In the case of knives with free-standing blades, oiling is necessary only when rust is present. The mechanics of folding knives and pocket knives should be oiled regularly to ensure proper functioning and ease of use. No sticking, festering or regreasing lubricants should be used.
Use special blade oils
In general, all conventional household oils such as olive or other cooking oils for knives should be discouraged. They contain acid and may leave resinous residues. Food grade and compatible knife oils are widely available. If the knife blade is made of corrosion-resistant carbon steel, it should be lightly oiled after each cleaning and drying for preventive care.
When choosing the appropriate oil for a knife, personal taste and sensitivity to the smell play the main role. The most typical and popular representatives among food grade oils are:
- Camellia oil
- Ballestol
- Victorinox multi-tool oil
Non-food grade are WD40 and Caramba penetrating oils.
All oils have a characteristic odor that should be tried. Creeping oils are especially recommended when moving knife parts have not been cared for in a long time. Camellia oil and Victorinox’s multi-tool oil have less of a “metallic” smell than Ballestol.
Caring for the turning mechanism
Part of caring for a pocket knife is regularly oiling the moving parts. Since most knife blades are made of stainless steel, the most important thing is to maintain the glide and mobility of the moving parts.
After each cleaning, two drops in the rotary mechanism are usually sufficient to oil the pocket knife. It is important to ensure that the knife is as dust-free as possible during cleaning. Remaining sand and dust particles, together with oil, quickly form a lubricating film that impairs the movement of the folding mechanism.
Ensuring food compatibility
Syringes, for example, such as those available at any pharmacy, are helpful for applying the oil with pinpoint accuracy. Kerosenes, Teflon, silicones and penetrating oils must be tested for food safety and, if in doubt, should not be used on knives that come into contact with food. Gun greases often contain these ingredients.
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Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth Green is a seasoned home chef and culinary expert who has a passion for all things kitchen-related. With her extensive knowledge of the latest kitchen products and appliances, Elizabeth provides insightful reviews and recommendations to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Whether you're looking for a new refrigerator, blender, or cookware set, Elizabeth is your guide to finding the best kitchen products available in the UK.
