Umnumzaan in "The Bob"

[Naphtali]

My routine maintenance consists of lathering the knife, with blade somewhat more than opened halfway, with dish soap, rinsing thoroughly, then thoroughly drying it. I've disassembled it only once, for the Umnumzaan's "ninety thousand mile" overhaul. While I'm comfortable with the amount of disassembled maintenance I use, I suspect I'm "overdoing" my routine maintenance. And I would appreciate your suggestions and recommendations for adjusting my maintenance process with yours. I've got the touch, but not necessarily the tools.

Please describe protocol or scheduling or rinsing that need be done during a month-long trek in "The Bob" — that is, a rough camping 'way back beyond in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area. We will be taking and butchering small game for the pot, camp chores, et al. While I use my knife for kitchen chores every so often, the trek [in early spring] should be much dirtier.

If you have had similar experience to what I've described in brief, I'll appreciate an opportunity to use it if I can.

 

[BD_01]

I haven’t taken my Umnumzaan into the backcountry but I have other folders. I can’t imagine treating the ‘Zaan any differently. Rinse it out when necessary & dry it off the best you can. Maybe run a dish towel through the inside of the scales if they’re really gunked up. A little soap to clean the blade? Sure, should be fine. I’ve never “lathered-up” a folder with soap though.

If it comes home really dirty, do a full disassembly and re-grease the washers when you get home.

If you’re going to be field dressing small game regularly, consider taking a small fixed blade with you. Not that the ‘Zaan couldn’t handle it, however.

I have always wanted to go into the Bob, but a bad hip keeps me from doing high mileage on foot and I’m not particularly fond of horses. I still might give it a try one day. Maybe in 2021 if I’m feeling ambitious. I’m really quite envious of your plans. This summer I plan on climbing Grant Glacier (just south of Hwy 2). I know, not all that ambitious, but it’s off the beaten path and I’ll bet from the summit I’ll be staring straight into Bob Marshall Wilderness. There should be plenty of grizzlies for both of us.

I've got the touch, but not necessarily the tools.

I’m not sure what you mean by this. A couple of allen wrenches is all it takes.

 

[BD_01]

ETA: Please post some glorious Umnumzaan pics from your trip!!!

 

[Ajack60]

Well, if you’re processing animals, it probably be a good idea to take it apart and clean around the washer/pivot area with new grease. If it feels gritty, it’s time to clean it and add new grease. I’ve had mine in muddy/sandy environments, washed it off and kept going for the day. If I don’t want to take it apart, I’ll flush it with WD40 to get the water out of the hidden areas.

 

[TRfromMT]

I wouldn't want to have to take tools to maintain my tools when out for an extended trek. Fixed blade would be a better choice.

If you must take a folder, no better choice than a CRK which is maintainable by design though.

Bring a med/fine diamond rod set.

 

[marthinus]

Warm water, dish soap, some 3 in 1 oil. Used mine on 1 month stints in Botswana.

This worked for properly designed IKBS folders as well.

processed meat every day. Once we got settled and got the coffee going I just poured some water in a cup, dish soap, open and close a few times then ad some 3 in 1 oil. This is standard advice for your Swiss Army knife as well.

Good for the next day.