Whether you use your pocket knife for everyday chores or more serious tasks, it needs cleaning from time to time. Regularly cleaning, lubricating, and maintaining your pocket knife can ensure it keeps working like new for years to come.
Getting your blade clean is easy and can make a big difference in the life of your pocket knife. Here are some ways you can go about it:
Soap and water
Using a soapy solution to clean your pocket knife is a safe, easy way to keep it looking and functioning its best. Just make sure to avoid wetting it for too long or submerging it in hot water because this can lead to rust formation.
You can use a soapy cloth to wipe down your blade in a circular motion, rinsing it off afterward. You may also want to apply a little bit of dish soap to a soft bristled brush and scrub your blade.
If your knife has a handle, use cotton swabs or Q tips to remove lint and dirt from the crevices of your handle. You can even blow out any extra dirt with compressed air.
A dirty knife isn’t a good tool, nor is it appealing to look at. It can also decrease its value. To help prevent rusting, you should clean your knife regularly to remove dirt and grime.
Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a great way to clean a stainless steel pocket knife. It is cheap and effective.
Before you begin, disassemble your knife if possible to get into all the nooks and crannies that can collect dirt. If your knife does not have removable parts, open it up as much as you can and wipe down the blade and handle thoroughly.
Once all the visible dirt and grime is removed, disinfect your knife with rubbing alcohol. Just saturate a cotton ball or cloth with the solution, and then wipe down the blade. Rinse with clean water, and then dry your knife thoroughly before storing it away.
To keep your pocket knife functioning properly, it’s important to lubricate the pivot and locking mechanism regularly. It can be a daunting task to do this yourself, but it’s a necessary step.
Dry lubricant
If you have a stainless steel pocket knife, it is important to clean and lubricate it regularly to ensure its maximum functionality. Rust, corrosion, and grime can damage the blade, locking mechanism, and handle of a knife and decrease its lifespan.
A lubricant can also help prevent the buildup of pockets lint, which may slow down or make it harder to open and close your knife. In addition, a lubricant can also reduce friction between the blade and handle.
Dry lubricants are usually made from chemicals that form a lamellar structure, meaning that the particles in the lubricant are not in direct contact with each other. These dry lubricants reduce the amount of friction in moving parts, resulting in increased efficiency.
There are a few different types of dry lubricants that are available. Some are formulated specifically for cleaning knives, while others are designed to lubricate moving components found on folding knives. You should choose the right one based on your needs and the type of knife you have.
Vinegar
There are a few natural ingredients that can remove rust from stainless steel knives without the need for harsh chemicals and heavy machinery. A good example is white vinegar, which is a popular household cleaner and can help dissolve rust spots.
It contains acetic acid, which can react with iron oxide (rust) and separate it from the non-rusted metal on a blade. Place the rusty portion of the blade in a bowl of warm vinegar for up to five minutes, then wipe down the surface with a clean cloth.
Another option for removing rust is lemon juice. It can be combined with salt to create an even more effective rust remover.
Alternatively, you can try sticking the rusty knife into a raw potato to dissolve it. This method can be messy and may leave stains on the knife’s surface, but it can be effective if the rust is particularly stubborn. The potato also contains oxalic acid, which can help dissolve rust.