MINI Swiss Army SURVIVAL Knife Mod

[@pureevil823]

You are the Albert Einstein of EDC ...

[@NewbTactical]

Love all these mods

[@ItaloLima]

Cool !!

[@MrWmburr7]

Mr. MeZilch, you are indeed the King of Lilliputian Land. My big fat fingers would never be nimble enough to replicate what you do so well. I bow to your superior abilities, sir!

[@mannihh5274]

Heating the scales AND knife in near boiling water is key to keep the anchoring points intact - this way you can re-assemble the knife too without any glue, which would make it hard to impossible to dis-assemble the knife a second time without damage. If ever possible, I take a 84, 91 or 111mm model and replace the toothpick with a Tortoise Gear "firefly" ferrorod and/or screw the "fire-ant" and Helix-tinder into the corkscrew - it's a special alloy that sparks easily and strong and they are very solid for their size when handled acoording to the instructions. My favorites are the 91mm "Huntsman" and the 111mm "Outrider".

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Outrider rocks.😝👊🔪🔪🔪😎🤘

[@mannihh5274]

@@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897 - indeed 👍👌

[@denisripley8699]

Soot mainly forms when/where a flame burns yellow. A blue flame indicates an ideal fuel/air mix, so heat that pin on the blue extremities. Carbon deposits (soot) occurs when the fuel molecules burn incompletely. Contamination on the surface of a relatively clean pin is inconsequential in comparison to a 'dirty' burn.

[@MeZillch]

If you heat a pin to the point the steel turns blue I suspect it will have already melted and slumped over.

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Great point

[@mannihh5274]

@@MeZillch - how about heating it up SLOWLY, so you can WATCH the change in colour? The blue occurs at 300°C/570°F WAY less than needed for melting

[@SpondleCake]

Showing such creative skill with those mods, along with all your other tutorials.

[@StephanT7]

I modded the tweezers and toothpick on my classic sd to face upwards where the key ring is because they were always rubbing in my pockets and falling out after years of service

[@publicmichaelzmit]

Consider making the parafob a Dyneema PRO-fob instead. It has a much higher tensile strength to cross section (as well as -to weight) ratio. That way you could carry a much longer length of cord at the same fob-size. I use a ø1mm "rope" to make tiny soft-shackles which I use instead of split-rings.

[@MeZillch]

Dyneema and other UHMWPE cords only work with some knots and although they save weight [some even float] they aren't krenmantle designs so you can't break them down into longer mini strands like paracord, good for sewings, suturing, and fishing line. My lanyard is only 4 grams.Thanks for your comment.

[@mygg15]

MeZillch have u ever tried to make a fishing line knot or other knot with paracord innerstrands? I tried and nothing worked, too slippery.

[@MeZillch]

I have never actually tried that but I have made some knots using inner paracord yarns/strands for other applications. Not ideal, no, but Dyneema is especially slippery/tricky and you also can't nicely melt the ends as you can with paracord: ideally Dyneema should be spliced.

[@pfg_pedals]

I wrap a 1/4" x 2" ferro rod and a needle into the parafob. I make the fob out of survivorcord which is 550 that has thread, waxed jute(tinder), steel wire, and fishing line inside.

[@MeZillch]

Sounds sound.

[@LeMayJoseph]

Sounds stiff!

[@wjf213]

One of your best videos yet. I see you had an unused small section in the handle, I wonder if it is big enough to hold a piece of hollow Q-Tip handle? I use those to hold a small amount of potassium permanganate for extreme emergency water treatment when I pack a small kit and not have to worry about expiration dates on things. It would be nice to be able to add some form of emergency water treatment inside the handle as well. I think it would fit and has no shelf life to worry about. I just hot glue the ends shut after filling the hollow plastic handle and it will last forever, and treat A LOT of water for the very small space it takes up. Just a thought. Keep up the great work.

[@MeZillch]

Thanks. I just tested your great idea. Bad news, the normal 58mm SAK scales aren't thick enough to hold at least the particular cotton swabs I have on hand. They are too fat. Bummer. There's GOOD news however: the same cotton swab just barely slips down the empty pen shaft on the pen scale side. [they are fatter scales than normal 58mm SAK scales] Unfortunately I have no open 58mm pen scale to test to be dead sure and I don't want to pop prototype #1 open just yet. Big 91mm SAK scales also seem to have abundant room to fit your idea. THANKS! Question for you: How much water can say a full length cotton swab tube of this potassium permanganate stuff purify and how long do you need to let it sit?

