Maintenance for the Griptilian

[jdg2001]

I have just purchased a Mini Griptilian tanto and I really like this knife. I will be carring the knife in my pocket and I wanted to know the best ways to keep the it clean and the best ways to clean it. Is it safe to use aerosal gun cleaners/lubricants? Also has anyone had any experience sharpening this blade profile on the sharpmaker and if so is there anything that I should look out for. Thanks.

 

[DGG]

I sharpen my Grip on the Sharpmaker without any issues. Just follow the directions and don't go to the next step until the knife is very sharp at the step you are on. You should finish with a hone/strop to polish the very sharp edge and remove any tiny burrs that may remain. The first sharpening may take quite some time but it goes much quicker on subsequent sharpenings. I rotate the hand up (point of the knife down) when I get to the tanto tip part.

http://www.handamerican.com/scary.html

For cleaning and protection of anything steel I use "Breakfree CLP" which is a military spec lube/cleaner. It can be found at any decent gun store and is common in the firearms arena. It is very reasonably priced. If you don't want the cleaner part you can get the Breakfree LP (lube and protect).

I'm also sending a review of a test a fellow did with various lubes. It is a pretty harsh test where he sprays bright nails (not the best steel in the world) with salt water and lets them soak.

http://www.thegunzone.com/rust.html

http://www.botac.com/breakfreeclp4.html



I carry my Grip in a Kydex sheath either on the belt or in the pocket. This avoids unnessary scratches. It's a great knife.

 

[yoda4561]

For cleaning there are a few different methods. IIRC the griptilian's handle is impervious to most solvents, so if you're in a hurry you can shoot it with gunscrubber or carburator cleaner or something and a shot of your favorite lube. I personally prefer to use scalding hot water, dish detergent, and an old toothbrush, focusing on the pivot area whenever it gets dirty/gritty/gummed up with something. I recently tried Goo Gone in the pivot prior to the scrubbing, and it gets it "really" clean, this may be handy for some really old gummed up actions, otherwise it's sorta overkill. After cleaning I let air dry if possible, then lube with FP-10. Just a little bit, very little, then I use another toothbrush to clean off any excess, this keeps dirt from caking on the oil.

 

[jdg2001]

Thanks for the info. I would normally just use a "Tuff Cloth" but my Boker stockman is starting to show "stains" and I want to find a better way to take care of my knives.