I didn’t see the disassembly.

[@JoshsShop]

Sorry about that. Here is a separate video just about scale removal: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvJmp6OibCjj7csi=Y_uZiY0IJ2TISE1I

[@luigiprovencher]

Exactly.I want a EDC Large or Medium that has what I think is the perfect tool combination for me so that hopefully I don't have to carry more than one. I don't need a corkscrew as I don't drink and I don't need the pen or a tooth pick even because I can just whittle away one with the SAK, give me a fire starter(ferro rod) instead.

[@renatoromano]

Thanks for this video! I´m have en Explorer too and need to push out a part of needle that I try to put on the cavity on corkscrew's base (not a great idea...). The needle broke and I can´t put it forward even push it out. The red plastics on sides of knife are glued or fixed only with pression? If glued, what type I can on it? Thanks again!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

This is a really great tutorial, thank you ! You helped convince me to send my knife to Switzerland rather than try to fix it myself 👍

[@JoshsShop]

Yeah, if your knife just needs a repair and you can go without it for a bit, sending it in seems to be the way to go. I'd be interested to know what the turn around time is.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@JoshsShop I'm thinking at least a month, based on what people using the service have said. I don't want a replacement though. I just want the damaged tool parts repaired.

[@PiLLO360]

@@edwardfletcher7790what ended up happening?

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@PiLLO360 I found out that air mail postage from Australia was more than the value of the knife. I just bought another one on special 👍

[@PiLLO360]

@@edwardfletcher7790 what model did you get?

[@LouieHodgson-sg4nu]

What is the screwdriver you are using?

[@JoshsShop]

Hmm, perhaps you are referring to the spring loaded center punch I am holding in the video at around 3:30 ?

[@frederikbruck5210]

1min 50 sec: 2.5mm(!) on the outside and 2.2mm on the inside, but 2.4 will also work just fine... (Maybe even a bit easier to assemble?)

[@JoshsShop]

Maybe. It seems a little wiggle room doesn't hurt.

[@Frd4Lf]

So you have to destroy the knife to take it apart. So pretty much do not take tgese knives apart ever.

[@JoshsShop]

Yeah pretty much destroy, but they can be reassembled. It isn't that hard if you have a bit of time and a few tools.

[@Frd4Lf]

@@JoshsShop which knife has pliers and corkscrew but no scissors?

[@JoshsShop]

I am not aware of a model that has pliers but no scissors. Might be time to destroy something 🤪

[@Luuk_M]

The discontinued Mechanic.

[@joshuamontoya1878]

Hey Josh, Josh here thank you for the knowledge man

[@JoshsShop]

Hey Josh! I'm glad you found it useful. -Josh

[@joshlikesfood1673]

Josh gang! I second Josh!

[@unitedstatesirie7431]

​@@JoshsShop uh, I did not realize that the tools are permanently pinned into the body of the Victorinox Swiss Army knives. ⚠️ I want to remove the knife in my Victorinox 'RAMBLER' so it is airplane TSA approved. I think it will be easier for me to remove the knife blade by just cutting it off with a dremel grinding wheel.

[@JoshsShop]

@unitedstatesirie7431 it certainly would be easier to just cut it off, but you might want to check out the, "Jetsetter," model before you go too far. It is a 84mm model with scissors in one side and the cap lifter-Phillips screwdriver tool on the other. It is intended for air travel (that said I don't know first hand how security feels about them).

[@redcardinal9741]

Wonderful! You are a master! I would have the courage to bring you a knife to fix it for me. Bravo!

[@JoshsShop]

That is kind, thanks.

[@TheTrueDoomSlayer]

"To disassemble your swiss army knife, first grab a second swiss aemy knife"

[@dhiyanshujram3151]

How to take apart the knife *Shows a sped up version of how to remove to scales without explaining how to remove it*

[@JoshsShop]

I have a detailed video on scale removal here if it is useful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvJmp6OibCjj7csi=qK1_tGqnPTNQWqfk

[@paulacopple9218]

Sent my knife to victornox the scissor broke. They sent me a new knife after 2 weeks. I got the droken knife (now in peices). I have all the parts except the pins. I want to fix.

[@classCexplosive]

This is awesome. I have thought about modifying my Fisherman model by taking out the fish scaler, and adding scissors and the saw. Now I know it is possible, I may attempt making the perfect (for me) swiss army knife.

[@JoshsShop]

Thanks and good luck if you decide to take the plunge. Be sure to check out my other SAK mod videos and if you are a Reddit user check out r/SAKmod ( www.reddit.com/r/SAKmod? ). Reach out if I can help.