[@wjf213]

Wow, I thought a small cut section of a Q-Tip shaft would fit inside one of those slots. The space opposite the flint from the Bic is what I was looking at. The cotton tips I throw away as I just need the hollow plastic shaft to hold the PP. As far as PP for emergency water treatment, I ONLY go by what FEMA and the EPA say about water treatment, and they said that about 3 or 4 crystals added to a liter of clear water, will turn the water a light pink, and after an hour or so, the water is safe to drink, or as safe as it can be with PP. Again, this is for emergency use, but PP was the main water treatment for survival kits, before better products came along. If you add too much PP, the water will turn a bright pink and even a dark purple color and that's too much PP in the water to drink, but it is good for an antiseptic. I have never had to add more than 5 tiny crystals to turn the water a very light pink. So in a small space of a Q-Tip shaft, there's enough crystals to treat more water than you'll drink in a month or two easily, and probably A LOT more. Go to any store like Home Depot or Menards, and in the plumbing section, they have PP in one pound cans for water treatment. I glue one end shut and then with tweezers, I shove the hollow shaft down into the can with the open end up, and it fills right up, and then I pull it out with the tweezers and glue that end shut. Take a few crystals and add them to a clear glass of water and you'll be shocked how a tiny amount will turn the water pink. You'll actually see a streamer of purple going down the water as the crystal falls to the bottom of the glass. There's much better water treatment these days, but they all have a shelf life, and they take up more room than I'm willing to sacrifice in a small kit that will probably never be used, and they don't treat as much water.

[@MeZillch]

Thanks. I'll look for the stuff next time I'm at one of those stores. May be a while though. There's still a very good chance it will fit with minor modification in the 58mm pen scale. We'll see though.

[@jimcy1319]

1:Just get a shorter pin. 2: If you just crushed your hand I doubt that the first thing you're going to do is sew a button on. But threading the needle is a good idea, and the Glow fob Idea is really useful.👍

[@MeZillch]

You are sewing the hole the grizzly bear ripped in your coat/tent so you don't freeze to death overnight.

[@jimcy1319]

@@MeZillch lucky you had Swiss army knife to kill the grizzly with.😂👍

[@MeZillch]

@@jimcy1319 He took one bite out of me and realized I tasted terrible, so he left.

[@nickmiller3796]

Loved the video! You are very inventive and resourceful. You have a new subscriber.

[@marchills4131]

Love your videos, MeZillich. Don't ever stop tinkering.

[@MeZillch]

Thanks.

[@SpudSpudoni]

Look into Clipper lighters! The flint roller and ferrocerium rod can be removed from the lighter at any time, making it easier to attain for a mini survival kit than breaking down a Bic lighter!

[@MeZillch]

Yes, true, but they have no pocket to carry tinder, like that BIC mod me and many before me make, plus you aren't really "making" anything you're just using a premade part. The main fun of this hobby is creating it yourself! :)

[@vancass1326]

cuticle pusher if sharpened, makes a gouge

[@TruthAndTattoos]

The Mini Kit Maestro has done it again! That's a really cool mod. 😁

[@MeZillch]

Thanks, TnT

[@theguywitheyebrows]

that you didn't think to stuff the space opposite the ferro rod with tinder is beyond me. great mods though!

[@keytoadventure54]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing!

[@MeZillch]

Thanks.

[@tubezv]

I think you can put pin middle (into) of tweezers...

[@YourLocalBomber]

You don’t get black soot with a blue flame. The black soot is from an incomplete burn, which is a yellow flame

[@MeZillch]

That's good to know. I guess because blue flame is hotter?

[@pueblodove]

nice to know

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@0351nick-ch8ee]

There are ferocium rods that fit in the toothpick hole.

[@budgetsurvival1981]

Shared it on facebook my friends like it a lot You will have new subscribers for sure

[@MeZillch]

Thanks for sharing!

[@whatsthebigfndeal]

If this guy ever teams up with the guy from the primitive technology channel they will take over the world.

[@worldtraveler6719]

Amazing ideas and execution. All the best +MeZillch

[@epitimaios]

It is fun to create this gadget. But it is easier to place needle, ferro rod, thread and pen in your moneypocket.

