Convinced you have the best Gerber knife? In love with your Kershaw? Can’t get enough of your Buck 110?
Let”s keep it that way.
The unfortunate fact of the matter is that poor knife maintenance and irresponsible knife ownership more often than not result in irreversible damage to folding knives.
A few overlooked best practices and by the end of season one, you might be carrying a lump of rust in your pocket and not a knife.
So, here are the three rules we have to offer you that can help you keep your knife spit-shiny for longer.
Clean and Dry – Every Time
This one is essential for people that live along coastal areas or are frequently in contact with salt water, but the truth is it’s a good habit to observe for all knife users.
Corrosion-resistant steel is a hedge against rust. It’s not a foolproof insurance policy. Putting your knife away wet is asking for damage.
When you use your knife, clean it thoroughly. And that doesn’t just mean water. Get dust, oil, grease, fat, blood, feathers, sand, whatever you want, off of the blade, scales, and out of the pivot.
But that’s not all. Make sure after you clean it off, that you dry it thoroughly before storage. That is essential to safeguarding the knife.
A Light Coat of Oil
After drying your knife, it doesn’t hurt to add a thin coat of oil to the blade and scales, to protect them against corrosion.
There are specially made oils you can use, but some people prefer machine oils or Rem oil which are both commercially available. You can also use mineral oil.
Just be sure that if you use your knife for food prep, you use a food-safe oil.
And, as for the pivot – less is more. A little bit of oil will lubricate the pivot, but use as little as possible.
The more oil that’s in there, the more it will trap dust and abrasive particles that will damage the pivot over time.
In fact, in most scenarios, you can skip the oiling of the action altogether. We have a better trick.
Compressed Air for the Win
Instead of applying a coat of oil to your pivot mechanism (a light coat at most, if you insist), may we suggest you use compressed air instead?
Compressed air will blast out dust and other particles that would otherwise get in the way of the action.
Then, if you insist, a drop of oil won’t hurt. But again, less is more.
Ruined the Last “Best” Gerber Knife? Get a New One at White Mountain Knives
If you had what you considered the best Gerber knife but last year forgot to observe these basic protocols for knife care, maybe it’s time for a replacement.
This time around, maybe a fixed blade knife like a Gerber Gator, or something with a nylon sheath and anodized aluminum handles that will resist corrosion would be a better option.
If you do get a heavy-duty folding knife with a frame lock from among the wares of Gerber Knives, just make sure you observe these rules so you can avoid headaches down the line.
White Mountain Knives – WhiteMountainKnives.com – has everything you need. Looking for a short fixed blade with a full tang and a drop point blade shape, perhaps with partial serrations? Or is an assisted open folder with clip point style blade, thumb studs and a pocket clip with everyday carry more to your speed?
Either way, White Mountain Knives has it. And, with these tips for expert knife care, maybe you’ll still have the same one next season!