[@shadowknight8151]

I mean the best way is sell fisherman, and buy huntsman. Its cheaper and easier

[@classCexplosive]

@@shadowknight8151 ah, but huntsman doesn't have the pliers.

[@STUFFWEDO]

Very useful, thank you.

[@TheJoedonbakerfan]

They should just use Chicago screws instead of pins.

[@JoshsShop]

Yeah, I think that would be nice as well.

[@ScrypKat56]

Why flash thru removing the scales? How do you do that?

[@JoshsShop]

Sorry, I cover it in detail in another video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvJmp6OibCjj7csi=HBPvxUmEIKMKoBjf

[@ScrypKat56]

@@JoshsShop ah, thank you!

[@DavideNastri]

Awesome work and knowledge but this is totally punching above my weight. Does anyone know if sending my Cybertool to replace scissors make sense economically or is it better to buy a new one?

[@JoshsShop]

If the scissors are broken, you should be able to fairly easily make a warranty claim. I believe all you would need to pay is shipping, which is much less than the cost of a new cybertool.

[@DavideNastri]

@@JoshsShop Not broken but a bit... Misaligned. Is life warranty?

[@JoshsShop]

Yes the warranty is a lifetime warranty. If it is just bent, you may be able to bend it back. I have done that before with several tools, otherwise they should be able to do that for you.

[@luigiprovencher]

I might have to do this because there is no perfect Swiss army knife unfortunately.

[@JoshsShop]

My dream is that their website just has a list of layers and interchangeable parts and you can build one however you want...until then (which is probably never) I suppose I will continue to mod them. 😁

[@luigiprovencher]

@@JoshsShop Right. Exactly. They don't even have one that's marked for survivalists or Doctors and nurses which is weird.

[@AKTIVE_Muzik]

Needed to know how to take scales off so that didn’t help

[@JoshsShop]

My apologies, I have a separate video for just that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvJmp6OibCjj7csi=w7QhT0OjWXoX7Pz0

[@ButterbeanOutdoors]

Is there any way you could show a reassembly? Id like to see what you use for the pins. I have seen people use small nails and stuff, but not sure what you would use or how to make it hold the bushing once done.

[@JoshsShop]

I have some reassembly information in a few of my current videos. Specifically this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ3Gk62Bmr98bKc at 10:39 talks about the pins I use and sizing them. That said I don't have a video specifically about putting a model with scales back together. I should make one though. The pins I use are just hardware store brass rods sanded/filed down to the appropriate size. If you are making a thinner knife out of a thicker one, you can usually reuse the pins because they are generally long enough as long as you are careful about taking it apart.

[@ButterbeanOutdoors]

@@JoshsShop very awesome. I will absolutely check it out. I just got into collecting/carrying SAKs. Your channel has been a big help man. Thanks again.

[@JoshsShop]

Very cool, and I am glad you find it useful. I am happy to field questions if I can be of any help.

[@ButterbeanOutdoors]

@@JoshsShop thanks Josh!

[@ranckie5055]

Thanks for a great video that shows the makeup of a typical Swiss Army knife. I can offer a few tips to enlighten your viewers in hopes of making their knife journey a bit easier, starting with, Tip #1. I recently contacted Victorinox regarding service and repair work on several of my Executive knives that are no longer made; (l needed new scales). While it used to be that they would do repairs for free, it appears that they, like many other companies have done, have changed their policies. Now you have to fill out a form online and send in your knife and they will do an estimate of the cost and notify you before starting repairs. I was told that the cost can run from $50.00 U.S. on up, not exactly inexpensive for sure, and they discourage doing any repairs yourself, even something as simple as changing your own scales! That is exactly why I decided to look, where else, but on You Tube, and eBay. Tip # 2, I believe the proper name for the piece that you referred to as the small bushings would be, a ferrule with a countersink, or a countersunk ferrule. Since those are most likely made by the thousands on a screw machine for Victorinox, it would be a good idea, as you suggested, to carefully preserve those since without access to a small lathe, they would be very hard to duplicate. For those with a small lathe, the material can be had by following the next tip, #3. Tip # 3, Most, if not all of the small brass rods that comprise the riveted pins can be purchased on McMaster Carr's website at . Once at their web site just do a search on the left starting with, Raw Material, Metal, Brass, then Rods, and go from there. I would choose the Ultra-Formable 260 Brass Rods. A 2.4 mm diameter rod is actually 3/32" or .0937" in diameter, and one piece, 12" long, will cost about $1.42 U.S., plus shipping. The 2.2 mm (.0866") seems to be a weird size and may actually be something close to that, (like .081") because it's not likely that Victorinox would not use an off-size diameter when a standard would do. If it really is that odd diameter, it might require a substitute that comes closest to it on McMasters web site. One last bit of information I learned is, Wenger, the other Swiss knife brand was purchased by Victorinox, and the name Weger will be retired forever. Thanks again for a very informative video.