[@Spanky8402]

I seen a friend take a slight smaller pin and lock it in a drill to drill a hole into a different knife scale for it to hold a pin, so that might be a good thing to try. Like you said, if it falls out, it could cause harm, and I hate seeing a needle go in or pulling out of my skin, so I want no part in trying this pin mod. 😅 The pen mod of put scales of a 58mm with a pen slot is definitely awesome. This is the 1st time I seen this mod. I wouldn't mind doing this to my Rambler, so I can have a Manager. It's sad that Victorinox quit making the regular Manager.

[@Hiasibua]

The Manager was a really neat set of tools. I need to get and mod a Rambler, too. And maybe change out the file for the orange peeler to use as a parcel opener. Or try grinding a blade into it...

[@KingKong-tz4lx]

That's a coke spoon on the mini champ, not a cuticle pusher. Look at it.... now respect it

[@pueblodove]

lol

[@nelsonsilva6513]

nice ideas of adding functions to saks. congratulations. not only the white bic lighters are translucid :P lol

[@teddythefourth2831]

you are my muse, don't ever stop making videos!

[@stevehuffman7453]

58mm SAK tweezers (as with ALL SAK tweezers a VERY weak unusable grip) can be replaced/interchanged with the multi purpose toothpick, without modification. Rather than the Mini Champ as a donor pen for the retractable ballpoint, get the SIGNATURE model. A LOT less money fora SIGNATURE than a Mini Champ. IF you want to add the pen to your SD Classic, just get the Signature, which has the same blade, scissors and fingernail file. Only difference is the ballpoint instead of the more usable toothpick. 91/93mm and you want the straight pen, get the "Plus" scale set, and add the ink pen as well.

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Sounds sweet you got a video bro? Would be much appreciated sounds like a good idea

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Got any links to the add ons

[@thebeastofbrayroad9382]

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018 MeZillch , and god bless America !

[@MeZillch]

Happy New Year

[@AG8000]

Good job

[@Traderjoe]

If you glue the scales back on, how do you get them off in the emergency to get to the sewing thread and needle?

[@MeZillch]

It's just a skinny piece of plastic. In a dire emergency (the only situation I'd ever have occasion to remove the scales) if for some reason I couldn't remove them with a knife, key or other EDC tool I could always break/snap them by smashing against a rock. Although having worked with many of them I highly doubt glued rivets are bulletproof and won't fail from simple but deliberate prying. Plastic things that snap into place are rather vulnerable to any concerted attack.

[@MrLande]

@@MeZillch k

[@StarDarkAshes]

I like to add one more tricky tool to the larger Swiss Army knives. Keep it in a sock in your pocket and now it’s a makeshift personal defense tool. If attacked you pull out of the pocket and you can beat the skull 💀 in of your would-be attacker. :)

[@censusgary]

Other KZbin knife modders use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften/loosen the scales. Don’t overdo it, though. You want the scales warm, not melted or squishy.

[@MeZillch]

I like the warm water method because it has a known and consistent temp, especially if you stick a cooking thermometer in the water, whereas using a hair-dryer/hot gun would be harder to consistently and precisely regulate without some sort of temperature probe on the plastic itself, which I don't own. Thanks for mentioning it though.

[@censusgary]

@@MeZillch What is the best water temperature for the warm-water bath?

[@MeZillch]

@@censusgary Good question. Since I don't own a submersible thermometer I instead use a "elapsed time since boiling" method which I believe to be consistent. I found that in my Pyrex measuring cup, at room temperature, if I wait for the boiling water to slightly cool down from boiling (~212 F/100 C) one minute or less there's a good chance the extracted SAK will have a light powder-like coating to it (a little scary that you've possibly gone too far, but my experience is it usually buffs off fairly easily/cleanly), but if I want to be safe and avoid that stage I wait two minutes. Note: different SAKs use different plastic scales so I can't speak to what nylon or the translucent varieties do. I'm usually using cellidor. Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB)

[@orenmontgomery8250]

There's a great SAK KZbinr named Felix Immler who also uses the warm water method, I just saw a video of his and he gave a temp but I don't recall what it was. It was in his workshop Playlist though. Edit: just went back and checked. The temp he gave was 70°C/158°F. I still HIGHLY recommend looking through his videos because he had a lot of great mods and projects.

[@necroide]

Damn, MeZillch! This was a really good video, keep on

[@MeZillch]

Thanks. Please share it with your friends. My channel is not monetized so the only reward I get is praise from nice people like you and seeing the watch count grow.

[@THCone]

Another great vid!

[@MeZillch]

Thanks and welcome to all my fellow forum members!

