Knife maintenance tools

COrider

COrider

Joined
Jun 7, 2013
Messages
16
Hello,

Being newer to knives I am looking for some thoughts on some essential tools/lubes that I should get for maintaining my folders and fixed blades. I already have an Edge Pro for sharpening but wanted to ask this groups of some ideas of what else to get. For example any specific recommendations for dis-assembly tools, lubes, cleaning, etc. thanks for the help. :D
 
A nice torx driver set is invaluable when you have folders. You will mostly use t6 t8 and t10 though. Take a look at benchmade's torx set.(forgot the exact name right now)
 
Orileys auto parts (one around the corner from many of us) sells a Precision Screwdriver Set

About $10 has most of the tools you need to work on knives for common fasteners.
 
Personally I would go with some of the L shape wrenches for torx bits, mainly so if one side stripes you still have the other side and your not totally screwed. Beyond that, your lube of choice there are bound to be threads on what's best but I personally just paid a couple dollars and picked up a bottle of 3 in 1 and called it a day.

And don't forget the equipment to clean your sharpening stones, I hear bartenders friend works quite well. I personally don't use that I just throw my DMT diamond stones in my ultrasonic cleaner and let it do all the work.

I find a box of alcohol wipes works quite well for cleaning up knives and other things around the house. It will eat through most sticky substances, including that annoying adhesive residue that you get on your knife from cutting through lots of tape with ease.
 
I use craftsman torx drivers (about $4 each) you could get by with T6 and T9 to start out. Also have precision screw drivers and a set of punches (often used to align holes) and a set of tweezers.

As far as lubes- you need mineral oil (a food safe lube/rust preventer) and preferable a quality grease as well (can be invaluable when reassembling, you can use it to stick washers in place). I recommend a brand called "Super Lube", I ise their synthetic grease with PTFE (teflon), its FDA approved for direct food contact (they do have stuff that's not for food contact so watch out if you cut food). Another great and easy to get grease is "Finish Line extreme fluoro" fluorinated grease (the same thing CRK uses but available locally).
 
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Here's some items that I keep around for cleaning:

cotton swabs
isopropyl alcohol
WD40
Goof Off
tooth picks
LocTite
steel wool
tooth brush
mascara brush
band aids

The alcohol, WD40, and goof off are good to remove stubborn residues. Be careful because the can damage some plastics and finishes. Cotton swabs, tooth brush and mascara brush are for cleaning out hard to get nooks and crannies. I use a tooth pick to remove pocket lint and gunk from lock backs and slippies. Pocket lint and gunk can prevent the lock from fully engaging. Steel wool to remove rust spots and grime.

Ric

Band aids.... well just in case you slip.
 
I second what Cereal Killer and Phydeau said. I have a nice German steel set of torx bits that set me back a few bucks. Ended up with the Craftsman set. Great thing about the Craftsman is when they wear out (and they will if you mess around with any folders and scales for any length of time), you can go back and get a new one. Lifetime gaurantee.
I use mineral oil on everything (blades, NOT pivot screws,etc.) simply because it cleans off easily, provides decent corrosion resistance and it's food safe, so I can still use my Bark River Golok to help the wife in the kitchen. :D
On pivot points, I use Militec 1, especially on flippers and assisted knives. Works really well on my guns on the heat and treat method that Militec recommends. Tried it on a few knives and it works very well. My .02
 
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