Pivot maintenance for ZDP or M4 blade

[mrdeus]

Got two new knives yesterday. One Spyderco Dragonfly in ZDP-189 and one Benchmade mini-griptilian in CPM-M4 (the mini-grip was the main purchase, but I'm really liking the dragonfly).

I took the blade out of the dragonfly to clean it and wipe some tuf-glide on it. I noticed that the pivot had some light patina where it was chamfered and some darker patina inside the pivot hole. For now, I just put tuf-glide on it. On my Caly 3 (also ZDP) I put some CRK grease in the pivot. I haven't taken the M4 mini-grip apart yet.

I was wondering what you guys think about the pivot hole on the more rust-prone steels. Do you polish off patina when maintaining the knife (no rust yet)? Would grease be the better alternative since it keeps water out (but also keeps it in once it gets there, I guess) or would something like tuf-glide be a better option?

I'm not worried about it, just curious about what you guys do when maintaining your not-so-stainless folders.

 

[Skimo]

Not a dang thing, clean it like every other knife, quick spray of wd40 and call it good. Everywhere I've lived, rust hasn't been an issue, swimming at the beach is the only time I've ever had rust.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

If it's just patina (black oxide), it's more likely to lessen or slow the chance of actual rusting. Polishing or cleaning the patina away just exposes more raw steel to the elements. Patina is a good thing in that regard, because black-oxidized steel is less reactive to the things that cause rust. Adding some lube or other rust protection couldn't hurt. But I wouldn't worry about the patina, so long as it doesn't include any red oxide (rust), which will pit the steel.

Just keep the knife clean & dry after using it. That's 99% of the battle.


David

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

Squirt a drop of Nano or Tuffglide around your pivot (without taking it apart) if it eases your mind, but most are SS and won't rust in your lifetime.

 

[mrdeus]

If it's just patina (black oxide), it's more likely to lessen or slow the chance of actual rusting. Polishing or cleaning the patina away just exposes more raw steel to the elements.

Good point.

Squirt a drop of Nano or Tuffglide around your pivot (without taking it apart) if it eases your mind, but most are SS and won't rust in your lifetime.

I'm referring to the pivot hole in the blade, not the pin. M4 is pretty rust prone, I've been told.

 

[Melektau]

Put mustard on zdp 189 rinse it off and repeat about five times leaving it on 1 hour each time. You will not be sorry at all it will make the most beautiful rainbow color you have ever seen no darkening just bright colors you have to do this with zdp I seriously cant explain how beautiful it turns the steel its amazing you wont believe your eyes. Do this you wont be able to thank me enough. Sorry im very passionate over this incredible steel