General Maintenance for the Beginner?

L

LIMELITE

Joined
Dec 23, 2010
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First of all I am new to knife collecting and BladeForums, so please forgive my ignorance. Could someone please help to inform me as to the care that should be performed on my new folders. For example, I heard that one should sharpen a new knife when that get them - is this correct? Also, I'm not sure about oiling or greasing the pivot to a new knife blade. For example I saw on utube a guy taking apart a Chris Reeves knife and greasing it because of the washers? Is this just for this knife or is this necessary with all knives. I'm just uncertain about disassembling a folder. Bottom line what is the recommended care/maintenance for folders as far as oiling vs. greasing or both is concerned?
Thank you!
 
Some knives come with a great edge, others not so much. So, depends on the knife, your idea of sharp, and skills at sharpening.
How sharp is the knife?
Does it need to be sharper to perform to your needs?
Sometimes, after some use the "wire" edge will start to roll just a bit. Knives that are sharpened with belts may have had their temper slightly altered. Those knives can be better once some new metal is exposed.
I'm no expert, but from experience, some knives hold an edge better after a touch up.

I'd say use it man, it can always be sharpened and honed later.

Don't take your new knife apart. Even if it has a washer inside. Some of these guys on Youtube worry too much, and make too many videos about minor issues.
Research your knife, and make informed decisions about it's maintenance.
 
What about maintenance for the Strider SMF as far as oiling vs. greasing the bearing or pivot for the blade? Should this be done right away to help loosen the action?
 
The materials used are tough enough to withstand a little oil. It may even help flush out grit which is often found in new knives around the pivot. So go ahead, drip some oil into the works, and work the blade back and forth a bit.
 
I know people that have used their knives for years without looking after them, and they still performed great! Basic maintenance would be sharpening imo, not lubricating..(people get overly concerned with that). Just the tiniest bit of oil will be sufficient, aslong as you use the knife right. (doesn't even matter that much wich oil)
 
Actually the oil you use can make a difference, your average 3 in 1 oil tends to make the action sticky and collect large amounts of dust and dirt. WD-40 is also commonly mistaken as a oil and from past experiences it likes too gum-up and nearly freeze the knifes opening/closing action. There are several quality oils but I have become fond of benchmade blue lube. There's never been a knife it didn't make smoother.

For sharpening try a coarse and fine diamond plate, coarse is usually enough to surpass a factory edge and fine will yield a razor sharp but toothy edge.

Don't forget some rags a can of WD some polish compound and a torx set, with these items you can keep your knives in good condition and functioning properly.
 
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