Multitool Maintenance Day

[israelpiper]

 MULTITOOL MAINTENANCE DAY


Of those that see regular useage, my experience of many years says that Victorinox requires the least maintenance. I have not had any lock-up problems or looseness with my 20+ year old SwissTool. As much as many complain about Victorinox using pins, and not screws, it is precisely the adjustable multitools and knives with which I have had the problems. Get rid of blade play, and the knife is too tight. The other complain about pin construction is that cleaning is difficult. I put my SwissTool into warm, soapy water, working a few joints gently. I let it sit for an hour or so. I rinse. I blow-dry it. Squirt with WD40.  Voilà!  It may be that some complicated locking and opening mechanisms can accumulate dust, dirt or other detritus, and must be opened. I prefer the clever low-tech of Victorinox wash & wear design.

I also strop more than sharpen with a "system." I have seen too many flea-market multitool knives with narrowed, overly sharpened blades. Not that serious knife people take a blade to a grinding wheel for regular sharpening (unless they have a wheel designed for gentle fine edge maintenance--but of this I am totally without experience).

Worst ravages? A few of the files can be quite discoloured by the sea, or anywhere. I always keep them slightly coated. 

I have used the overpriced light oils. Back to cheap all-purpose corner hardware store oil. And WD40.  One knife my wife borrows for cleaning fish (Victorinox Solo /red nylon scales) gets olive or avocado oil. Me, I like a hint of WD40 in my food. 

[Rapidray]

Not thats a nice collection of MTs you have there! 

[WoodsDuck]

Mineral oil is food safe, and very cheap. Also doesn't decompose.  I buy the kind they sell over the counter as a laxative.

[israelpiper]

Mineral oil is food safe, and very cheap. Also doesn't decompose.  I buy the kind they sell over the counter as a laxative.

Dual-purpose oil. Could be useful on a long camping trip!

[spudley112]

I am big on knife maintenance. Those getting used and carried on a regular basis need some TLC from time to time. My Huntsman sees the most carry and on occasion I like to scrub it thoroughly with warm soapy water and a soft bristled toothbrush. After rinsing in hot water, I dry it and shake it out as much as possible and I place it on a counter in the house that has a vent blowing on it. Once dry, I oil the joints (usually with foodsafe Inox) and use a pipe cleaner to lightly oil all the metal surfaces. Wipe it dry and it is ready to carry again.

Over the years I have seen some knives that never get cleaned and some of the blades cannot even be opened. One night I was going through my ritual with a few of the knives in my carry rotation and a buddy said, "that is why your knives will last forever." Yep, that is the goal.

Another advantage is that I find it kind of methodical and relaxing. If anyone here is a sword person (real hand forged swords, not stainless late-night fantasy swords) then you know that regular maintenance is very important. Being able to maintain a forged blade with a mirror finish and no swirl marks is a point of pride with swordsmen and collectors.

[Chako]

You should try an ultrasonic cleaner. I find it does wonders for hard to get spots.

Nice collection you have there. 

[Aloha]

I also like to spend time and maintain my users.  Several times a year I check on my tools that are purely for the collection.  I use WD40 on my user MTs then add a few drops of 3in1 oil to the pivots.  My user SAKs get washed and sit in the sun to dry then mineral oil.