Making custom wooden scales for Victorinox swiss army knife 91mm, using a CNC router

[@hawaiiknifeandgear5531]

That machine would make my life so much easier LOL. I make them by hand out of wood and that certainly is a lot more precise way to do it

[@bruhmoment7362]

The scales elevate the tool to a whole new level! awesome job!

[@horaciocastillo1435]

Great video. Perfection at its best. Congratulations. Beautiful job. Will love to see one set made of black African ebony. Thanks a million for sharing the video with us, the Victorinox lovers.

[@jeffslaven]

As a fan of Victorinox Swiss knives, I can say that I would rather have this than one of the new Alox models. Well done!

[@CatLighting]

Thanks Jeff!

[@The_Joker_]

You should’ve CNC’d both sides and added the Victorinox emblem, that would’ve been really cool. Nice job 👍

[@timsummers870]

FANTASTIC job!! It would look perfect with the logo

[@roytore5062]

Great show of craftsmanship! Now do one with the plus scales with the pen 😊

[@TeeFetch]

I want one

[@louisporteous450]

I had the idea this morning to use a piece of blood wood which is beautiful hardwood to make new scales for my victorinox. This is an excellent video thank you

[@Hamad-Almass]

If you make some scales and sale it on the Internet, you will sweep the market by this desirable item earn lots of money. You might make a wealth. If you sale it I will be the first person ready to buy. Super job mate!!

[@CatLighting]

Tahnk you for good words!

[@EnriqueGuerreroO]

@@CatLighting I would definitely buy some wood scales for my messed up scales of my old richartz! imposible to get nowadays for sure...

[@lalremruatapachuau2448]

I would definitely buy wooden scales of this quality and details too

[@Grinder__]

You guy's are fantastic:the way you modify those knives, I could watch it all day long...

[@MrDiablito74]

This is beautiful. I have a block of wood taken from the floor joists of a house I was remodeling. Figured I'd use it to make scales for a camping hatchet that came with paracord wrapped around the handle. This block of wood is around 115 yrs old and it's from old growth, so the grains are super tight. Just need to get access to a band saw. The rest I can do by hand.

[@CatLighting]

Good luck, it's great fun!

[@danhartman9087]

Bravo, Sir! Best ones I've seen yet! Now I know why they cost so much to replace!

[@DaveD1868]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin. I even love the music.

[@CatLighting]

Thanks bro!

[@Fuhrmann53]

Excellent work! If you ever sell these scales, I will be one of the first buyers. Really awesome!

[@ADIRYIRAM]

Hi, I did this project with my CNC and laser burn a little Victorinox insignia at the top of one of them, relly works! and looks so pretty! thank you!!

[@CatLighting]

Awesome! Tahanks :)

[@SonnetGomes]

Wow! Just wow! Amazing skills man..from photoshop, to CNC and woodworking. Hat's off to you to give this knife a second life. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@CatLighting]

This is a gift from my wife and my basic, most used tool edc... it must live ;) Thanks for great comment!

[@qualitycarry7014]

This video is almost therapeutic! Wow the end product looks realy nice. Great looking SAK you have now Mr.

[@CatLighting]

Reeeaaaly thank you :)

[@BobBlarneystone]

The CAD and CNC work is interesting. But I just put some ink on the inner side of the original plastic scale and pressed it on to the wood to transfer the layout. After that it was just drilling holes and carving out the slots with a thin chisel made from the tooth of an old saw blade. And by the way, the original plastic scales can be removed with minimal damage by placing the knife in 150F water for a few minutes to make them more flexible.

[@turkeytrac1]

You're spot on Bob.

[@marlerusticgeek0075]

Enjoyed watching and the outcome is outstanding:)

[@CatLighting]

And that's what it's all about! Thanks :)

[@diegoburzo1388]

Thanks for the scales, nice job!!!

[@ahbay6298]

Thank you for the nice video. What was the last solution you used (which you applied with a small brush after buffing)?. Was is something like tung oil, or anything similar? Thanks.

[@CatLighting]

The inner side of the scales covered with boiled linseed oil for a slight improvement in moisture resistance. Thanks for watching and comment!

