Removing sap and dirt from knives.

MEJ

MEJ

Joined
Jul 24, 2011
Messages
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Anyway to remove sap and dirt withought hurting the polish on the knife? Could i just use goo gone, or rubbing alc with a cloth and gently take the dirt off. People say that scothbrite pads work well but can scratch the finish, is that correct also?
 
So, are you talking on the blade? The scales?

Personally, I tend to use denatured alcohol. It's a good, mild solvent that does a pretty good job of removing tape residue, etc. I believe wiping it with a rag lightly squirted with WD40 would also be effective.

If you use the alcohol, remember to lightly oil again afterward for corrosion protection. :) And yes, a scotchbrite pad is WAY more aggressive than you need for just cleaning! It will leave a different surface finish in the areas you work with it, usually a rubbed matte-looking finish. It's a handy tool for working on your knives if you need to blend out scratches or remove rust, but not for cleaning.
 
I carry alcohol pads for convenience. Very effective at removing plant sap, and will not promote corrosion. In fact, after you use it, it will evaporate off the blade.
 
I use Ronsonol lighter fluid on the blade to remove sap, tape, and grime. I have never had any problems with this, and most guys who own a zippo or lighter should have this on hand.
It works great.
 
Hey, that's a good thought, Esav, I've never tried that. Is the alcohol concentration on those high enough to be effective? I generally just use a small bottle and a rag, but that'd be a heck of a lot more convenient.
 
I've used Goo-Gone to remove tree sap (juniper/cedar; very sticky stuff) and, if you've ever cut into a banana peel/stem, it leaves some amazingly tough sap on a blade. The Goo-Gone took care of that, also. I apply it with a Q-tip, let it sit a few seconds, then wipe it off. Goo-Gone will leave a somewhat oily residue behind, so I use a paper towel moistened with some Windex to clean that off.

As has been suggested, alcohol usually works (I've used isopropyl alcohol), WD-40, lighter fluid or paint thinner/turpentine/mineral spirits ought to be good too.

The ScotchBrite pads will definitely scratch a steel blade, so I wouldn't use it for this purpose.
 
Last edited:
Komitadjie said:
Hey, that's a good thought, Esav, I've never tried that. Is the alcohol concentration on those high enough to be effective? I generally just use a small bottle and a rag, but that'd be a heck of a lot more convenient.
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Yes, they work fine. I use them to clean before sticking myself for blood samples and insulin injections. I buy BD pads because they have more alcohol than some others. The pad also towels up the sap or dirt, you can fold the foil-lined packet over it to put it in your pocket.

Alcohol pads are good as DrivebyTrucker says for cuts, and also for mosquito bites, stops the sting and heals them quicker.
 
I'll have to hit up the local medical supply place, (conveniently across the road from work) and see what they've got. That looks to certainly be a lot easier to carry with me, thanks for the cool idea!
 
I have used lots of stuff &/or whatever is on hand. WD40, rubbing alcohol, goo-gone, kerosene, gasoline, Jack Daniels dabbed onto a rag---don't waste it by pouring it.
 
What's wrong with dish detergent and a scouring pad? Doesn't anyone wash their dishes anymore?
 
Nothing wrong with that at all. I have used that a time or 2 myself. Sometimes it just not on hand.
 
Hot water and soap, alcohol, let it soak.

If you're worried about your polished blade getting scratched why are you using it?
 
First off, sorry, I realize this is a very old thread, but I feel this question it timeless.
Esav Benyamin said:
I carry alcohol pads for convenience. Very effective at removing plant sap, and will not promote corrosion. In fact, after you use it, it will evaporate off the blade.
Click to expand...
Denatured alcohol eh? Will this also work well for cleaning blades that are constantly used for opening boxes, letters, etc? The reason I ask is because I sharpen a lot of peoples knives, and a lot of them are all gunked up with glue from tape etc. I always clean the blade before sharpening because I don't want that gunk on my sharpening surfaces or leather strops.
 
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