Lubricant Application Location

S

SKB182

Joined
Jul 7, 2016
Messages
153
Recently, I've had reason to question my standard lubricant application locations and amount for folding knives. I've been trying out grease mixed with a minimal amount of oil (a drop or two). Prior to this, too much oil in a lot more places than necessary (blade tang, washers, detent path, pivot hole, pivot, etc.) was getting applied while the knife is disassembled. When I switched to grease, only the minimum needed (very thin/light coat/spread) was applied to areas of the blade tang which came in contact with anything other piece (not including lock faces). Essentially, the blade is the primary thing that moves, so it gets the grease/oil and it'll coat anything it comes in contact with. It's worked out well, so far.

I am curious to hear if there are any shortfalls to the above practice (besides the risk of running dry due to not applying enough & having to lubricate more often due to the minimum amount drying faster) from folks with more experience and/or do most of their application with the knife taken apart. Also, if I am neglecting areas which should have some applied (like a stop pin track) or possibly applying it to areas which shouldn't have any.
 
I usually use benchmade bluelube. It is a little thicker than oil. I lube when assembled unless I'm cleaning out the pivot. I put a drop on each side of the pivot. I put one drop in the detent hole as well. I then open and close the knife repeatedly. This has worked well for me. I usually do this every weekend being that I work outside in Arizona.
 
Depends on the knife.

Flippers and knives I wish to be "faster" get a thin film of oil on anything that moves/rubs.

Knives I want smooth as can be get grease but still a thin film on anything that moves/rubs.

If I'm being anal about a particular knife...
If it rotates it gets oil, if it slides it gets grease.

Once again the main focus is that if your chosen grease/oil is worth a darn you should be able to apply a couple of drops/tiny amount to a Q-tip and spread out a very thin film... It should just barely look coated/wet on all surfaces that move. I'm not of the "knife doesn't need lube" crowd. If there is any material to material contact under movement there WILL be wear, and it needs to be lubed.

Hope this helps
 
I use one very small drop of lubricant on my knife pivot. I spread this one drop onto both sides of the blade, washer, and pin. Then I wipe off 'ALL' the excess. I do this about twice a year. For metal-to-metal lubrication, less is better.

For blade care, I use a LOT more, rub it in, then wipe off the excess. I do this every few months.


Stitchawl
 
Drop of BreakFree on the pivot(s) from time to time. That's all. No disassembly required. Hose outwith soap and hot water when required, dry then re-lube.
 
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