Cleaning Grime from Vintage Slippies?

kc2kth · Mar 1, 2008

So I recently obtained a few slip joint knives that have been in a tool box for a number of years (or decades). What is the best way to degrime these, including the joints and blades without damaging the (most likely plastic) scales? They appear to be decent quality knives and belonged to my wife's father before he passed, so I do want to take care of them and not damage them in the cleaning process.

SR_matt · Mar 1, 2008

more than likely you can get away with hot water and some dish soap. i would dry them with a low temp hair drier or with compressed air but others just let the water evaporate

-matt

Bill DeShivs · Mar 1, 2008

Soak them down with WD 40 and wipe them down.
If you use soap and water, soak them with WD40 afterwards to displace water.

kc2kth · Mar 2, 2008

thanks for the tips! I'll give it a shot tomorrow.

SR_matt · Mar 2, 2008

heads up with the wd 40, if you wipe it off after you spray it on you dont have very much protection, normally light oil give more protection to the metal

wd40 is still great stuff especially for storage as long as you just spray it on and leave it

-matt

Bill DeShivs · Mar 2, 2008

I'm suggesting WD 40 as a cleaner and water displacer only.
Heavier oil is needed for lubrication and storage.

smitty0331 · Mar 2, 2008

Pipe cleaners work great to get into tight spots.

dogngun · Mar 16, 2008

smitty0331 said:
Pipe cleaners work great to get into tight spots.

...as well as an old tooth brush ( don't use it for teeth after, though...)

mark

SR_matt · Mar 16, 2008

dogngun said:
...as well as an old tooth brush ( don't use it for teeth after, though...)

mark

unless you have a grillllllllllll :jerkit:
-matt

Mike L. · Mar 16, 2008

A can of compressed air is handy for blowing out loose grit, etc.

--Mike L.