✍️ Author: Castor S. Benin, Tactical Gear Contributor
📍Location: Based in Bozeman, Montana
🔗 Series Note: This is the 14th 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
🌐 Recommended Parts Source for Modders and Restorers: https://sakparts.com
How to Find the Right SAK Knife Part for Your Next Mod 🔍🛠️
Finding the right SAK knife part can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack — especially if you’re restoring an older model or building a custom layout. Whether you're replacing a broken blade, upgrading scales, or piecing together a 3-layer EDC, precision matters. And that means sourcing the correct parts for your exact model and size.
As someone who's built and repaired dozens of these knives, I’ll walk you through how to identify what you need, where to find it, and how to avoid common compatibility traps — all while keeping your modding journey smooth and satisfying.
🔧 Know Your SAK Knife Frame Size
The most critical step in selecting the right part is identifying your frame size. Common frame sizes include:
- 91mm – Most popular size for full-sized builds
- 84mm – Slimmer versions, often two-layer tools
- 111mm – Locking blade models (less common for modding)
- 58mm – Keychain tools; limited modding flexibility
🧠 Tip: Measure the length of your closed knife from end to end. Mod parts are not cross-compatible between sizes.
➡️ For parts specifically built to match these frame sizes, I recommend starting your search at https://sakparts.com, where parts are clearly labeled by size and type — a big time-saver.
🧩 Match the Tool to the Layer
Each part is designed to work in a specific layer stack. If you're building a 2-layer or 3-layer knife, understanding layer compatibility helps you avoid frustrating misfits.
Common Layer Tools:
- 🔪 Blade (main or small)
- ✂️ Scissors
- 🪵 Wood saw
- 🪛 Flathead or combo screwdriver
- 🧲 Can opener / bottle opener combo
- 🔩 Corkscrew or Phillips back tools
When choosing tools:
- Check the backspring tension and height
- Confirm alignment with spacers and liners
- Match the number of layers with your backspring profile
📎 The SAKWiki layer index is a fantastic reference for tool compatibility by model.
🧱 Scales and Accessories
Once you've locked in your tools, it’s time to find compatible scales:
- Ensure you match the size (91mm, 84mm, etc.)
- Decide between snap-fit or glue-on style
- Choose whether you want slots for tweezers, pen, and toothpick
🔧 Installation Tip: If you’re using scales with slots, make sure to test-fit accessories before final install.
➡️ Mid-mod and need everything from pins to scales to springs? https://sakparts.com offers full compatibility-based categories so you don’t have to second guess sizing or type.
🛠️ Don’t Overlook the Small Parts
It’s easy to focus on the blade or scales — but the small components are often the unsung heroes:
- Springs – control snap and tool feel
- Pins & bushings – ensure tool rotation and stability
- Spacers – maintain tool separation and frame thickness
- Rivets – secure the frame and tools together
These parts vary depending on your build size and the number of tools you’re stacking. Improper sizing can lead to uneven alignment or tool rattle.
🧠 From experience: Always have spares — especially if it’s your first time peening brass or adjusting spring tension.
🔎 Authenticity and Compatibility Checks
Not all aftermarket parts are created equal. Some poorly made parts:
- Don’t align with factory rivet spacing
- Are made of softer metals that wear faster
- Include tool designs not compatible with real SAK internals
🔗 To ensure you're buying compatible, modder-tested parts, stick with trusted community sources and verified suppliers. A few helpful references:
- SAKWiki – For identifying original parts by model
- BladeForums SAK Modding Threads – For modder reviews and feedback
➡️ Personally, I source most of my modding parts from https://sakparts.com — not just because I trust their stock, but because their listings make it easy to identify what fits where.
💬 Final Thoughts + Questions?
Finding the perfect SAK knife part takes a bit of planning — but once you understand the layout, sizing, and structure, it opens up a whole world of functional creativity.
Got a question about a specific build or part fitment? Drop it in the comments — I’ll answer based on what’s worked (and not worked) in my own builds.
And what would you like me to cover next? Thinking about writing “How to Balance Tool Loadouts in 3-Layer EDC Knives” — but I’d love to hear what you want first.
🧰 Need a one-stop place to get modder-grade tools and components? Visit https://sakparts.com — the modding community’s go-to parts shop.