[@zoltanszilagyi195]

Great job, congratulations! How did you treat the wood after the first sanding? What materials did the surface receive in order? It became beautifully brilliant. Maybe I can send a private message?

[@CatLighting]

Sorry for so long, I wrote back to your message!

[@Nomadics]

Very, very good job. I just subscribed. I wish I had easy assess to CNC. I also have some custom mods, but watching your video I learned new things.

[@snoopu2601]

Nomadic I was thinking the same thing how many people can do that without the CNC machine

[@emesser7087]

Good morning. At first i want to Thank you for sharing your work. I asked me if it is possible to get the cad drawing? Is this in vector Graphik? I tried it to make it on my own but i dont get it after several tries, ich think the Fotos are the reason.. Its verry frustrating 🙈😅 Thank you for answering. Lg from Germany

[@CatLighting]

Unfortunately, I can't make cad files. There are two vector files in the zip, cdr is a CorelDraw file and also contains photos, and svg is a pure vector file.

[@emesser7087]

@@CatLighting hey, Thank you soooo much! Can you Tell me if this is for an 91mm?

[@GaiaOne]

The word you're looking for is "vise." The scales are beautiful BTW.

[@CatLighting]

Damn, all these years I didn't know about that bug 🤣 Tanks for cement! 😂

[@syiemsonny8659]

Fantastic job 👍👍

[@K3Flyguy]

Very well done! Thanks for sharing!

[@TeeFetch]

Damn nice. I'd buy 91mm Plus scales.

[@snoopu2601]

Came out beautiful one of a kind

[@MrFlix76]

That is so nice and the editing is fantastic too! Brilliant Video!!!

[@CatLighting]

Thanks MrFlix76!

[@HAL_9k]

Ciągle sobie myślałem, że do tego lepiej użyć drewna stabilizowanego bo to za miękkie aż nie zobaczyłem patentu z super glue :) Pięknie to wyszło i extra się dało wypolerować. Godnie oprawiony :) Można się pokusić jeszcze o szwajcarski krzyżyk ale to już ryzyko na tym etapie ;)

[@CatLighting]

Dzięki! Faktycznie stabilizowane drewienko byłoby pewniejsze ale muszę przyznać, że klej zrobił robotę i okładki dzielnie zniosły znacznie więcej upadków niż oryginalne. Jednak to już czas przeszły, scyzoryk wypadł mi pewnego wieczoru na placu i piesek go znalazł, to już było zbyt wiele ;) na szczęście tylko okładki ucierpiały, a i tak dalej siedzą lepiej na miejscu od plastikowych. Także jest spora szansa na remake i tym razem chyba z krzyżykiem.

[@harrysheppard3745]

what were the sizes of endmills used

[@ironman2326]

Looks great! Just need the shield 🛡

[@Gadgetdad007]

Pure Genius at work 👍

[@CatLighting]

Thanks dad :D

[@renegranados7436]

Beautiful work.

[@fcmjth8800]

Excelent!!!!👏👏👏👏How much this??? Do you sells?

[@CatLighting]

Unfortunately, I do not sell, my cnc cannot cope with the required accuracy at the moment.

[@nghuangngai]

wow, where you buy that cnc machine and the scanner?

[@CatLighting]

I don't remember where I bought the scanner, probably online. The CNC is made by myself.

[@nghuangngai]

@@CatLighting wow

[@michaelng1689]

@@CatLighting Is any scanner suitable for the cnc machine?

[@CatLighting]

Yes, the scanner allows for imaging the object in a 1: 1 scale and in high resolution. When taking a photo with the camera, you have to scale the photo later and errors may occur here, additionally there is a problem with perspective. Using a scanner we have a flat image of the right size.

[@michaelng1689]

@@CatLighting When you buy the scanner online, what keywords you type when searching?

[@Aromerosmile]

very good job, only the logo was missing

[@oreocarlton3343]

this was very enjoyable to watch!

[@CatLighting]

Thank you very much! It's very enjoyable to read that comment ;)

[@oreocarlton3343]

just a suggestion - will you be making custom Plus Vic scales in the future for more meditative yt videos?

