✍️ Author: Castor S. Benin, Tactical Gear Contributor
📍Location: Based in Bozeman, Montana
🔗 Series Note: This is the 4th 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
Upgrading Your Swiss Knife: The Best Parts to Use for Modding or Restoration 🛠️
If you're looking to upgrade your Swiss-style knife with high-quality replacement parts, you're in the right place. Upgrading isn’t just for aesthetics — it’s about personalizing your tool to better fit your needs and extending its life for years of use.
As someone who's modded dozens of knives for outdoor use, EDC, and collection builds, I’ll guide you through the best parts to upgrade — based on function, durability, and ease of installation.
🎯 Why Upgrade Your Knife Instead of Replacing It?
Here’s what you gain from upgrading:
- 🔧 Improve performance with sharper blades or sturdier tools
- 🧩 Add missing tools or reduce bulk by customizing tool stacks
- 🎨 Change the look with custom scales or rare materials
- ♻️ Restore sentimental knives with fresh parts
Whether you're replacing a broken scissor or upgrading to translucent scales, every mod adds a personal touch — and often performs better than the stock setup.
🪛 Best Parts to Upgrade (And Why)
Let’s go tool by tool — these are the best parts to consider when upgrading your knife:
1. 🔪 Main Blade (91mm or 84mm)
Why upgrade: A new main blade improves cutting performance, especially if the original is chipped or over-sharpened.
➡️ See a replacement 91mm main blade here.
💡 Tip: Choose a powder steel blade if you want better edge retention over time.
2. ✂️ Scissors with Spring Mechanism
Why upgrade: The internal spring is often the first part to fail. New scissors restore one of the most useful tools in your knife.
➡️ Explore scissor parts for 91mm frames.
🧠 Modder note: Some spring types are integrated — make sure the part matches your knife generation.
3. 🪵 Custom Handle Scales
Why upgrade: Scales are one of the easiest and most visible upgrades. Go translucent, textured, or even wood.
➡️ Browse a wide range of custom knife scales here.
🧱 Options include Ultem, Micarta, carbon fiber, G10, and wood.
🧷 Installation Tip: Snap-fit if using factory scales, or glue for custom pinless designs (see my glue installation guide here).
4. 🛠️ Can/Bottle Opener Combo Tools
Why upgrade: These multitools are often worn from heavy use. Newer versions offer better grip and sharper edges for both utility and leverage.
➡️ Check out the combo tool section for replacements.
🔄 These are compatible with most standard 91mm frames.
5. 🧲 Internal Pins, Bushings, and Spacers
Why upgrade: Internal wear-and-tear causes wobbly tools and misalignment. Replacing these parts during upgrades ensures your knife feels factory-fresh.
➡️ See modding kits and parts for full internal sets.
📐 Pro Tip: Use brass pins for smoother movement and easier peening.
🧰 Helpful Tools for Your Upgrade Project
To install these parts correctly, you'll want a basic modding toolkit:
- 2mm / 2.5mm pin punches
- Brass hammer
- Anvil or peening surface
- Spring bar tool (optional for scale removal)
- Tweezers, toothpicks, and backsprings (if replacing these)
➡️ Check out SAKParts tool kits for setup essentials.
🧪 Upgrade Considerations Before You Start
Here are a few key things I’ve learned from years of modding:
- Always check compatibility between 91mm and 84mm frames
- Clean old parts before reinstalling — grit can cause premature wear
- Align parts before peening to avoid spring misalignment
- Don’t rush glue curing if using adhesive-mounted scales
📦 If you're unsure what size or generation your knife is, SAKWiki is a great resource with diagrams and model references.
💬 What’s Next?
If you're planning your first knife upgrade or a full mod build, I hope this guide gives you a solid foundation. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional — just have patience and a few tools.
🧠 Got a part in mind but unsure if it’ll fit your knife? Drop your question in the comment section below — I respond to every one personally.
Also, what should next week’s blog cover? I’ve been thinking about doing a guide on "Spacer Sizing and Tool Stack Planning for 3-Layer Mods." Let me know what you’d prefer!