Apologies for basic question, what oil for folding knife joint?

G

greebozz

Joined
Jun 30, 2006
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Sorry for the basic question, I didn't turn up much through forums search. I've got a buck 110 which I was cleaning up, I was using a little spray silicon lubricant, not applied directly but sprayed on plastic and then soaked into a Q-Tip and then wiped around the internal mechanism of the folding joint, I don't know what I did but the knife became very stiff and gritty to open.

This is one of my most treasured knives and I don't want to ruin it with the wrong sort of oil. I have 3 and one oil but don't like the smell. I don't want to spend money on anything fancy. I want something that won't go sticky and attract dust after it evaporates. Many thanks.
 
I would bet you had some debris that was attracted by the silicon lubricant. The lubricant most likely didn't cause your problems. It has to be clean before you lube it up. And yes, I realize how that statement can be misconstrued. :thumbup: A good cleaning followed by some oil will most likely resolve your issues.
 
I use Starrett instrument oil in a very fine (hypodermic like) tipped oiler (use the absolute minimum amount ) and put it right were it is needed . . .Starrett partly because I already have it around. Otherwise, I like plain old machine oil rather than the new junk with all kinds of special elixirs in it. I have to fix the problems that that junk causes every day in sporting gear : gums up, stops up, hard to remove and black BLACK junk or wax that literally squeaks in the rain and causes drag in the cold.

Nah very fine oil 10wt, 3in one, Starrett.

That's ALL I use in my equipment unless grease is required and even then it will refresh the grease. I have gear that has lasted thirty years of weekly (often daily) use . . . what . . . you want better than that ?
 
greebozz said:
Sorry for the basic question, I didn't turn up much through forums search. I've got a buck 110 which I was cleaning up, I was using a little spray silicon lubricant, not applied directly but sprayed on plastic and then soaked into a Q-Tip and then wiped around the internal mechanism of the folding joint, I don't know what I did but the knife became very stiff and gritty to open.

This is one of my most treasured knives and I don't want to ruin it with the wrong sort of oil. I have 3 and one oil but don't like the smell. I don't want to spend money on anything fancy. I want something that won't go sticky and attract dust after it evaporates. Many thanks.
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Silicone lubricants don't mix well with petroleum-based lubes; they'll make a sticky mess if mixed in the same knife's joints, and are a royal pain to clean up after the mess is made (solvents and alcohol compound the problem). Seems to actually congeal into rubbery globs when it happens. I had the same troubles with a knife of mine, after trying to use some to loosen it up. It was a stiffly-closing folder (wouldn't always close fully on it's own), and the silicone lube just made it worse. The joint needs to be perfectly clean of grit/dirt and completely free of other oils to avoid issues like this. After seeing how much trouble it caused for me, I'll never use silicone as a knife lube again.


David
 
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If you want to "go back to basics" mineral oil is all I use now on knives. I don't have to worry about any toxicity issues and after I oil the joint I can rub some into the exterior of the knife and not worry about any problems. It doesn't last as long as some of the high tech lubes, but I don't mind. I flush my knives out with hot water and soap when dirty and then let em dry. Put a drop of mineral oil in the joint/on the washers, with a syringe, and cycle the knife open/close a few times. Wipe off any excess oil and good to go.
Bruce
 
bralexander said:
If you want to "go back to basics" mineral oil is all I use now on knives. I don't have to worry about any toxicity issues and after I oil the joint I can rub some into the exterior of the knife and not worry about any problems. It doesn't last as long as some of the high tech lubes, but I don't mind. I flush my knives out with hot water and soap when dirty and then let em dry. Put a drop of mineral oil in the joint/on the washers, with a syringe, and cycle the knife open/close a few times. Wipe off any excess oil and good to go.
Bruce
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This is exactly my method. The mineral oil is cheap and effective and food grade. You can get a nice big bottle at any drug store (you'll find it with the laxatives) and don't have to worry about using your knife to cut food. It also does a great job of cleaning stuff off the blade. If you do any food prep with your knife, even cutting an apple, it's the only way to go.
I keep a rag saturated with mineral oil in a ziplock bag in my work truck so I can clean up my blade on the road.
In your case I would definitely flush with hot soapy water first.
 
I'm with bralexander and Odog27 - mineral oil works very well.

Pharm-grade mineral oil is food safe, won't go racind, and only costs about $3 a pint at any drug or grocery store.
 
I never tried mineral oil but I like all of the benefits you guys mentioned. Thanks!

And Thanks OP for bringing this up!
 
This is a common question on every knife forum on the internet and you will find all kinds of suggestions, brand names, formulations and everything else related to the subject. What is the "correct", universally accepted best form of lubrication? There is no answer.
 
indischI said:
A small amount of nano oil works for me
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+ 1 on the nano-oil,i was long time user of three in one)WD-40 they have there place,but just for knifes the nano oil/10W i think is amazing!a little bit go's a long way/1 drop only as needed.
 
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