Dissasembling vs not dissasembling knives when cleaning

I usually don't take my occasional users apart.Besides cleaning the blade with soap,washing off the soap,wiping the blade and finally the process of swing the knife downwards and away from myself amd wiping the blade again off.In order to get the moisture out of the pivot area.

For regular user, I do make a point to take them apart for cleaning and the same applies to used knives purchased off the exchange.Often there are rust spots or areas on liners, under composite scales,in other unusual areas dust and dirt,and dried lubricants. I also like to take them apart to see the build quality and construction.
 
The only knives I take apart to clean are my Mnandi and small Seb. The others I usually use Blue Lube cleanser or WD40 to flush out rust or dirt, then compressed air if it’s available,, followed by a light oil of choice. There are as many or more oils than sharpening stones, so they can be a journey just like everything else knife related.
 
I’d say it probably comes down to the complexity of your knife and how experienced you are. Disassembling a simple fixed like a Becker is way easier than taking apart a auto. However, Keep in mind, Everyone has to start somewhere. Good luck!
 
You didn’t specify what type of knife you’re talking about, but assuming it’s a relatively modern folder ( and not an automatic ), personally I would absolutely disassemble it. I’ve disassembled every knife I’ve ever bought.

Check out Nick Shabazz’s many, many disassembly videos on YouTube. With luck, he’s done yours or one like it so you can see the experience in advance. It’s normally just removing a few screws.

I like being able to clean the knife with isopropyl alcohol (which doesn’t leave a residue) and then oil the pivot, washers/bearings, and detent ball. Finish with a TINY amount of BLUE (not red) locktite to keep the screws - especially the pivot screw - in place.

Not only do I find it somewhat therapeutic to do this mindless activity occasionally, but also when something does need fixing (like blade centering or less-than-smooth action) I know how to fix it.

Either way, enjoy the hobby!
 
I tried Zippo lighter fluid in my Chinese OTF and it did not like it much. It doesn't seem like Zippo leaves enough oil behind and so the knife sounded too dry. I put a small drop of Break Free down each blade channel and the knife works and sounds great now.
Also, after opening it up, the blade locked open great but would not lock closed. I switched the locks around and had the same problem. The cheap lock springs seemed to be too weak, so I bought some nice MT replacement lock springs and installed them. I also sanded 0.003" off of the end of the rear lock. Now the knife works great! The button is a little harder to operate, but it's ok.
 
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