Felix Immler SAK hook knife modification?

EngrSorenson

EngrSorenson

Noticed by Senpai
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Hey everyone-
The great and entertaining Felix Immler did a video on modifying the can opener on a SAK into a hook knife. I kind of like the idea, particularly since I use that tool for opening tape on packages anyway.

I had a couple questions-
1) is the can opener heat-treated?
2) has anyone else done this modification?

The video for reference…
 
1. Yes all tools are. But none of them are really that hard in the first place.
2. Yes, I did this on one knife (Spartan). Not a mod I am doing again or recommend. And I have not found the hardening to be affected after.
It was easy enough to do, but it´s not really that usefull for cutting strings or opening packages. It´s not that easy to get it razor sharp (as needed for strong strings).
I prefere to sharpen the owl instead for package opening, and the small blade is perfect for most smaller tasks.
I think a mod of the small blade to a straight sheepsfot is a better mod.
 
Nice sheepsfoot/coping mod- I’ve thought about doing the same thing, but ended up opting not to. The small blade is often sufficient for my needs such that ultimately I have a hard time reducing its size. I do tend to flatten out the back curve of the spear/drop point to make a quasi spey. Frankly, the appeal of the hook modification is that it saves wear and tear on my more treasured blades.

I’ll take your advice regarding the can opener into consideration. I’m not so much worried about getting it sharp as I am concerned with unexpected consequences. Ultimately I don’t think there’s enough benefit to add a “life limiter” on a tool that’s otherwise robust. I can imagine, for instance, sharpening the hook blade down to the point where it’s no longer useful as a can opener.
 
EngrSorenson said:
Nice sheepsfoot/coping mod- I’ve thought about doing the same thing, but ended up opting not to. The small blade is often sufficient for my needs such that ultimately I have a hard time reducing its size. I do tend to flatten out the back curve of the spear/drop point to make a quasi spey. Frankly, the appeal of the hook modification is that it saves wear and tear on my more treasured blades.

I’ll take your advice regarding the can opener into consideration. I’m not so much worried about getting it sharp as I am concerned with unexpected consequences. Ultimately I don’t think there’s enough benefit to add a “life limiter” on a tool that’s otherwise robust. I can imagine, for instance, sharpening the hook blade down to the point where it’s no longer useful as a can opener.
Click to expand...
I have a GEC Beagle that I used to carry in the front coin-pocket. After mod. the blade on the SAK is pretty much the same size as that blade, and I used that more than the main (wich is kind of small for most "main blade" tasks anyway).
Maybe you should try to sharpen the sewing owl like I usually do, it´s perfect for package opening and will hold the edge for a long time due to the angle :)
 
Barbababa said:
Maybe you should try to sharpen the sewing owl like I usually do, it´s perfect for package opening and will hold the edge for a long time due to the angle :)
Click to expand...
I actually use the awl for making holes in things, so I try to save the edge on that tool as well!
This is really putting in perspective for me how persnickety I am.
 
EngrSorenson said:
I actually use the awl for making holes in things, so I try to save the edge on that tool as well!
This is really putting in perspective for me how persnickety I am.
Click to expand...
I don´t sharpen the tip, only along the side where it´s already sharpened
 
Haven’t done this mod but I’ve been meaning to try it. One suggestion is that I wouldn’t put the bevel on the ‘outside’ edge…because it’s the flatter side. I’d cut the side that is hollowed from the factory…because it’s not very flat and putting a good chisel grind on it would be a bitch.
 
Done. Works great up to single width corrugated materials. Gotta test it on some clamshell packs when I have something new to open. The tip is also beveled on the back side so it’s 4-sided like a tetrahedron or pyramid. Made it with two serrations instead of a single hook for a bit more control on thinner materials…and because I like serrations.


52491746973_5fa625341e_c.jpg
 
Forgot to report that this profile works great on clamshells and especially for opening one layer, if desired. Many such tools cut through 2 wether wanted or not.
 
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