Maintenance
If you read and study sakhome.com you can see that most SAKs today use press fit handle scales. One
of the important things with traditional SAKs is that we from time to time get a dynamic change to the construction of them. New designs are sometimes because of new possibilities in the production that allows new evolution steps. With new handle designs you
can also get a dynamic change in the construction of the SAKs. The scale material itself can get new molds, designs and be made with production methods that were difficult and not cost effective before. In other words you open up new areas for the SAKs that
refresh everything. By using press fit handle scales you can change them easy if damaged at the factory or people can change themselves. It is possible that one SAK can be available in many colors and with different materials. Handle colors and the look of a SAK has been a topic since the first Officer knife was introduced in 1897 and until today the appearance of it has seen a large number of methods for attaching the scales without visible rivets. Before press fit the
complete knife had to be disassembled to change the handle scales. Maybe not all the time but I would believe it was the case many times.
For many I would believe we are a bit strange
for some that we can collect many similar SAKs only with different colors. There are a huge number of models and categories it is just that sometimes we can collect the same SAK only with different colors. To this I can say that different colors alone are
enough to make the SAK different. It is not the same if the colors are different.
So why do I talk about the press fit and materials used in the knives. Both Wenger and Victorinox are dedicated
on new materials for the handle to improve the safety, design and appearance. Most SAKs can be used for Hunting and food tasks if you do some maintenance from time to time.
Both
Wenger and Victorinox made and make professional knives for kitchen and butchers in their history. This involves fixed blade knives with special handle designs for professional use. In other words tools for professional jobs in the kitchen and for butchers.
There I know some very special handle materials has been tested and incorporated for the different handle designs, ergonomics and safety. It involves innovation for making handle materials that are hygienic, durable
and very safe for use. It is about making a material that can be sealed in a way that makes the handle extra hygienic. There you can get surface changes on the handles that involve two materials for the handle. On some the surface is extra slip resistant and
kind of rubbery or textured. They are also capable of being resistant to liquids used by professionals and to be washed at temperatures that are high. Many forget the science that Wenger and Victorinox used and use for professional knives.
On the SAKs I could mention the 111mm Services Range and 130mm New Rangers we see the use of new materials, two component or dual density materials. This is to continue the comfort and safety. There
are a few differences on the dual density handle materials that can be used in very cold environments. I am not sure they can take extra high temperatures. That is why i use water that is not warmer than what is comfortable for my hand. I use some soap and
rinse very much after cleaning like I have explained. It is fully possible to have a clean 111mm that got many functions on it. No problem.
On the Hunter Pro the surface and material called
Polyamide that is a material we can read about on the internet. I will search the internet to see if I can find articles from Victorinox or tests done. The Hunter Pro is a professional single blade knife for hunters that are made to be used for everything.
It will be interesting to learn in the future where this handle material fit in. Sometimes I would believe we can find materials used on SAKs to be found on kitchen knives and vice versa. I am a bit open for the material used on this knife so far. Today we
live in a time that gives new opportunities for the production of handles. This we can see from 2004-2017 greatly. Wenger Evolution, EvoGrip, RangerGrip, Ap Blaze, Ap Snow, Realtree, soft touch, Mike Horn and many more. Victorinox with the New Soldier and
other 111mm knives and now the Hunter Pro. There are more than I mentioned.
In time you may change the handle scales on the Hunter Pro if necessary, this is also maintenance.
They are press fit.
The Hunter Pro is easier to clean because it is a single blade. It is ergonomic, comfortable and safe. If the handle materials are similar to some used on
the 111mm I am not sure about. I know that technology today can do new things. I hope to find out some more because I like to learn more about knives and technology. Whatever the material is it is a very special surface feeling. I have like explained
had a material on a handle for a fish/fillet knife but not completely. There are also some parts on the Hunter pro with extra slip resistant parts. It is one of the most distinct professional handles I have ever seen.
Like you know SAKs can be used for food tasks. The kitchen and butcher knives are fixed blade knives but they also incorporate materials that are extra. On SAKs we see
some of this philosophy with ergonomic shapes, safety and two component materials. The 111mm and Ranger 130mm are professional outdoors products that incorporate ergonomics, safety and materials in a greater way.
So far before I know any more I recommend using hand warm water cleaning the Hunter Pro in the same fashion cleaning the SAKs.
I hope all this text does not bore you 🙂 handle scales has been my interest for a long time.
There are variations on press fit in the history and press fit from liners and bushings. The Wenger EvoGrip, RangerGrip and Victorinox New Soldier and dual density handles are very strong and durable. The only part is not to use very high temperatures. I
have never heard any negative yet.
I am not an expert on the plastic or similar materials themselves, i do know that today we can get plastic handles with two component or a single component with very
special texture. We also see a rubber material used in combination with Nylon. I also know that new production methods open new possibilities today.
20:31
From
1961 Victorinox used hidden rivets on the SAKs but some still today got open rivets on the Officer line. Victorinox used hidden rivets before 1961 on the Officer knives.
Wenger was into hidden rivets in the early
1950s and innovated different methods for hidden rivets.
21:06 Last today, i can say that i am 100% convinced that the handle material is perfect for hunting.Enjoy. If i find some special info then
i will let you know 🙂
PS i have only good things to say from experience
using Wenger and Victorinox handle scales in the outdoors and in salt water environments. Never any failure!
21:48
I forgot to mention one other material
used on the 130mm Hunter Pro knives and that is the wood edition. This is a hand bliss knife. Both Victorinox and Wenger use glue for special handle materials. Some also use one of the strongest “double side
tapes” in the world. Let me know if you know which used on the walnut wood Hunter Pro.