[@CatLighting]

Maybe there will be another film with scales in the second half of September, but maybe, we will see. And suggestions I will consider :) thanks again!

[@pedrohenriqueph8908]

What is the millimeter measurement of the depth of the rebate for each part?

[@gugy68]

What varnish coat did you use on the wood to make it shine? I have a walnut wood SAK that I want to give that shine. Thanks

[@CatLighting]

I used CA glue, it is quite resistant to damage and it is easy to polish it. However. I suggest you practice on some wooden scraps before applying on SAK - if something does not come out, it's hard to remove it.

[@gugy68]

CatLighting thanks. I thought it was a varnish. I think I’ll stay away from a glue.

[@CatLighting]

if I were to applying something directly on the SAK, I would probably use boiled linseed oil or something based on it.

[@gugy68]

CatLighting I was considering it since I used years ago on a mahogany piece I have. I think it will be the safest thing. Thanks again and great video by the way.

[@CatLighting]

Thanks OB!

[@mauriciolacruz]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@CatLighting]

Thank you Mauricio!

[@Frantxis]

Que buen trabajo, yo pagaría por unas cachas así para mi victorinox, aunque le añadiría también el hueco para el bolígrafo, bravo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@readhill7771]

Great job!

[@stephenredelen434]

What a great video! The music was great also.

[@mauromichielin7260]

Co un ottimo lavoro complimenti. ti chiedo come si chiama il programma che hai usato per creare le dimensioni interne delle guance e le.varie misurazioni.. Grazie mille

[@CatLighting]

Grazie! Uso Corel Draw, ma può essere qualsiasi per la grafica vettoriale, ad esempio Adobe Illustrator, o Inkscape gratuito.

[@Nomadics]

You make great videos. It is a shame that thare are only two :)

[@CatLighting]

I have started two lamp projects, but hardly find time to complete them... And there is also my laziness ;)

[@Nomadics]

:) and something with CNC involved :) it is eye candy for me :)

I totally dig this!

[@12FASTPRO]

VERY VERY GOOD ......10++

[@schesterrz]

Que trabajo tan Genial 👌 Mis respetos a este señor

[@CatLighting]

Muchas gracias :)

[@albertom403]

Muy bonita, un gran trabajo

[@jackfntwist]

Beautiful. Did you need to route out the spaces?

[@CatLighting]

Thanks :) No, most are unnecessary, but in some places they improve the fit. These spaces were mostly designed for material savings in the production of original scales.

[@frankwebster1324]

This is real customizing

[@MrJan3327]

how beautiful it would be the originals covers if it be made of wood

[@d.m.3259]

Super wie weit die heute sind. Was haben wir uns damals als das aufkam gequält mit CNC Programme schreiben. Lang ists her...

[@CatLighting]

Gute Zeiten für makers ;)

[@mikecav7399]

Fantastic job !!!

[@CatLighting]

Thanks! :)

[@seriouslyslinky1420]

I would personally hand sand the entire piece. *yes it would take *hours*, however I personally do not mind sanding by hand.

[@88apolo88]

CatLighting, are your templates available?

[@chaofeiliu8156]

What is the software you are using to sketch The picture to cnc file？Thanks！

[@CatLighting]

Hi! I used CorelDraw to draw the path, then I exported to the PLT file and then in the PLT 2 G-CODE program I was doing a file for the CNC. I got used to such a set, but CorelDraw is paid, and PLT 2 G-CODE is a very limited tool. You can successfully use the free Inkscape, the file saved in SVG convert in www.makercam.com on a file for CNC. Thanks for your visit and comment!

[@chaofeiliu8156]

@@CatLighting Thank you very much!

[@rattytattyratnett]

Do you sell these?

[@OG-1990]

really nice work

[@CatLighting]

really nice comment ;)

[@souheilsworkshop6382]

Amazing video great work

[@mheermance]

Nice work!

[@paxtonkanorr5123]

What cnc machine do you have?

[@CatLighting]

I have a home-made cnc. It's big, loud and slow ;D

[@paxtonkanorr5123]

@@CatLighting ok thanks, I was looking at getting a cheap table top cnc machine ($200-$300) but im not sure if it will give the same results.

