Knives are pretty simple. A fixed blade can be used for many daily tasks, such as cutting food or opening packages. Knives can become more complicated, however, when any additional mechanism is introduced. All folding knives have a bearing or joint and either a back lock, mid lock, liner lock or otherwise. Assembled with rivets and screws, modern knives are designed for easy maintenance, disassembly and tightening when needed. If properly cared for, a good knife can last generations.
I own quite a few more knives than I need, ranging from a high-end Randall to a flea market find. When hiking in the backwoods away from the world, I carry the best. A failure would be a serious calamity. But at home, a flea market knife can be easily discarded and replaced.
Why Is Knife Maintenance Important
To keep all of my knives functioning properly means engaging in periodic maintenance. If a blade is neglected, it can be difficult to restore. Once corrosion sets in, a blade may pit. Remember, stainless steel is stain-less not stain-proof. Injuries are more often due to a dull knife than a sharp knife.
Overview of Maintaining Knives
- Keep the edge clean and wipe away bits of material after cutting chores.
- Lightly oil the knife for storage.
- Tighten the handles or scales of a folder.
- Keep pivot points lubricated.
- Do NOT lubricate the lock.
How to Sharpen Your Knife
There are many methods and tools for sharpening. While my uncle was a master of the stone, I am not. I use the Work Sharp guided field sharpener. And my knives are just as sharp as his. Before sharpening, always remember to clean your knife. You would never wax a vehicle without first washing it. The same rule applies. Sharpening without cleaning will simply rub material into the blade, possibly gouging the steel.
While sharpening restores a dull or even damaged edge, know that knives make poor crowbars. A broken point may be reshaped, but it’s best not to break it in the first place. Sharpening removes a bit of metal from the blade producing a bevel. The Work Sharp sharpening tool offers a 20-degree sharpening surface and a 25-degree honing surface. I seldom use an electric sharpener.
You may be surprised how seldom a knife needs sharpening. A home steak knife or kitchen tool may be sharpened perhaps twice a year. Sharpen a camp knife after a camping trip and some use. Honing is maintaining the edge and is a less difficult process used more often. If sharpened too frequently, a blade’s geometry eventually changes.
When a blade has been neglected, begin sharpening with the coarsest surface and proceed to the finest surface … after cleaning, of course. The Work Sharp device features a fine and coarse diamond plate, ceramic rod and a leather strop. This will fit all types of sharpening styles.
Maintaining Defensive Folding Knives
Folding knives must be serviced occasionally whether you use them or not. This means the pocket folder you rely on for defense or emergency must be cleaned. Debris in the mechanism could impede folding. It is possible a tangle of thread could prevent the knife from opening. This is why I recommend a robust design like the CRKT M16.
The folding knife needs to open, close and lock correctly. A simple wipe down occasionally is plenty. Some use a penetrating aerosol gun cleaner or a computer air duster. At some point you may need to partially disassemble the knife. Most knives have hex screws that allow disassembly. Search for grit and debris that may affect function. Since the lock works by friction, don’t lubricated the lock mating surfaces. Do lubricate the pivot pins. Gravel, sand or other grit will affect function. Usually the scales don’t pick up much debris, but it is a good idea to wipe them down and remove accumulated dust. This is all that is needed in the normal course of use.
Depending on how much you use the knife, torx screws eventually work loose. These should be tightened. I check my primary carry knives every month or so. Most of these knives use torx screws either #6 or #8, so tools are not difficult to find. Take care of the edged tool, and even your oldest tool will serve well with little attention.