[@reonburton6556]

Once you remove the windshield from the BIC lighter, stop! An intact empty BIC minus it's windshield is an AWESOMEignition sourse right there! What's more, used intermittently, the flash from the BIC can be used as a flashlight in the dark, even to signal at night. A very bright flash indeed.

[@Sokol10]

An ultralight backpacker cut the Bic lighter down to just he ferro rod mechanism that use for lie an alcchol stove.

[@sotirzvanidjubre4109]

Cold,shivering,wet,hand crushed in a car accident-sewing a pair ob boxers at 3am.

[@MeZillch]

. . . in the dark

[@XPRTTT]

Thats really cool

[@matttydontpanic]

awesome job Mike! I have often wondered about alternates for the plastic victorinox toothpick, any hard or regular use and the die pretty quickly. obviously they can be replaced HOWEVER, the space might be re appropriated for some more other function?

[@MeZillch]

Thanks. I rarely use the tweezers and pretty much never the toothpick. Other people say these are their go-to tools so obviously we are all different.

[@justin666crow]

tortoisegear.com/product-video-2/firefly-video/

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

You would be better adding your pre- threaded neddle and extras under a ranger band which you could trim off small slithers for a flame extender. Without desyroying uour knife.

[@druface12345]

very cool

[@MeZillch]

Thanks. Show your friends.

[@behindthespotlight7983]

“cuticle pusher” 👃🏻🌬________

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

You can actually get better after market ferro rods that fit in the tooth pick holder.

[@SurvivalMX]

Really nice mods... I did in mine knife and is really awesome... thanks. Keep doing this kind of vids. Cheers

[@MeZillch]

Thanks.

[@sosteve9113]

Nicely done mate

[@Sokol10]

Rambo pocket knife. 😁

[@MeZillch]

Rambo KEYCHAIN knife. Closed it's just 58mm long.

[@Watcherrye]

Victorinox Swiss Army, does not make a Wood Carving knife that has two carving blades, a saw, and a large roughing blade. Blades that have 58 or better Rockwell hardness or 440 or better stainless steel. Just three slots (not sure what they are called) handles. that are rounded for comfort, with locking blades. Folded no more than 3 1/2 inches long. If all the carvers out there will unite and keep bugging Vicky about it, I am sure they will listen.

[@jack1954]

It sounds crude, but how much of the scale can you melt away (using a heated needle, or something red hot) before it burns through. You might be able to store another item (such as emergency tinder) in there. Also, perhaps as a way to quickly pry off the scales, you could insert something stronger than a pin into the pin slot. That way you could pull it out and the leverage might pop off the scales.. not sure though, might not work.

[@MeZillch]

I always have another knife on me so removing the scale should be fairly easy, in fact in an emergency where you don't care about preserving the looks, any coin or key could also do the trick. Remember this device is only to be used in a true, dire emergency. As for melting away extra space for tinder I think that's possible but it would only be a very small amount. I larger Swiss Army knife would be a better bet for that. On some big 91mm ones I've found lots of storage areas under some of the tools. I'll show that in a future vid. Thanks for your comment!

[@jack1954]

Thanks! I agree in a true emergency you wouldn’t care about looks

[@BX138]

The next smallest prefix after micro is nano. So maybe instead of calling it the "micro micra", you can just call it the "nano".

[@KentSurvival]

brilliant stuff :)

[@MeZillch]

Thanks Kent

[@josem.buenoch.5614]

When you take out the scales, plastic structure who brace the rivets, stretch out each time, until it will not hold on in place or it will break out.

[@MeZillch]

The internal components are for an emergency use situation ONLY and I show how by heating the knife in hot water the plastic becomes soft enough so the plastic won't chip for that single removal.

[@LIBERTYVIEWS]

Very interesting as novelties. I love your creativity and inventiveness....but in an emergency, I can't see getting to or using the needle & thread or that tiny fero rod when in the dark and you're cold.

[@MeZillch]

Plus small knife blades snap off much more easily, little battery flashlights are low power and don't last long, short lengths of paracord can't do as much as a big hank. . . The point is I carry this EFFORTLESSLY, 24/7/365, without thought on my EDC keys even when I wear a suit and tie. It's a "last-ditch backup".

[@gregbarry5875]

have you tried removing the scales after you super glued them on ?

[@MeZillch]

No but I assume there's a good chance you destroy the scale. These internal tools are for TRUE emergency only situations where you don't care about destroying a cheap piece of plastic compared to dying. Buying new scales are pretty cheap, by the way.

