The use of dry lubes, such as graphite or powdered Teflon (r), in firearms is well known. The problem with using these lubes in less than severe conditions (where they will work and others won't) is clearance.
Moving parts are made with clearance, and a small amount of space is allowed for the lubricant. Dry lubes don't fill this space, and can lead to dysfunction or malfunction.
Either a PTFE (Teflon) grease or PTFE oil should work under most conditions. Li grease also works well. MoS2 grease works well if you can tolerate the black stuff getting on your pants. Chris Reeve markets a PTFE grease ('fluorinated' grease) which works well.
If I were to lube a knife for cold conditions, I would first try either synthetic motor oil, or a new pivot lube manufactured by a fellow forumite, John Leitch (
jleitch@trail.com). He sent me a sample to try (our only business dealing, I should add). I find it to be of very low viscosity, but high lubricity. When my daughter was here for a visit recently, her #18 Kit Carson Talonite folder was dirty. I degreased it, and applied John's pivot oil. She was delighted with the results. I have tried it on other knives with excellent outcomes as well. I have no idea as to cost, but am sure John would be glad to hear from you by e-mail.
Only if these oils failed would I resort to powdered Teflon or graphite or MoS2 in very cold conditions.
Hope this helps, Walt
[This message has been edited by Walt Welch (edited 12-12-2000).]
