The Ultimate Lubricant Thread

WHAT’S IN MILITEC-1?

Militec is a chemically-reacted synthetic-based hydrocarbon derivative. At the start of the manufacturing process, Militec is composed of a blend of several extreme pressure lubricants, natural anti-corrosion ingredients, extremely stable chlorate esters, anti-wear components, and anti-oxidant compounds. This blend is then introduced into a chemical reactor. When Militec emerges from our proprietary chemical reaction process, it is no longer a blend. It has been organically bound into a unique, pure, uniform single substance. In its finished form, Militec is completely stable, so it does not require agitation before use.

Just as important as knowing what’s in Militec is knowing what isn’t. Militec does not contain chlorinated paraffins, PTFE, fluorine, solvents, carrier oils, viscosity enhancers, metals, molybdenum disulfide, zinc, sulfur, graphite powders or other solids. It’s also important to realize that Militec is non-hazardous, non-toxic, and non-combustible. It is so safe that Militec was even approved environmentally by the U.S. Navy Medical Command for use aboard nuclear-powered submarines.

When they say "extreme pressure lubricants" they may mean silicone, which is exactly that (in higher viscosities). What I do not like is the long list of ingredients that the makers of Militec-1 will not disclose. I'd like to make up my own mind about the safety or lack thereof. I also think products like militec-1 that are specially formulated for use in high temperature environments like firearm barrels, and indeed require high temperatures to anneal to the metal, are not necessary for knives. We don't need mystery oils, thanks.

For the moment, I'm sticking with Mugen silicone oils, around $5 on eBay, totally non-toxic and cheaper than the silicone "Knife Oil" from agrussell.com.

mugc0325.jpg
 
If you want to keep your blade rust-free use reel oil. Old timer fishermen have used it for years to keep their reels lubed and protected. It's usually collected around the nose and cheek area and sometimes the forehead... Used to know a pipe smoker who used it to polish his cherry wood pipe. Reel oil can be rubbed on horn and wood to give your favorite knife that deep polished finish and best of all it's free...
 
The EP lubricant in Militech is a Chlorinated hydrocarbon. Most of the time when you see "Extreme pressure" additives mentioned they contain a chlorinated hydrocarbon, others like FP-10 use Fluorinated hydrocarbon additves but these are a bit rarer. I'm not 100% certain but I'm pretty sure that silicone oil itself doesn't qualify as an EP lubricant, unless it has additives.
 
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I've used a product called Corrosion X for years as both a gunsmith and farmer. Supposedly, it was designed for use on oil platforms where salt water corrosion is a major problem. Anyway, the stuff will break a rusted tool or bolt loose with one squirt and dries to leave a protective and lubricant film behind. Brownells and many auto parts stores sell it. Comes in pressure cans or a one pint trigger bottle. Either will last for years if used right. I used to sell it by the case from my gunshop and had many repeat customers for it. Quick story. Found a pair of electrician's pliers with my metal detector a couple of weeks ago. The pliers were about six inches deep alongside a farm road. They were rusted solid and I treated them with Corrosion X when I got home. Result? A really rough looking but useable pair of pliers. I've used it on my knives and guns for years and never a spot of rust.
 
yoda4561 said:
The EP lubricant in Militech is a Chlorinated hydrocarbon. Most of the time when you see "Extreme pressure" additives mentioned they contain a chlorinated hydrocarbon, others like FP-10 use Fluorinated hydrocarbon additves but these are a bit rarer. I'm not 100% certain but I'm pretty sure that silicone oil itself doesn't qualify as an EP lubricant, unless it has additives.
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YIKES!! From the European Environment Agency:

Chlorinated hydrocarbon (CHC) is a generic term given to compounds containing chlorine, carbon and hydrogen. The term can be used to describe organochlorine pesticides such as lindane and DDT, industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and chlorine waste products such as dioxins and furans. These compounds are persistent in the environment and most bioaccumulates in the food chain. The human and environmental health risks of chlorinated hydrocarbons depend on the compound in question. As a general statement, exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbon has been associated with suppression of the immune system and cancer.
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The makers of Militec claim repeatedly that it is non-toxic... right?
 
Old CW4 said:
I've used a product called Corrosion X for years as both a gunsmith and farmer. Supposedly, it was designed for use on oil platforms where salt water corrosion is a major problem. Anyway, the stuff will break a rusted tool or bolt loose with one squirt and dries to leave a protective and lubricant film behind. Brownells and many auto parts stores sell it. Comes in pressure cans or a one pint trigger bottle. Either will last for years if used right. I used to sell it by the case from my gunshop and had many repeat customers for it. Quick story. Found a pair of electrician's pliers with my metal detector a couple of weeks ago. The pliers were about six inches deep alongside a farm road. They were rusted solid and I treated them with Corrosion X when I got home. Result? A really rough looking but useable pair of pliers. I've used it on my knives and guns for years and never a spot of rust.
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corrosionx2.gif


It's another bloody mystery oil. From the MSDS: "The precise composition of this mixture is proprietary information. A complete disclosure will be provided to a physician or nurse in the event of a medical emergency."