[@StarDarkAshes]

How you remove scales in emergency in woods without a knife or shim type thing? Maybe you could tape a thin tool onto the scales?

[@MeZillch]

The pin, a key, my Mack razor knife I carry on my keys, or finger nail. In a dire emergency if all of that fails: smash against rock or pavement.

[@marcomecha2362]

First

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Have you caught fish on that mini hook with no sinker? What type of are you targetting?

[@joshuacaviness9402]

I love your ideas. My question is, have you ever been in a survival situation that you used some of these items and mods? You have awesome ideas to mod things I'm just curious if you have ever been in the field and employed them.

[@MeZillch]

Yes. My apt building had a massive fire and was structurally questionable. Weeks later the fire marshal still wouldn't let anyone enter but felt bad so he allowed each occupant a 5 min. window to make a quick dash in, one at a time and only on a windless day, to grab only what we could carry. The building had no electricity hence no light. I reached for my EDC flashlight and after 10 seconds it conked out. My heart sank and I nearly had a heart attack (figuratively). Thankfully I had a backup on my keychain and successfully retrieved exactly what I needed to in the 5 minute window, mostly family memorabilia. The building was later intentionally demolished including all that I had left in it. Luckily I got out what was truly important to me. Also my bros.-in-law was on a bike/hike on a mountain when he and a friend got lost and couldn't find the trail. Unlike me he's a smoker so he had a lighter and was able to start a fire to keep warm. When he told his tale after having to sleep in the woods for a night I realized that had it been me I would have died (hypothermia) because at the time I never carried the means to start a fire. That event is largely what sparked my interest in keychain survival kits, one carries EVERY day, because you never know.

[@joshuacaviness9402]

MeZillch okay kool. Gladly your family member made it out okay. I guess that says something for smokers lol. But in the end these mods and kits are completely untested by you in a survival situation? A fire which is horrid to say the least, traggic, and completely bad is a better term, was not a survival situation, as it was told by you.

[@MeZillch]

Thank you for your kind words and empathy commenting that when I was in a highly stressful emergency situation with a 5-minute window to grab only the worldly possessions I could carry before the remaining 99% of my home was demolished with a wrecking ball, and my initial flashlight suddenly and without warning conked out while I was standing in a dark, windowless, fire ravaged room, that it wasn't what you deem a "survival situation".

[@joshuacaviness9402]

MeZillch survival situations by general knowledge are unplanned and risk bodily harm to you. If a fire marshal allowed you in there wasn't a high risk of bodily harm to you. Since you were prepared you were able to turn a very bad situation into a less bad situation. Your famiky member was lost without help mere seconds away, that is a survival situation. I do apologize if I came off like an asshole. It wasn't intended. I was merely wondering if some of the insight you have to make these awesome mods from wad from personal experience in a life or death situation.

[@MeZillch]

I feel the same way about my mini survival kits as I do my car safety belts: I PRAY that I'm never in an actual SHTF situation where I put them to use. That doesn't mean I don't test them and that's why in this very video I showed how I actually can start a fire with that tiny ferro rod, the smallest I know of.

[@cardojoal]

excellent, do you think what if you put all that stuff into the lanyard and attach to the sak? maybe is easier... When a new video? greattings

[@MeZillch]

Good point. A new video may be awhile from now because I have a lot on my plate. Thanks for asking though.

[@cardojoal]

@@MeZillch great!!!, i enjoy your videos!!!

[@ZmarleneZ]

awesome! thank you

[@johnbauman4005]

I'm preparing to make these mods to a 58mm Rambler. Any updates or other mods in the last 3 years? Am subscribed and really enjoy your videos! Thanks!

[@MeZillch]

Nothing new from me although Victorinox very recently released colored tweezers, toothpicks, and corkscrew-installed screwdrivers with different tips.

[@johnbauman4005]

@@MeZillch Thanks! I'll look into the new screwdrivers - I wear glasses also. Kind regards!

[@MeZillch]

@@johnbauman4005 For eyeglass wearers who need a DIY alternate screwdriver tip for the larger SAKs with corkscrews, I came up with this, you might like :kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn24kHmimptnZ7c

[@johnbauman4005]

@@MeZillch Yes, I have already viewed (and LIKEed) that video. I am conflicted because I'd also like to use the corkscrew to hold a Fire Ant and Tinder as well as the mini screwdriver. However will probably go with one mini screwdriver or another in the corkscrew depending on which works and mod a plus scale to open the third "toothpick slot" and use a FireFly. I like the toothpick and tweezers and don't want to give them up. Shortened toothpick can go in extra slot and Firefly can go in original toothpick slot. Will also look into "tinder quick" that you describe in that video, which I hadn't heard of before. Many thanks! Now tell me where to find the time and energy to get everything done!