[@roger.e.giralt3821]

Excelent instruction, but I like to see a video on how to assemble the kinive, and where can I get the new pins?

[@JoshsShop]

Thanks. I have a few videos where I reassemble a knife. This one in particular covers both of your questions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ3Gk62Bmr98bKc The pins are tricky. If you are taking apart a thick knife to make a thinner one, you can probably reuse the pins. There are a few odd resources out there for correctly sized pins, but I just tend to make my own from a brass rod. You can see how I do that in the video.

[@roger.e.giralt3821]

Thanks for your reply. Your videos are excellent, plenty of useful details. A professional work!

[@toolsgear2695]

Thank You!! 👍

[@vladspb_]

Very good job!!!

[@JoshsShop]

Thank you!

[@JeffCauhape]

Could the pins be replaced by rivits?

[@JoshsShop]

I tend to use the words pins and rivets to mean the same thing, a thin malleable metal rod that is peened to flare the end and hold things together. What would be different about a rivet in your mind?

[@JeffCauhape]

@@JoshsShop I was thinking of pop rivets, but the problem there would be getting the right height and diameter to fit the holds in the back of the scale. I suppose you can get the pins and washers in some after market?

[@JoshsShop]

You can use brass rods from the hardware store that are sanded down to be the appropriate diameter. Then peen them to hold everything together. I have done this many times. Alternatively you can buy knife pivots and screws of the appropriate diameter from knife maker websites to replace the pins. I am sure there would be a way to get pop rivets to work, but I imagine your thoughts are correct. The appropriate diameter might be hard to find, and the flange (or whatever the flared bit is called) might be unsightly and problematic.

[@Gator-357]

You can easily make any size pin you need by starting with a larger diameter size rod, chuck it up in the drill press and file, sand and lap it as it is turning, if you don't have a small evough lathe. Or you can use a regular drill or Dremel if no drill press.

[@JoshsShop]

Exactly, I do that in several of my other videos.

[@Dan12345]

What are you soaking the knife in at the start?

[@JoshsShop]

Just warm water to help loosen the scales up a bit. I talk about it in more detail in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvJmp6OibCjj7c which is also linked during this video.

[@Dan12345]

@@JoshsShop Cheers mate, inspired me to give it a go.

[@thomasmanson1119]

So Josh, where can you find replacement parts like liners and tools? Tom KC3QAC

[@JoshsShop]

Occasionally you can find individual parts on eBay, but shipping tends to make it less than economical. Depending on what you need places like AliExpress sell liners and scales. Etsy has a few things. If you need pivot screws, you can find those on knife maker websites. To be honest though the best way to get parts is to buy a few used knives (or a "lot" of knives, to reduce shipping costs) off eBay to scavenge. It is even better if you can find ones that have some damage to a tool you don't need, they tend to be super cheap.

[@mygoldfishrocks]

I wish I took a photo after I disassembled my little one (it has a blade, nail file, scissors, flashlight and tweezers). I had 2, so I wanted to add an extra layer, and swap out the file for a better one from another off-btand knife. I also wanted to add an awl.. I let it go and now it's just a pile of pieces I have somewhere. I may try to reassemble it now that I've watched your video. Thanks.

[@JoshsShop]

You can do it, I have faith. A Google image search of the name of your knife might help you find a disassembled photo of your knife with the layers all laid out.

[@DEVILGRAVEDIGGER]

As it’s raining hard today, I’m taking a day off. I’ll be in the shed removing all the tools I don’t need to make a thinner knife- hopefully I’ll be able to reuse the pins. Wish me luck!

[@JoshsShop]

Luck!

[@G13-j3c]

Will they fix pearl scales if they don’t make them anymore? I have 5 pearl 3 champion and 2 Swiss champ . Was always curious the warranty on the pearl scale if it breaks

[@JoshsShop]

I am not sure about pearl scales and the warranty. My guess is that they would replace the scales with one of the new plastic ones. Probably not what you are looking for. It couldn't hurt to ask though.

[@aeptacon]

Are there any rules to consider? I want both kinds of phillips 0/1 and phillips 1/2. The only one that has that is the hercules and workchamp. But those are hideous and bulky lol no offense to those who like those models. I like my huntsman lite. I just need to add the phillips and swap out some other stuff.

