Bamboo Skewers, simple implements for the knife-cleaner's toolkit

[pertinux]

I recently read about using bamboo skewers in a thread in Traditional about the care and maintenance of pocket knives. I thought I'd bring the information here, with credit where credit is due (thanks again, Pipeman!) because I picked up some bamboo skewers last night and they really do work well.

I use those bamboo meat skewers for cleaning out the slots and under the kick etc. You can whittle them down to chisels to scrape without marking the steel. I dip the skewer in fine mineral oil to clean the slots and oil the joint.....

...The skewers are great for slightly rusted back springs in the slots. You can press very hard without them splintering like wooden match sticks. Great tools ;-)

Best regards

Robin

Maybe y'all already knew of these and their usefulness in cleaning knives, but I didn't, and I'm very pleased with how much more effective they are on nooks and crannies than pipe cleaners, match sticks, toothpicks and the like. As Robin notes, one thing that sets them apart is how much pressure one can apply without their breaking or giving way. They're also relatively inexpensive, and available at most grocery and big-box stores. Given their length, each skewer can last a good long time, whittled down when the end becomes dirty or needs a new or narrower point.

Hint: sharpen your knife first, so that you can easily whittle the skewers as needed.

~ P.

 

[Phydeaux]

Yes they are very useful. Some of the Asian markets sell bamboo tooth picks.

You can wrap the end with a little bit of cotton and make your own cotton swab (a.k.a Q Tip).

Ric

 

[stitchawl]

I usually just walk across the street to the bamboo forest in front of my house and cut a young one...


Stitchawl