[@guyhornbeck8940]

Just a suggestion... When attaching the scale with the retractable pen, be sure and orient the scale so that the pen emerges on the opposite side of the knife from the key ring. Otherwise the key ring will be in the way of the pen. Cheers!

[@orenmontgomery8250]

Wow, I watched a bunch of your videos but didn't come across this old one for a long time. I think I'm leaning towards getting a Manager SAK for my 5th pocket kit (currently using a Classic) and if I do I'm definitely going to throw a little sewing needle and thread and a baby ferro in there.

[@MeZillch]

I used to think the Manager (or the now discontinued Vagabond) was the best value in the 58mm series but once I realized the "cuticle pusher" found in the Minichamp works great as a flat head screwdriver, say to remove the cover plate of an AC outlet, I've decided the added bulk is worth it.

[@LeMayJoseph]

What about just using a Firefly ferrocerium rod that fits into the toothpick slot? The tabs on them even glow in the dark, regardless of scale color! :) Great video.

[@MeZillch]

That may work for some people but it means giving up the tweezers, which I value keeping on board. Keep in mind on this mini knife one side is tweezers and the other is a PEN (not a toothpick).

[@LeMayJoseph]

@@MeZillch ohhhh okay I see. I like your point!

[@vancass1326]

Any way to store super glue?

[@MeZillch]

Super glue is difficult to carry as EDC. The only thing I endorse is carrying a single serving tube of it, or a few, held in a crush proof box so if you inadvertently sit on it it won't burst open. An Altoids SMALLS tin could be such a box or one of those cylindrical aluminum pill containers for your keychain.

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Ranger band

[@05generic]

How do you use a white Bic as a diffuser? Do you simply hold it in front of a light source? I'm going to see if I can mod a ChapStick cap so that it can serve as a diffuser for my Thrunite Ti3 and yet still seal the ChapStick tube. I haven't been able to come up with a method by just thinking about it and tend to think it is difficult or impossible. It used to fit without modding but Thrunite made the head on new ones slightly larger (or ChapStick made their tube and cap smaller).

[@MeZillch]

Yes you just hold the BIC up to the camera flash or flashlight. I show its effectiveness, including how red tape gives you a night vision preservation mode option, in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2fdnaWEjpp6b5o

[@MeZillch]

The Chapstick cap works perfectly on some AAA lights including my main EDC key chain light, an Olight i3s in uncoated brass, seen at 16:37 in this video sporting a rubber bumper head band, made from a bicycle inner tube, for shock protection.

[@ibrahemali2015]

thank you ,ths very good

[@Nomadics]

Nice video. You can remove the scales using the corkscrew of another victorinox. I have + scales mods - adding pen to 84 mm VIC

[@MeZillch]

Thanks for pointing that out.

[@Nomadics]

I watched many of your videos. Great ideas for minimizing of useful things

[@MeZillch]

Thanks for all your great comments everyone. :)

[@rob1tnt]

MeZillch keep the videos coming! love them:)

[@EmilianoMerighetti]

Which model is the 91 mm without the corkscrew? Thank you

[@MeZillch]

Sorry, I'm only just now seeing your question because KZbin "held it for review". The 91mm SAK at 1:44 is a late model Craftsman. Discontinued but one of my favorites.

[@cparedes2302]

Today it would be the Handyman but instead of the Phillips Screwdriver it has the Corckscrew

[@chrisoakesdesire]

Hi, do you still make videos? I have come up with a trick taking apart a electric lighter and taking the little electric sparker out it is very small and they are unlimited usage you could possibly find a place for it in your edc!

[@MeZillch]

Yes I still make videos but I'm focused on other work at the moment. That quartz sparker that can be removed from electric lighters only makes a very small spark which doesn't travel well. Although not impossible, I strongly suspect it would be difficult to get it to light tinder such as cotton. Give it a try and report back if you'd like.

[@chrisoakesdesire]

Thanks for the reply I did have ago but you were right the spark isn't big enough to light a cotton ball without some sort of flammable liquid being on It! That's why your the expert!

