What’s the best way to break in a stiff knife?

JDRanger

JDRanger

Joined
Aug 14, 2017
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I have a number of really stiff knives and I was hoping that I could get some good pointers that can help me loosen them up. There are a few Spyderco, three Medford, a Hinderer, and various other random folders.

I’ve been using high-end lube and opening and closing the blade 100+ times plus loosening the pivot screw until the blade is no longer centered.

Any ideas?
 
May I ask what do you mean by stiff? Are you talking about detent? Or drop shut action?

I don't have any Medfords, but do own a few Spyderco and Hinderer. Hopefully I could be of help.
 
That’s unusual to have that many knives all with the same problem. What high end lube are you specifically using and what type of environment are they (the Knives) being stored in, and were they all bought new or used? Something else is going on other than just having bad luck.
 
Seems like going out of your way to break something in may cause premature wear.
For me it has with knives and other things but maybe I just have a tendency to over do it when trying to break something in.
Knives I use normally and don't get all OCD with tend to be the smoothest and longest lasting.
 
comis said:
May I ask what do you mean by stiff? Are you talking about detent? Or drop shut action?

I don't have any Medfords, but do own a few Spyderco and Hinderer. Hopefully I could be of help.
Click to expand...
Flipping open
 
Retired UPS Driver said:
That’s unusual to have that many knives all with the same problem. What high end lube are you specifically using and what type of environment are they (the Knives) being stored in, and were they all bought new or used? Something else is going on other than just having bad luck.
Click to expand...
I use Hoppe’s #9. The knives are stored in a climate controlled garage that was formerly used to store a RV.
 
Retired UPS Driver said:
That’s unusual to have that many knives all with the same problem. What high end lube are you specifically using and what type of environment are they (the Knives) being stored in, and were they all bought new or used? Something else is going on other than just having bad luck.
Click to expand...

I have a lot of knives so it’s a small percentage. But some a really stubborn.
 
JDRanger said:
I use Hoppe’s #9. The knives are stored in a climate controlled garage that was formerly used to store a RV.
Click to expand...



hoppes isn't a great lube... That's more of a cleaner/solvent... Plus it smells really strong... I would try some other options like reel oil, nano oil etc. Lots of good options out there that would help out I think.
 
JDRanger said:
Flipping open
Click to expand...

Not too familiar with Hoppe's #9, but if it indeed is a cleaner or solvent, then it may not work that well as a lubricant. Rem oil/Mineral oil/Blue lube from BM/Nano oil, those might be a better choice for lubrication.

In terms of detent, I would suggest not to mess with it--if it is weaken too much, there won't be enough detent for the flipping action to work(it may swing open lazily, instead of popping open). If the new lube don't work, I probably will discuss it with dealer or maker about the warranty.
 
There's your problem. Hoppe's #9 is a cleaner. I checked my bottle of Hoppe's #9 and it states to use an oil after that product. Get you some light weight oil (like gun oil) and you will be fine. Any sporting goods store (or W-mart) will have what you need. Try that and let us know your results.
 
Tri flow also works if you have some

The problem with oil lubricants is that it can attract dirt if you are in sandy or dirty areas

The same way lubed guns attracted dirt in the various desert wars
 
I'm a big believer in Shooter Lube. I've been using it on my guns for a few years, and I just started using it on my knife pivots. It works great.
 
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