The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical) original London cast ►

◄ My review: The Bluster Boy by Davey MacManus

Just a quick one. I've previously written about painting alox SAK scales and changing scales on cellidor models. Nothing terribly exciting or original, but it's nice to personalise things sometimes. There are lots of options these days, and some simple DIY is far preferable to inflated prices on the new Companion SAK or to get official coloured limited edition alox models (which wear anyway). You can get titanium, brass, carbon fibre, wood, horn, etc, and I'm sure other materials for scales.

I think I've determined my ideal light duties SAK... it's probably a non-existent two layer somewhere between a Waiter, a Walker (which seems to have recently been discontinued) and a Camper or Farmer. For example, the Walker could have had a corkscrew added (I think the only reason it didn't was to upsell) and the combo tool would do for basic awl duties on wood. Why do I want a corkscrew? a) It's traditional on SAKs, b) it can get a grip on things other than corks, and c) can hold a mini screwdriver. Still lacks proper screwdrivers and at least basic pliers, which can be supplied by a Swiss+Tech keychain tool or similar. Of course, if Leatherman Juices had been cheaper and not discontinued years ago that would be a decent option too, albeit heavier.

So here's what that looks like at the moment, and since it's a three layer 91mm Camper and already a little heftier I rescaled it. I suppose there is some value to having 'redundant' tools like a second blade and a separate screwdrivers layer for light prying too, although I might feel differently if this was for regular carry.

The paracord doesn't need burning to seal it, superglue melts plastic thread fine. Etched metal scales (supposedly titanium alloy) are a pretty good alternative to alox and these ones are functional with measurement markings on each side. The cheap AliExpress sheath (also where I got the scales) holds a Swiss+Tech tool securely in the belt loop, and I think there are other S+T tools the same length but with a few more tools that would work too.

Of course, it's just one of the things like a Wave+ KO that lives on the desk most of the time. I've got a small wallet for lighter EDC things I keep on me, currently mostly a torch, pen, Mini Flagship Nextool pocket tool, saw bits, toothpicks, S+T Screwz All and spare battery.

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