OK, this is a blindingly silly question (please wear shades if you go further....)

I have an old SAK. Been with me for years. Even carried it when I got married (THAT's hard-core preparedness, friends...) <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> So here's the IQ challenged query -- Is there a way to add tools to my old SAK, specifically a file and a saw?? I realize it would mean adding another "section" to the body, or getting a wider body, but can it be done? I would want to keep the original tools and the original (well worn) red handles?

Can it be done?

On your mark; get set; respond.

.....CLIFF

Based on my limited knowledge of SAKs (i have two, one was left by somebody in my car, the other was a gift), i would say no. By their construction, they aren't meant to be taken apart. While it may be theoreticly possible, it would probably cost far more than its worth.

-Chris

Cliff:
I have the Victorinox Huntsman model, which was given as a gift. This model has many useful features, but has one particular (IMO) useless feature. The &*%$* corkscrew <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I have never used this feature. To me this is totally a waste. I made an inquiry of Swiss Army to change the corkscrew to a phillips head they said it could be done. When I finally decided I could part with the knife for the refit, I called and was given a different story, which was basically too expensive to do. I have never followed up beyond this. I do know you can e-mail Victorinox directly from their website http://www.victorinox.com/. Good luck.

It can be done. The hard part is getting the parts. You need at least basic knowledge in metal works as you have to replace the rivets. The layering requires some planning or you´ll end up with tools you can´t open.
The design of the knife allows to combine and rearrange the layers fairly easy.
If you lack the skills to do it, it may cost more than you´d like to spend.

BTW: Do you really think this wish can beat the one for the sparking wheel? <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

No, the sparking wheel's got me beat!

.....CLIFF

There is a few uses for the corkscrew, one is you can get a tiny screwdriver from Victorinox and it threads into the corkscrew. The second is to use it as a drill, although that is not a very often needed feature, the punch awl can do the same thing. I guess a third would be to take up wine drinking:)

No, no, no. I must have the corkscrew. That corkscrew saved a date for me once, and allowed a most romantic weekend to ensue. (And no, I will not divulge details. ) <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

The corkscrew on a SAK is a sign of refinement and sophistication. The other tools show you are prepared to rig vines into rope for a shelter; but the corkscrew says "I know my way round a good Bordeaux, and it's important to be able to open one at any time." In a survival situation is it worth it? No - unless you're stuck in Earnest and Julio's cellar for weeks on end. But a corkscrew has this advantage - it calms down the uninitiated when your SAK drops from your briefcase in a meeting. You open the corkscrew, smile, and say "just in case". And, for some reason, they aren't bothered by it anymore.

So for me that little item is a must have.

.....CLIFF

I dunno, I actually e-mailed Victorinox and suggested they should sell a Ferrocerium rod that would replace the metal toothpick (which IMO is useless). They wrote back and said that this had been suggested by others in the past but they did not believe there was sufficient demand for it to be cost-effective. (Of course, you can bet your boots that if someone else did it and it *did* prove to be a popular item, they'd bring out their own version in a heartbeat. <img src="images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> )

>>Even carried it when I got married (THAT's hard-core preparedness, friends...)

That begs the question, which tools did you use on your honeymoon? <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

To answer your question as evasively as possible -

1) Hotel security personnel do not normally carry handcuff keys on them at 2am. <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

2) There are some things that duct tape should never be used for. <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I'll leave it at that.

.....CLIFF

"Shoot, a guy could have a good time in Vegas with this..."
Slim Pickens in the movie 'Dr. Strangelove', after going over the contents of his Air Force issue survival kit.