[@CatLighting]

Unfortunately I will not help too much, my cnc is used to make signs on a daily basis and it has 2.5 x 1.5 m (~8 x 5 ft). Table top cnc should do, even the cheap ones will probably be more accurate than mine anyway. But you will have to work with small steps because they usually have poor stiffness. You will definitely have a lot of fun and you will need even more patience ;) Good luck!

[@paxtonkanorr5123]

@@CatLightingSounds like I have lots of research to do, thank you for your time and your sak turned out amazing!

[@CatLighting]

If you have just become interested in this topic, it is a lot to learn, but it's best when you practice and make mistakes, I made them a bazzzillion while assembling my machine and working on it and even more before me ;D Thank you very much, cheers!

[@eugensteinbrenner9923]

Good job! Bravo!

[@88apolo88]

Hi, it's me again. I have a Victorinox Handyman, and like yours, mine has broken from the two sides, where the toothpick on one side, and the tweezers on the other, are. Mine has not the pen nor the hollow for it, (which I want to upgrade), so I can't scan the scales. Could you please provide only the scan? thanks in advance. And an incredible job there!

[@CatLighting]

Hi a8, tahnks for good words! I do not know why I could not reply to your previous comment, but it looks like I can do it here. I can send scans to you as well as g-code files, but unfortunately I do not have a pen hole too.

[@88apolo88]

It's true!! seems that I see pens everywhere now! lol I was looking for the scales with the hollow for the pen, but I really thank you for your kind offering anyway. I found them in STL format (with the hollow!) so I think I'll take that road instead. I really enjoyed watching your video ( and so did my wife and friends!), keep up that beautiful work, and keep us updated! I subbed your channel :)

[@CatLighting]

Haha! Thanks for your support and let the handyman serve :)

[@Dave-pooL]

Lovely 😍

[@axeln48]

Well done, Sir!

[@emremat33]

Nice work. But i wouldnt change the original one if not so necessary.

[@jeffslaven]

Love this video! Hey what's the name of the first song that you used and where can I find it?

[@CatLighting]

Thanks Jeff! Hooky with Sloane - Bird Creek Is a free song from KZbin resources.

[@ChristianMeierFilms]

Richtig cool - wenn man das passende Werkzeug und die Möglichkeiten dazu hat. Ich hätte auch gern Griffschalen aus Holz für meine Victorinox Taschenmesser.

[@CatLighting]

Dank! In der Tat, da es eine Menge von Werkzeugen, die einfacher und präziser arbeiten, aber man kann es leicht ohne CNC-Fräsmaschine tun, hier ist ein Tutorial in Polnisch, aber es gibt eine Menge von Fotos: forum.knives.pl/index.php?topic=99022.0 Und es gibt viele Beispiele von Handarbeit (in den ersten Pfosten fehlt Fotos): forum.knives.pl/index.php/topic,101907.580.html Sorry für mein Deutsch :)

[@Nazguloid]

I made my oak grips with two mora knives and 2 sheets of sandpaper. Left them a bit thicker than original ones, about 6mm. Wish I had a cnc machine, would be much easier to make.

[@GrecoArgento]

cai I see your product?? awesome and interesting! Greetings

[@Nazguloid]

@@GrecoArgento m.imgur.com/a/GxNXGVm Scales are a bit thinner than these pictures, i sanded them down a bit more.

[@Nazguloid]

@@GrecoArgento The knife is a Spartan and it earned it's name. It is almost 20 years old now, I had it since I was a kid and beat the shit out of it. I thought it deserves some new scales now it is retired :)

[@Nazguloid]

imgur.com/a/rNG3Y33 After the additional sanding.

[@bryantherocker]

Woowwww !!! beautiful

[@CatLighting]

Thanks man!

[@NicholasAarons]

Absolutely Stunning & Beautiful Craftsmanship...! Keep up the great work. I’ve Subscribe. Nick.

[@CatLighting]

Thank you very much Nick!

