ESEE IZULA-II Scales

thingiverse

The ESEE Izula-II is renowned for being sold without scales, allowing buyers to customize the knife according to their preferences or use a paracord wrap. Typically, users opt for a paracord wrap; however, I decided to experiment with designing 3D printable scales. # Parts Needed 2x M3x10 Machine Screws I utilized screws from this case: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FCN64HV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1. You can use any M3x10 screw, but I should note that my screws were approximately 12mm long, with a head depth of about 2mm, a thread diameter of around 3mm, and a head diameter of approximately 5.35mm. 2x M3-0.5 Nuts Again, I used the nuts from the case, but you can use any suitable ones; my nuts were 5.5mm wide measured from parallel sides or about 6.2mm measured tip to tip. # Design Process I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing, so don't expect this method to be the best approach, but here's how I did it in case someone wants to recreate the process. 1) Trace the Outline Using Photoshop's pen tool, I traced around an image of the knife. You can download my .psd file if you want to refine the sketch; I didn't bother carving out the grimping ridges and it's not perfect but it came out alright. Then, I filled in the outline with paint bucket and exported as a .png (uploaded as well). 2) Convert to Vector Image Using Inkscape, I converted the .png into a vector image and saved it as a .svg file; you can download a copy if you're interested. 3) Design in Fusion360 I had issues scaling the file to the size of the knife. To scale the .svg I imported after uploading, I ended up having to measure it to find out how much I needed to scale it and upload another one scaled at the right size; it worked okay but if anyone has a better method, please let me know. After that, I just drew two lines across the body and extruded out the scale and the middle section. I fileted the scale body at a 5mm radius. You can download my Fusion360 Project. 4) Drill Out the Holes I probably should have done this in Fusion360 to make customization easier in the future, but I'm still limited in my skills. Since I only needed to deal with basic shapes from here on out, I switched to Microsoft 3D Builder. I subtracted out a cylinder for each screw hole, each screw head, and each nut; you can download "IZULA-II Scales - pre cut version.3mf" which should allow for easier adjustments. # Customization I'd love to add some cool features to the scales, such as low-poly geometric shapes, knurling, or other embossing; not sure when I'll get around to it but I'm thinking about remixing this into a cool new design.