Pedro's Ice Wax = a good lube

[chief dignitary]

I've been using the stuff for about a year on my bicycle chains (it's intended purpose) and recently noticed PTFE as an ingredient, so I squirted some into my freshly de-lubed Benchmade 710HS. It's really amazing how slick it has gotten. The knife was already incredibly smooth to open, now it is unbelievable. It feels like the blade is just itching to come out when closed, and it flies shut when unlocked. My 710 is now by far the smoothest knife I have handled, beating out a worn in 720, a small sebenza, and a cheap CRKT Mirage, all of which were incredibly smooth. There may be a better option out there, but I'm not sure if I'd need it.

You can get the slippery goo at any good bike store, and probably online. Anybody else tried it? I'm pleased with the stuff.

Oh BTW it beats the pants off Rem Oil and is miles ahead of Tuf-Glide (see other thread )

-IPR

 

[Bugs3x]

Does it stay wet/moist, or does it dry out?
My knives collect enough gunk as it is, w/out adding a "magnet."


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Asi es la vida

Bugs

 

[chief dignitary]

Bugs3X - It dries out to a sort of thin film, looks kind of like dried elmer's glue. I left a big dab on my 710 last night and this morning it looks like just a dark spot on the BT2. If you run your finger across it feels slippery. Can't detect any residue coming off on my finger - I guess it's dry. I'll let you know how it holds up, but for now the action is as smooth as last night. I'll give the 710 some pocket time and see how much pocket lint/filth it picks up.

-IPR

 

[chief dignitary]

Thought I'd give this one last ride to give everyone an update on the functionality of this lube. I've been carrying the 710 for a while now, and the Pedro's has been holding up nicely. No dirt collection, and still as slick as ever. Tried it on the Native lightweight, not as good. Sort of a gritty feeling from the rocker bar that engages the lock.

-IPR

 

[rdangerer]

Pedro's and White Lightning felt good on my 710 for a while. Then the wax started collecting tiny pocket debris... fine grit. Made my 710 feel like I had tiny grains of sand in it.

Neither of the wax lubes worked on my mountain bike either. Squeaks-ville. Wax just isn't intended for lubrication, except for maybe wooden sliding doors/drawers.

Nobody in industry of any kind uses wax based lubes, because they don't work to prevent metal wear. You have to use copious amounts.

I wont' bore you with the details, but if you ride MTB's, in anything wet, here are the four lubes in descending order of performance, which I define as great lube + minimal black/sludgey buildup:

1. ATB II, a real standout product. Superior lubrication and very minor buildup. Excellent. (hard to find, Keith Lewis in Arizona makes it)
2. Tri-Flow: great lube, too much buildup
3. Prolink: Good lube, too much buildup
4. Rock n Roll: Good lube, too much buildup, too messy to apply, very wasteful to apply and so is expensive to use.

So, guess what.... I use ATB II or Prolink on my folders. TriFlow is fine too. One or 2 drops, work it in, wipe off excess.

Some Bali-heads swear by Militec, but you must apply, then heat to hot with blowdryer to "activate" the stuff or something.

 

[gadgetman]

I have to disagree with rdangerer on the performance of dry lubes like Pedro's Ice Wax or White Lightning. I've found that they provide lubrication without attracting alot of dirt on my chain. The downfall to these dry lubes is that (1) you have to re-apply them every time you ride, or it will be squeaksville, (2) the chain must be clean before the first application of the lube or it will not adhere, and (3) the lube must dry before you start your ride or it will fly off the chain in clumps. They are also not good for wet riding conditions as the mud will strip the lube off. I rarely ride in wet conditions, so I use Pedro's on the chain. In the case of a bicycle, frequent riding will wear the chain no matter what lube is used. Chains are cheap and easily replaced. Despite the shortcomings of dry lubes, I find the benefit of a dry and relatively clean chain to outweigh the limitations of use. Depending on your type of riding and your preference, you may use a wet lube. Given wet conditions, I would.

As far as using Pedro's as a knife lube, I would be reluctant because of the water base. I ususally use Break Free but only because that's what I have for my firearms. I might try White Lightning, but I'll probably stick with a wet lube for my folders.

gm