📍Location: Based in Bozeman, Montana
🔗 Series Note: This is the 2nd blog of the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife blog series. You can check the other blogs I wrote from here – https://sakparts.com/blogs/everything-about-victorinox-swiss-army-knife
How to Replace Broken Swiss Knife Parts Like a Pro 🔧
A broken knife part can turn your favorite everyday carry into dead weight — but don’t worry, you can fix it. Whether it's a snapped blade, worn-out scissors, or missing scales, replacing parts on your Swiss-style pocket tool is easier than you think — and incredibly satisfying when done right.
As someone who's been modding and restoring multi-tools for years, I’ll guide you through what you need, how to do it, and how to avoid common mistakes.
🧭 Why Replace Instead of Retire?
These multi-tools are built to last — but only if you maintain them. Here's why replacement is often better than buying new:
- 🔁 Sustainable and cost-effective
- 🪛 Easy to upgrade with better or modern parts
- 🧩 Opportunity to personalize with scales, spacers, or tools
Most of the time, you only need a few key tools and the right replacement parts to bring your knife back to life.
🧰 What You’ll Need
Tools:
- Brass hammer or watchmaker’s hammer
- 2mm and 2.5mm pin punches
- Pliers or vice grips
- Flat surface and small anvil block
- File or sandpaper for finishing
Replacement Parts:
- Compatible blades, tools, or springs
- Handle scales (optional)
- Rivet/pin sets or bushings
➡️ You can find all of these at sakparts.com, organized by tool category and frame size.
🔩 Commonly Broken Knife Parts (And How to Fix Them)
🗡️ Main Blade Replacement
Issue: Blade tip broken or too dull to restore
Solution:
- Punch out the pivot pin holding the blade.
- Align and install the replacement blade.
- Reinsert a new brass pin and peen both ends securely.
- File down excess and polish.
🧠 Modder Tip: Always test blade snap before final peening — if the backspring feels too tight or too soft, adjust position slightly.
🔗 Here’s a compatible 91mm blade replacement.
✂️ Scissor Repair or Swap
Issue: Spring broken or blades dulled beyond repair
Solution:
- Remove spring first.
- Extract the pivot pin and remove scissors.
- Install new scissors and spring in reverse order.
💡 Some modders recommend using clear JB Weld to stabilize replacement springs discreetly.
🔗 Explore compatible scissor parts.
🪵 Handle Scale Replacement
Issue: Missing tools, cracked scales, or just want to upgrade
Solution:
- Pry off existing scales using a flat plastic tool.
- Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol.
- Snap-fit new scales or glue if pin holes don’t align.
👉 For a full tutorial on glued scales, check out my blog post: How to Replace or Mod 91mm Scales Using Glue
🔗 Browse all knife scales here.
🧪 Troubleshooting Tips
- ⚠️ Use the correct size pin — oversized pins can cause spring misalignment.
- ✅ Polish pivot points with a Dremel for smoother snap.
- 🧼 Clean everything before reassembly. Dirt will cause premature wear.
- 🔄 Consider replacing the backspring if the snap is too weak or too stiff post-install.
📚 Where to Learn More
- SAKWiki’s Technical Pages – Diagrams and model breakdowns
- BladeForums Repair Threads – Excellent user discussions on modding & repair
- SAKParts Tool Sets – Bundled essentials for repair & builds
👉 All links above are clean and chosen for their practical, human-tested value.
🗨️ Ask Me Anything
Have a broken part you're unsure how to fix? Drop your question in the comments — I’ll help guide you through it. Also, what would you like to learn in next week’s blog post? Drop in comment section