[@Gregwisconsin]

MZ is the GadgetMeister of our times! Question: I might have missed it; to get access to the ferri rod or needle/thread, how is the super-glued scale removed? Thanks for the info-dense vids.

[@MeZillch]

Thanks. First off I didn't use as much glue as one normally would, I only used tiny little dots. Although it might be difficult to remove the scales with only a fingernail they should come off rather easily using a coin, a house key, or ideally another knife tip using the same method I showed after the nearly boiling water. The very hot water wasn't to make the scale removal easier -they already can be removed easily enough - but rather my goal was to prevent a common chipping/cracking problem which can sometimes occurs if you don't pre-soften the plastic. Commenter Nomadic just mentioned that a corkscrew tip from another SAK also works. Keep in mind these internal tools aren't EDC daily use tools and are ONLY extracted in a TRUE dire emergency as a backup plan to a main survival kit.

[@davidaaubuchon2265]

What little knife does he use to take off the scales

[@MeZillch]

It is a Micro Micra Mod: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h52ohYOker6ipZY

[@MeZillch]

I later added a pin to the tweezer, shown in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3-kgnyNZad0eqM

[@felinebline7154]

Who's rule??

[@kylec166]

That's a nice whisle where did you buy it from? Thanks Kyle nice video

[@MeZillch]

ebay. Victorinox no longer makes it. www.sakwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Whistle

[@teddythefourth2831]

I love these little knives but since I carry an dedicated folding knife, I have no use for the smaller knife or scissors in swiss army knives. It would be cool if they made more pocket tools that don't have blades on them. Luckily a lot of companies are coming out with things like that such as swiss tech and other companies but none of them have the quality or feel as the origional swiss brand of pocket knives.

[@maxmixer]

Some of these mods will be useless if your down to 1 hand !

[@blacksmith44]

You stated on one video to heat the scales at a temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit. I watched another video where the temperature could be around 70 degrees. What's the difference?? I guess I'll be buying some mineral oil very soon.

[@MeZillch]

Sorry, I don't actually know the temperature of the water. What I do is pour boiling water into my Pyrex measuring cup and then wait for it to cool for a minute or two. I don't own an appropriate thermometer to measure what actual temperature it is. I know that if the water is too hot a powdery surface results but it seems to buff off with a cloth nicely. Super hot can even melt and deform the plastic. Also I've come to learn that not all Swiss Army Knives use the same formulation of plastic.

[@eliot1970]

Reckon one person was talking in Fahrenheit and one in centigrade

[@matthewlu150]

Those scales aren't 100% waterproof, so wouldn't the ferro rod oxidize or degrade? Maybe finish it with oil or petroleum jelly?

[@MeZillch]

Hmm, I suppose, but BIC lighters themselves also aren't waterproof either. If the surface does oxidize I'm pretty sure after one strike you'd easily scrape it off and be ready to go on your next strike.

[@mustamuri]

✨🧸✨ 🙂👍

[@gabef10]

Where did you get the replacement scales?

[@MeZillch]

Good question. I buy SAKs on Ebay. Most of them are said to be airport TSA checkpoint confiscations that are donated to charities who then sell them to Ebay auctioneers. Scratched up ones and ones with company logos are the least expensive. My pen scale came from a Minichamp but also the Manager, Signature Lite, and Signature come with the pen scale. I then can move the plain scale I no longer need from the Vagabond I'm enhancing back to the donor knife I got the pen scale from. I've never actually bought scales but I have seen them online. I've also bought the Classic, brand new mind you, for as little as $10 on Amazon on rare occassion, so that's also a way to get a new, unscratched set of scales. Here are two other leads, search also for handles or sides instead of "scales": www.swiss-knife.com And also www.ebay.com/itm/Lot-10-Victorinox-Swiss-Army-58mm-Red-TOP-HANDLES-New-Takeoff-/131442601535?hash=item1e9a96ee3f

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

That bic ferro rod is a waste of time. Not practical. I wouldn't want to bust my scales to use that. A nitecore tiki is a better light option than a photon.

[@Gadgetdad007]

Never say you don’t have a use for something as everything can be used in an alternative way. 👍

[@applejuice-4706]

I saw someone modify the ruler and made it a tiny saw, and then they filed down the cuticle pusher to make a chisel.. that would make me want to carry the mini champ!

[@Vei2aC]

if you find yourself doing these mods alot, then i would recomend you look into jewelers tools, you can get all sorts of mini files, drill bits (pins) and reamers, and way more, makes the quallity of the mod so much better, i didunt like the idea of burning a hole in my scales for a pin, so i bought a cheap pcb micro drill bit set, and used that, the hold didunt even need deburring or anything, it looked like it was molded that way.

