Benchmade cleaning question.

C

Capt. Spaulding

Joined
Feb 7, 2014
Messages
1,161
I remember reading something about cleaning a Griptilian with soap and water which caused damage to the omega springs which in turn caused them to break. My question is, is their any truth to this? If so how would the soap and water weaken the omega spring? Thank you very much everyone.
 
Not sure how corrosion resistant the springs are, but I can see that being a problem with soap & water over time, without proper drying and lube.
 
If you email Benchade they will respond within 24 hours and they are the most helpful people on earth for everything, very friendly and professional.
 
WolfSpring said:
If you email Benchade they will respond within 24 hours and they are the most helpful people on earth for everything, very friendly and professional.
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Maybe....
It took 2 weeks for them to respond to my email...
 
I've cleaned mine with dawn soap, warm water and a toothbrush numerous time no issues. I just make sure to dry it properly using a towel and some compressed air then give it a light coat of Slip 2000. Feels like new again.

I can't possibly see how this would harm anything. I would think dirt and grime in the action would cause more wear and tear in the long run.
 
WolfSpring said:
If you email Benchade they will respond within 24 hours and they are the most helpful people on earth for everything, very friendly and professional.
Click to expand...

Last time I emailed Benchmade it took 3 weeks to get a reply. If they are responding within 24 hours now, that is great. The way to go is a phone call, nothing like immediate and dynamic conversation.
 
Water can get trapped between the liners/scales/omega springs. This can happen in real world use too, so this applies to anyone that uses their knife outdoors or on a construction site. After a soap and water cleaning it's important to flush everything with tap water and then either hairdryer/compressed air drying or at least shaking out as much water as possible. Either way after you get it as dry as possible zap the axis lock recess with some wd40 or other spray lube as well as the pivot to get rid of any residual water.

Edit: As to how water can be a problem, omega springs have a very thin cross section, and even a small amount of corrosion on them can lead to premature failure. This is pretty damn rare especially if you're the type to just flush the knife with spray lube all the time. Soapy water can be problematic because it strips any oil films protecting the spring, and if not washed out completely the chemicals in the soap can accelerate corrosion on some steels. That said, as long as you flush it out well with tap water and re-oil the working bits there's no problem with rust or corrosion on an axis even after years of daily abuse.
 
Thanks everyone. I remember in the thread I read it in they mentioned the same thing as Yoda just did. That must of been what I was thinking about. It makes sense. Thanks everyone! :thumbup:
 
A hot soapy bath for 20 minutes or so has never hurt any of mine. Followed by a gentle scrub with an old toothbrush, a pipe cleaner (they still make 'em) for the tight spots, and a hair dryer set to low to rid the innards of moisture...and a drop or two of Tuf-Glide or whatever on both washers keeps them happy!
 
the Noryl handle on the Griptilians is full of nooks and crannies on the inside of each scale. I would not clean the knife with soap and water unless I took the knife totally apart so I could dry all the inner nooks and crannies 100%. I can see how folks can use soap and water, assume they have dried the knife out, yet actually leave a good amount of water inside the handle. Should water buildup be beneath or around an Omega spring I totally see how that would cause corrosion etc.

I have always hated the cheap Noryl handles on the Grips. They feel pretty secure in hand but are still just thin cheap plastic. I am currently replacing the Noryl scales of my 3 Grips one at a time. My maroon linen micarta mini Grip scales from KSF will be here today and I cannot wait!
 
CelticCross74 said:
the Noryl handle on the Griptilians is full of nooks and crannies on the inside of each scale. I would not clean the knife with soap and water unless I took the knife totally apart so I could dry all the inner nooks and crannies 100%. I can see how folks can use soap and water, assume they have dried the knife out, yet actually leave a good amount of water inside the handle. Should water buildup be beneath or around an Omega spring I totally see how that would cause corrosion etc.

I have always hated the cheap Noryl handles on the Grips. They feel pretty secure in hand but are still just thin cheap plastic. I am currently replacing the Noryl scales of my 3 Grips one at a time. My maroon linen micarta mini Grip scales from KSF will be here today and I cannot wait!
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I completely agree with people thinking they got all the water out, but do not and cause corrosion problems. This is my worry with the Griptilian as like you mentioned their is a immense amount of small areas for water to get trapped. The only downside is if I take my knife apart to dry everything I just voided my warranty. :grumpy:
 
I like to flush with Ballistol vs. soapy water. Won't harm plastics and the aerosol version does pretty good and leaves a protective residue. Finish up with those long Q-tips and patches. Then a couple drops of your favorite pivot lube. Have never had an omega spring break.
 
Don't take your knife apart just to clean it that's excessive. If you're that worried about this elusive trapped water do a final flush with WD 40 (water displacement). Then dry as suggested, lube and use. Its a pocket knife not a porcelain egg it'll be OK.
 
Hot soapy water is fine just try to dry it with some compressed air. I give it a bath 6 times a year, at least. I usually break the knife down completely once a year and I never see any wear or damage to the springs.
 
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