[@JoshsShop]

The inline Phillips is a tougher tool to tinker with because it is so thick. The only thing Victorinox put opposite it is the magnifying glass which people seem to either love or hate. I have seen a few unique mods with the openers side by side opposite the inline Phillips, but that can get a little tricky.

[@aeptacon]

@@JoshsShop ok cool. I actually want the magnifying glass

[@G13-j3c]

You didn’t need to disassembly the knife . On ebay they sell the loose tools cheap

[@JoshsShop]

I suppose if I was after only one specific part (generally I find a use for most, if not all of the components of a disassembled knife) that might work out but I haven't seen the tools cheap enough individually on eBay to be a better deal than buying a used knife and disassembling it myself. That said if you found a good deal that I haven't seen please share. 🙂

[@tomaszp5551]

Where can I buy 91mm scissors, rivets and pins?

[@JoshsShop]

The scissors are scavenged from another knife. The rivets/pins are sanded down 1/8 inch brass rod (found at most decent hardware stores). I have a few videos showing different SAK modifications where I discuss those things in detail.

[@friedersolaro1588]

How did you remove the shell? Is it a solvent?

[@JoshsShop]

My apologies, but I am not sure what you mean by shell, if you are referring to the plastic scales on the outside of the knife, I pried them off carefully. I have a video of me doing it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvJmp6OibCjj7csi=ZX8u0LiFg3P460zg You may not need the hot water, but I think it helps.

[@aeptacon]

I once tried to disassemble a nintendo ds gave up and ended up getting rid of it. lol. Not sure if I can do this. It is so annoying. I bought huntsman lite and a swisschamp and then I realized it defeats the purpose if I need to carry both. Need to find a way to do it lol

[@JoshsShop]

The mods are time consuming and a bit challenging. If you don't enjoy the process it probably isn't worth it. Best bet would probably be to find an existing model that is a best fit for your needs and just go with it, or find a modder for hire that will do the mod for you.

[@aeptacon]

@@JoshsShop Thanks for the advice. I will think about it because come to think of it, I end up getting tired of things after I acquire it 😅

[@aeptacon]

@@JoshsShop thanks I will do just that

[@archangel20031]

So step one, get it wet and the scales just slide off?

[@JoshsShop]

Not quite slide. More like warm them up in warm water and gently pry them off. The heat helps reduce the amount of material lost around the rings the scale clip onto so that you can replace them without the need for glue.

[@scottys1423]

Great video. I have to disagree on the bit though. High speed steel (HSS) is fine for soft metals and mild steel. You really only need cobalt for stainless steel and hardened steel.

[@alpine1600s]

We use HSS steel on 304 stainless with our vertical mill in our shop. You have to reduce rpm to prevent work hardening.

[@balsalmalberto8086]

Use oil (mineral, 3-1, machine whatever) to keep the tips from overheating

[@my_negative_world]

Do you think ot would be possible to replace the hook in a 91mm with a finger nail file from a 54mm classic or something like that?

[@JoshsShop]

I haven't looked into that specific mod, but it would probably be a challenge because the tools are different thicknesses and likely have their pivot holes in very different locations. It might be doable, but I'm not sure how good it would look or function.

[@lifewithyogiji]

You could exchange the regular hook for the one from the ‘Compact’. That one has a narrow diamond file along its back. Other than that, the’re the same..

[@Melanies_crochet_creations_]

My dad has an old pocket knife he found and I want to take him T apart and sharpen/ de seize it and make it useable for him would this vid help me to do that?

[@JoshsShop]

Unless things are really bad, it would be best if you didn't disassemble the knife, you should be able to clean it up and oil it to get things moving. There are videos out there about restoring older pocket knives, I would try to start there.

[@Melanies_crochet_creations_]

@@JoshsShop thank you, I think it’s kinda rusty too

[@CandidZulu]

I think the bushings are called cup washers. Btw there is a tool called an optical center punch, I suspect it would be very useful to get the center punch right on those pins!

[@JoshsShop]

Yeah, one of those punches would be handy, but I don't have one, and probably most of the folks watching don't either. I try to keep the specialized tools to a minimum so more people might give it a try. It's always good to know about new tools though, so thanks. 😁

[@CandidZulu]

@@JoshsShop Most people never heard about it, and it's something for those who want to get into the hobby a bit more seriously perhaps. Personally I can't find one thing I'd like to change to my Farmer, except putting a bail on it! A a one handed release for the lanyard I secure to my belt with.

[@welshpete12]

I wish they would use better steel with the knife blade , they will not keep sharp!

[@JoshsShop]

Yeah, it is a bit soft for my taste, but it is easy to sharpen, and never rusts. You can't have it all I guess.

