Mil-TEC

[RKH]

STR, what is your opinion on using Mil-Tec? I understand it needs to be heated up to most effective. I have used a blow dryer but I understand you need to do this for like 15 minutes. I have also heated in the oven at around 150 -200 degrees for 15 minutes. I am concerned about altering temper of the blade steel? Thanks for any help.
RKH

 

[STR]

Surgical instruments are sterilized everyday without bothering the temper of the hardened steel so you have a pretty high threshold for temp before you will really hurt it. But even these things are wrapped up so the thinner parts of the steel are the most prone to this type damage. So long as the oil that hot is a good ways from the cutting edge you should be just fine.

I would be more concerned with the possibility of melting or deforming the teflon or nylatron washers if those are not on the folder when this is applied.

I prefer Tuff Glide as my number one choice most always. My dad used Mil Tech a lot and I never really took to it but I do know it works and I like it fine. I just don't use it. I've found that in folders Tuff Glide is about perfect because it goes on wet, gets into the places it needs to be and then dries so it does not attract lint and grit.

I remember my father heating up the Mil Tech but I don't recall it ever being that hot. I recall him running hot water in the faucet until it got as hot as it was going to get and then filling a pot and soaking the Mil Tech container for ten minutes or thereabouts. I don't recall him ever using the oven to warm it.

STR

 

[RKH]

Thanks. I had read on Mil-Tec's web site about heating it up. On the web site at one time they recommended using a blow dryer. I found it had to be warmed on the knife to be fully effective but was concerned about damage to handles and washers as well.
RKH