[@NicholasAarons]

CatLighting You are so welcome. I look forward to more Fantastic Videos. N. 😺

[@Kowalmefiu]

Wyszło świetnie :)

[@CatLighting]

Dzięki! :D

[@RagnarEirikson]

Whoa późno wpadłem na filmik ale kawał dobrej roboty :) szkoda, że już nie mam frezarki bo aż korci jak się ogląda :D Pozdrawiam

[@pitche3802]

super job

[@CatLighting]

Thank u!

[@puffoclimber]

Ohhh! Nice job!!! Ask them an employment for special editions

[@puffoclimber]

It should give you a God satisfaction being able to manage knife elements in your way, really really nice job! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@CatLighting]

Thanks :D

[@puffoclimber]

@@CatLighting thank you for sharing your ability and passion

[@anatolsz8927]

Hej w jakim programie pracowałeś przy tych okładkach ? Okładki wyszły mega :) szkoda ze pies je zjadł :) Leci sub

[@CatLighting]

Dzięki :) będzie okazja zrobić nowe ;) Obróbkę robiłem w CorelDRAW ale można też w Adobe Ilustrator czy w darmowym Inkscape.

[@hankstanco]

How can I order a set of these scales? Can you do a set in oak?

[@CatLighting]

unfortunately I do not make them to order. But I feel appreciated ;)

[@snoopu2601]

See I just got through writing on the other video that showed how they are made. I wrote the first that cracks off is the handles chip off

[@pericote77]

excelent!!!!

[@Rotaks]

Trochę mnie zaskoczyło to pokrywanie klejem cyjanoakrylowym. Tzn. w uproszczeniu można powiedzieć, że klej cyjanoakrylowy to tzw. "Kropelka", "SuperGlue" itd.? To przecież gdybym tak klej rozlał na powierzchnię, a potem próbował go rozetrzeć/rozprowadzić szmatką to... ta szmatka by się przykleiła do powierzchni? Czy to jednak jest jakiś specyficzny klej, który nie przykleja tej szmatki przy rozcieraniu?

[@CatLighting]

Też byłem zaskoczony jak pierwszy raz zobaczyłem takie wykończenie ;) Dokładnie o te kleje chodzi, jest tego sporo rodzajów, ale właściwości i zachowanie mają podobne. W większości przypadków nie połączą ze sobą powierzchni w ruchu (chyba że to są palce ;D ) ja rozprowadzałem kawałkiem szarego papieru i pomimo, że z nim klej reaguje dosyć gwałtownie, to się nic nie skleja, dopóki nim poruszam. Najlepiej nakładać sporo cienkich warstw, wtedy szybciej schnie i bardziej równomierna powierzchnia wychodzi. Pierwsze razy są ciężkie.

[@46億年地球]

It's a beautiful‼️

[@kniepex8144]

hey i need those Scales! is it possible? greetings from germany

[@CatLighting]

Unfortunately, I can not, my CNC is not accurate, it is still waiting for renovation. Vielen Dank und beste Grüße aus Polen! :)

[@censusgary]

Beautiful! I want to do a similar project- wood scales for my SAK- but I’ll carve the scales by hand. I’ve got no objection to CNC routers, for people who like them, but I have more fun when I cut things out myself, instead of using robots.

[@thg6986]

Cześć, robisz takie na sprzedaż? :) świetne są

[@CatLighting]

Dzięki! :) Niestety nie mogę w tej chwili wykonać okładek na sprzedaż, frezarkę mam lekko rozjechaną i trochę jest problemów z mniejszymi/precyzyjniejszymi rzeczami (może się okazać że coś nie pasuje, albo blaszki wystają). Gdy sprzęt będzie w lepszym stanie mogę dać Ci znać, ale nie jestem w stanie określić kiedy to nastąpi.

[@retobochsler3703]

Absolut toll. Ich suche nach einer solchen Messerschale der fräsen kann. Machst du noch Schalen? Habe eine ganz tolle Idee dazu. Bitte kontaktiere mich. Beste Grüsse

[@CatLighting]

Danke für den Kommentar! Leider mache ich sie nicht auf Bestellung, ich habe eine große CNC und ich habe Probleme mit der Genauigkeit mit kleinen Details. Vergib mein Deutsch (google translate).