No thanks! Why keep using these mystery products when safer ones are available? Why take the chance? Do you feel lucky, punk?

Harry_Callahan.JPG
 
I have several lubricant's in my knife sharpening tool box. The one I've been using the most here recently is the Sentry Solutions BP-2000 which is a dry powder lubricant. I used it recently on an automatic folder I have and I was very impressed with the results I got.

I mostly use Militec on most of my EDC folders. I also use Breakfree when I am working on a folder and I have also use it on a couple of fishing reels. With the advent of these new lubricants utilizing "nanotechnology" should be interesting.

I was just given an information sheet on a product called "NyOil" which is made by NYE LUBRICANTS out of Delaware. I have never heard of until recently and I have yet to talk to anyone who has used it. Their claims of how good it is are huge but marketing is sometime a "Liars Forum". But I do plan on giving it a try. Have any of you here on BF used it?
 
The Nyoil MSDS says "Product formulation is Proprietary", so again, you're guessing as to safety, although they claim it's all non-toxic. But as we know, you can still buy lots of stuff, including teflon-coated cookware, that recent research says may be toxic. The issue is under scientific debate but the studies are not encouraging. Until makers open up about ingredients, I'll stick to the simplest and safest products like silicone.
 
Old school, I know, but consider powdered graphite for threads and locks.

If you're too cheap to buy it just rub a pencil point on the thread or lock.
 
Bushtucker,

Why are you so paranoid about products that you would have virtually no exposure to? I can guarantee you that simple everyday chemicals that you are exposed to would pose a greater risk than any of these "mystery oils". Look at the amounts you are using and the length of time you are exposed to them in undiluted form. Now compare that to everyday chemicals at home and the work place. Exposure times (in minutes) and amounts are probably much greater with common items than with the lubricants. Exposure times for chemicals (OSHA, NIOSH and many others) is based on a 4 or 8 hr period of exposure. There are variations but that is the general basis for exposure calculations. If you are that worried than you should probably not be breathing very often:) .
 
How about food grade anti seize compounds? There are several available. I have not used one. A note of caution about silicon. It's a good lubricant, but will ruin wood surfaces for finishing.
 
SOLEIL said:
Bushtucker, why are you so paranoid about products that you would have virtually no exposure to?
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Er ... wakey, mate. I oil my 20+ knives regularly. I also carry one or two all the time, so whatever I put on them is near or on my person at any given moment. The lubricant soaks invisibly into my clothing in small amounts and penetrates my skin on every contact.

Did you know that if you put a drop of turpentine on your foot, you can do a blood test within one minute from your arm and find tiny quantities of turps?
 
Of course you will, it is being transported through your body on it's way to disposal. I oil my stuff on a regular basis also. I work with solvents and grease every day at work. I worked doing Hazmat cleanups for years. I worked on Superfund sites for 10 years. If you are getting it all over yourself then you are just sloppy. It is very easy to keep this stuff from coming into contact with your skin. Your daily exposure would have to be equivalent to washing your hands and face in the stuff for years to cause the kind of effects you fear. My blood tests are clean, and I have handled much more toxic chemicals than most of the population ever will. If you are so afraid of the stuff then why are you getting it all over yourself? Don't yell that the sky is falling when you don't what the sky consists of. I think that I am more awake than you claim to be.
 
I like a spray lubricant called PB Catalyst. ( Hope I spelled it right) I spray my blades and works great at getting bolts loose also
 
bushtucker said:
Er ... wakey, mate. I oil my 20+ knives regularly. I also carry one or two all the time, so whatever I put on them is near or on my person at any given moment. The lubricant soaks invisibly into my clothing in small amounts and penetrates my skin on every contact.

Did you know that if you put a drop of turpentine on your foot, you can do a blood test within one minute from your arm and find tiny quantities of turps?
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bushtucker,

You're informative & thanks for that.

At the same time, though, your style recalls "mamba-man" who started this thread some time back.
 
FP-10 is my favorite lube for knife pivots.

In my experience, nothing works as well or as reliably.
 
rifon2 said:
bushtucker,

You're informative & thanks for that.

At the same time, though, your style recalls "mamba-man" who started this thread some time back.
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LOL, I was thinking exactly the same thing;) .
 
SOLEIL said:
Your daily exposure would have to be equivalent to washing your hands and face in the stuff for years to cause the kind of effects you fear.
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Not so. The (unreliable, manufacturer-sourced) LD-50 figures are for rodents. Cancer rates are increasing around the world, we know not why. Since WWII over 50,000 new chemicals have been released into the world, most with grossly inadequate testing.
 
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