[@yellowdog762jb]

Fast, cheap, good. Pick 2. Holds an edge, easy to sharpen, doesn’t rust. Pick 2. Lol! Based on how many second hand, but seemingly unused multitools I've found, I'm guessing that the number of Swiss Army Knife owners who are Felix Imler wanna-a-be's is a fairly low percentage. A large number of SAKs are probably purchased as gifts for an "Outdoorsy Guy". Thus, Victorinox has to meet a certain price point to be successful, and I'm not sure the typical SAK purchaser/owner is not a steel snob either. I usually carry a second knife. A defensive type folder in the city, and a more utilitarian one when in the woods. The SAK is in my pocket mostly for the other tools, but I try not to use my defensive blade for any mundane activities such as opening packages. It would be interesting if there was an option to purchase a tool with better knife blade steel. I'd be very happy with 440C for the knife blade. Sadly, considering how many tools the company turns out per day, the upcharge for the improved steel might be prohibitive in order to recoup the expensive of disrupting their assembly line.

[@nathski22]

How viable do you think it would be to do this with hand tools only? As in-I don’t have access to a drill press or grinder?

[@JoshsShop]

You can fully disassemble a Swiss Army Knife with just hand tools, I have done it more than once. You just have to be careful when drilling out the rivets with a hand drill so that you don't damage anything you want to keep. Any modifications can probably be done with hand tools as well, it will just take longer. A perk though is that you won't over heat anything and ruin the temp with hand tools alone. The only exception I can maybe think of is if you want to do a mod where you need to redrill or ream out a hole in a tool. The hardened steel is hard enough to get through with a drill press, but if you are patient enough it might be possible with a hand drill and a carbide bit.

[@nathski22]

@@JoshsShop fantastic! Really appreciate the response and great advice!

[@nathski22]

An update: I used a Dremel style rotary tool to grind off the bushings and pin heads. Worked quite well! I was not intending to re-use the liners or pins so this was good. Fitted the thinner liners and G10 scales and I’m super happy with it!

[@JoshsShop]

Awesome, I'm glad it worked out and that you are pleased with the results.

[@jonas2431]

Will this work on the mariner

[@JoshsShop]

It would be pretty similar, but you would need to take care while disassembling the sliding lock for the blade.

[@jonas2431]

@@JoshsShop thanks

[@fairyhope5062]

Hi, I'm definitely not a pro at restoring knives, but I've worked on a few. I've never run into one with pins, only screws. Is there a way to remove the pins without having access to power tools?

[@JoshsShop]

I think the best way to remove pins/rivets is by drilling them out, then driving them out with a punch and hammer. You can most certainly do the drilling with a hand drill or power drill (no drill press needed), but I don't think you will have much luck without some degree of drilling.

[@fairyhope5062]

@@JoshsShop ok, thank you so much. Very helpful.

[@GBR6000]

​@@JoshsShop it occurs to me that a small Dremel bit to take the peened bit of the pin of might be as good if not better.

[@SpuddsBuckley]

Wait, but you skipped right over how you took off the scales.

[@JoshsShop]

Sorry, here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvJmp6OibCjj7csi=gN9tri7e0D0549rS

[@SpuddsBuckley]

@@JoshsShopAwesome, thank you!

[@SpuddsBuckley]

Also, appreciate the Casio Royale.

[@JoshsShop]

Sharp eye. 🧐

[@stevesinclair4159]

Just remember that apart from replacing the scales, dissembling your SAK yourself will most likely invalidate the lifetime warranty

[@JoshsShop]

Almost certainly!

[@stevesinclair4159]

@@JoshsShop Very few of us SAK fans have more than the basic ability to change the scales & add a few modifications to them learned on Felix Immlers channel. l for one don't have your workshop, extensive tools & level of skill, but I did enjoy watching your video & Liked it, my thanks for sharing it with us.

[@JoshsShop]

I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@stevestewart499]

Would help greatly if you would have explained how to get the scales off... I stopped watching immediately... terrible video

[@JoshsShop]

I'm sorry that keep you from watching the rest of the video. I have a detailed video on removing the scales here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpvJmp6OibCjj7c

[@fryque]

Totally useless. Talks a bit, then goes so fast you cannot see what the blank he is doing.

[@themaggot8]

I'm gonna try this to see if I can restore my dad's old Huntsman. If I can't do it, someone's gonna a get a new Victorinox for Christmas 😂

[@JoshsShop]

I wish you luck, although, bear in mind, Victorinox has a lifetime warranty and they will fix most issues for the cost of shipping.

[@uncle_dick]

I wanted to add a Damascus steel main blade for literally no reason

[@JoshsShop]

Other than style points!