[@ziosogliolone]

Fantastico!,👍🏻👍🏻😎😎

[@ziosogliolone]

Complimenti ancora!!👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@CatLighting]

Grazie williams Caruso! :)

[@ziosogliolone]

CatLighting prego Amico!😎👍🏻

[@colinexeter2262]

👍👍👍 !!! Genial!

[@CatLighting]

Thanks! 😎😉

[@lucianodaros]

AWESOME!!!

[@rudytol4320]

Nice songs you chose

[@CatLighting]

This is the hard part...

[@mikoistvan]

Could you share us/me your drawing in vectorial format?

[@CatLighting]

Yes, I can :) I have updated the zip package (link in the description), I've placed all files from the project inside. If you want to work on vectors, I recommend the cdr file (if you do not have CorelDraw, you can download a free 30-day trial), in the svg file is definitely less content, but it's enough.

[@mikoistvan]

thank you. I can only laser contour cut some rosewood and insert the logo. I think the toothpick etc is a bit to complicated for me. I use corel. But as I measure it, it is 91 mm long and the cdr is only 90.7 mm considering some sanding I think I will give it some contour.

[@CatLighting]

If you have possibility, make a test model from the plywood offcuts. If you can not do it, make a little bigger scales and match them with hand sanding. Good luck and let me know how it came out, made of rosewood and with logo should look awesome! :)

[@ljubomirkovacevic150]

hello, would you like to sell that 3D model or G-Code,i have CNC and i am Victorinox collector and i want to make some wooden scales to my SAK.

[@CatLighting]

Hi! In the description under the video there is a link to the package with files, there is a scan in jpg, vector svg, cdr and of course g-code. Take it and use it! It would be nice if you could share this video somewhere ;)

[@ljubomirkovacevic150]

@@CatLighting hello, i dont know why but i cannot open that web site.Pls woud you like to send mescan in jpg, vector svg, cdr and g-code to mail: [e-mail]

[@TheZeglarz83]

o jaka perełke można znaleźć na yt :D Kapitalna robota, efekt super!

[@CatLighting]

A dzięki, dzięki ;D

[@TheZeglarz83]

Robisz może takie okładziny na zamówienie?

[@CatLighting]

Niestety nie, mam ciągle lekko rozjechaną frezarkę i brak czasu, aby się tym zająć, a wykonywanie takich drobnych rzeczy przez to jest udręką.

[@Nomadics]

It is me again :) I watch it again and again :) I what to duplicate the process. What software did you use to build the model? thanks

[@CatLighting]

Thanks dude! I'm very, very happy that you enjoy the video! For graphics processing I use CorelDraw, then use plt to g-code converter. However, I use these programs only from habit. The simplest solution to get started is the free Inkscape, from which you can convert the created files to g code using makercam.com. If you have not worked on CNC yet, you will first have to look at g-code syntax and then milling some test models. The process itself is simple but there is a lot to learn and a lot of failed tests. But keep making! :)

[@Nomadics]

Thanks I see that you use picture to figure out the proportions. How you set the dimensions? Is it a good idea to scan ruler next to scales?

[@CatLighting]

HI! I use a scanner just because I get a high resolution graphic file and after importing to CorelDraw without any measurements I have kept the exact dimensions and proportions. If I had taken a picture with the camera I would have to tire myself with setting the dimensions (then ruler is a good idea) and if I did not shoot perfectly perpendicular to the scales it would get additional "fun" with perspective correction. So the scanner in my opinion is the best solution.

[@Nomadics]

Thanks. I am working on my dream mod video I will give you link when I publish it

[@CatLighting]

I love it! ;)

[@katla4991]

do you want some rosewood to try? if so let me know and I will provide some free! great video and have to agree one of the best on the tube.

[@CatLighting]

Forgive me and thank you for a nice comment, he escaped me somewhere! It would be great, but where are you from? I am from Poland, sending a piece of wood may not be worth the trouble :)

[@EmeraldsheepB]

Model? Thanks.

[@CatLighting]

Handyman Thanks!

[@saviom8166]

No pen?

[@CatLighting]

Nope

[@stefanoceraglia7061]

The best