[@Grinder__]

# Swiss army knives. I love them. I've carried one for years... Love the modifications he did to it...

[@StarDarkAshes]

I wish Bic would make a lighter that has glow in the dark case.

[@MeZillch]

Maybe wrap one with GITD tape?

[@MeZillch]

Check out tape options here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2fdnaWEjpp6b5o

[@macgyverbryan1377]

On the small SAKs install the scales with the tweesers and toothpick on the ring side. No chances of falling out on keys then.

[@macgyverbryan1377]

Some ingenious mods, using a translucent scale will look good, and can see it when needed.

[@MeZillch]

Yes, this was my first attempt but once I get a configuration I'm happy with the final version will use translucent scales to show off.

[@macgyverbryan1377]

Red tape on half of a small white lighter makes a red filter.

[@bangalorebobbel]

Great modifications, thanks for sharing! I guess I have to try first that sewing kit idea ... that is something what I do really need ;-) Concerning the needle which comes out from the scales, there is a simple trick to get that fixed: bend the needle just a little bit (you have to try where is the best spot on the needle for such a slight bend, it depends on the cavity where it can touch). That little curve gives usually enough tension and the needle stays inside. I did also some mods on my Mini Champ - adding a driller function to the orange peeler and a chisel modification to that cuticle pusher spoon thing improves the survival capability of that little knife even more. And I added the firesteel in a more accessible way, means one does not have to remove the scales. I don't want to add URLs here since YT puts comments containing links into the spam folder, but I guess you can find the videos on my channel easily ;-) Thanks a lot, I learn always so much on your channel! ATB, Robert

[@MeZillch]

Thanks. I've seen your videos already. THEY'RE GREAT! The chisel idea sounds good but did you know that the unmodified coke spoon, er, I mean cuticle pusher (ha ha) also works great as a screwdriver? It works great on the standard US electrical AC wallplate screws , for example. I plan to show this in an upcoming video.

[@bangalorebobbel]

Thank You! ;-) Yes that cuticle spatula spoon screw driver thing is a great universal tool, driving screws works even after the chisel modification quite good. That crazy tool works also great as screw driver in sideways mode, means I use the side of it to drive e.g. that huge screw at my tripod camera adapter plate (or for some other huge screws). It comes also very handy for opening paint can lids, and if taken sideways it opens also jammed tobacco or candy tins and such stuff. So many ways to use that thing which most people consider to be totally useless ;-)

[@hetrodoxlysonov-wh9oo]

Great video but the last thing you want in a emergency is a blunt knife, use the back of the blade to get a spark.

[@MeZillch]

I totally agree that sharp blades dull quickly when used to scrape ferro rods but under the pressure of either getting a fire started so you don't freeze to death. . . or film a KZbin video without looking foolish because you get no spark, I find the sharp side is easiest. Ha ha.

[@pepperread1184]

@@MeZillch Completely understand! I’m always silently cheering people on when they are trying to demonstrate and thoroughly impressed when they get it on the first or second try. Would probably take me 30 minutes. TFS ☮️

[@mhsvz6735]

Thanks.

[@lomba1974]

is there any room in there to hold the pin with a little magnet?

[@MeZillch]

Hmm, not sure, but sounds like a good idea. My pin stays in with just friction but it took me several trials to figure out how to make the hole the right size. It's tricky.

[@vancass1326]

Modify tweezers (shorten tweezer end and sharpen)?

[@thebeastofbrayroad9382]

Merry Christmas to everyone ,

[@MeZillch]

There will be snow for Christmas this year. Woo-hoo! Merry Christmas everyone!

[@ivanhita4726]

What if the apocalypse never happens 🧐 and what is a bloody fob??? Para fob???

[@MeZillch]

PARAcord + keyFOB = parafob.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGa4hahnp819d7c

[@zeidon4193]

What's that knife at the beginning of the video?

[@MeZillch]

The flipper knife at 0:23 ? A Sanrenmu 7076 LUX-GKJ. They come in three different colors which determines the alphabet soup of letters after the number "7076". Very nice knife for the price. They aren't officially sold in the US but some people sell them grey market, or if you can wait for the long shipping delay you can buy them directly from China from vendors like Fasttech, Exduct, and Gearbest.

[@zeidon4193]

@@MeZillch thank you