Best lube for restoring a SAK

[Myoman]

I just used some 3 in 1 which did absolutely nothing. What lube do you use for your SAK?

[Max Stone]

Best to avoid oil and first get the dirt out. A good several-hour soak in warm water with detergent and then agitation to dislodge the grit will do wonders at recovering the ‘snap’ of the tools. Gentle dry and very light oiling at the pivots.

If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, happy days 

[kamakiri]

I like the Victorinox Multi-Tool Oil.

Is the knife dirty or rusty (liners)?

[nmpops]

To clean up a dirty knife I use a solution of warm water and Simple Green and soak overnight. Then flush and work the blades under hot water. Last oil with food safe mineral oil.

[Myoman]

Best to avoid oil and first get the dirt out. A good several-hour soak in warm water with detergent and then agitation to dislodge the grit will do wonders at recovering the ‘snap’ of the tools. Gentle dry and very light oiling at the pivots.

If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, happy days 

How do you agitate it? Just shake it around in the water for a minute?

[Blackbeard]

Use the Vic oil on my saks as well, can get a small bottle on ebay from seller Belote for pretty cheap.

[Roc]

Use the Vic oil on my saks as well, can get a small bottle on ebay from seller Belote for pretty cheap.

Thanks for this. Just bought a bottle dirt cheap. 3 in 1 works great on all my knives, but I was wanting to try this on my Vics.

[kamakiri]

Use the Vic oil on my saks as well, can get a small bottle on ebay from seller Belote for pretty cheap.

    


Also agree with the clean it *before* oiling suggestions.  Oiling before cleaning just makes dirty oil.  But if it's corroded and little to no crud...oil away.

[Myoman]

Would you use laundry or dish detergent with a warm water soak?

[Max Stone]

How do you agitate it? Just shake it around in the water for a minute?

Yup...shake aggressively under water, flush with running water, get the tools open and use a 1/2in paint brush to get to the back springs...but it’s essential that the agitation is also felt by the user 

(Edit, any detergent will work to help release the crud, I just used hand dishwashing liquid in generous proportions)

[Blackbeard]

Thanks for this. Just bought a bottle dirt cheap. 3 in 1 works great on all my knives, but I was wanting to try this on my Vics.

 

[Myoman]

I just ordered vic oil too. Thanks!

[Maties]

I like very much this vic oil, but I got very good results also with olive oil. For some saks i feel vic oil is a bit too dense and I get a better snap with olive oil on them.



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[Knerml]

I agree with comments about cleaning first.

Really like Hoppe's No. 9 gun oil.

[Buzzbait]

I agree with comments about cleaning first.

Really like Hoppe's No. 9 gun oil.

I'm a Hoppe's man also. I love the small bottles with the precision tips.

My ritual for cleaning dirty SAK's is to soak them in a basin of warm water and Dawn dishwashing liquid, and then using a toothbrush to remove the gunk.I use paper towels and cotton swabs afterward, to remove moisture and any grime that's left over. A few shots with some canned air is also helpful. Lastly, the Hobbes gun oil is used to lube the joints.

[Aloha]

I'm a Hoppe's man also. I love the small bottles with the precision tips.

My ritual for cleaning dirty SAK's is to soak them in a basin of warm water and Dawn dishwashing liquid, and then using a toothbrush to remove the gunk.I use paper towels and cotton swabs afterward, to remove moisture and any grime that's left over. A few shots with some canned air is also helpful. Lastly, the Hobbes gun oil is used to lube the joints.

  I use mineral oil on SAKs that will eventually see food. 

[Buzzbait]

I use mineral oil on SAKs that will eventually see food.

Most of my knife sharpening is done with Norton Abrasives Sharpening Stone Oil. It's basically a very light and food safe tested mineral oil. Much more refined than standard mineral oil from the pharmacy. I'd use it on my knife pivots also, but I love the Hobbe's precision oiling tip too much to give up.

[Aloha]

   I'm a 3in1 user myself.  What I've noticed is my SAKs require little lubricant.  I used to really douse them and have them leak for days  . 

[GTDV]

...but I love the Hobbe's precision oiling tip too much to give up.

I was recently trying to figure out how to apply oil with precision, and discovered that a very tiny paintbrush works awesomely for me. I dump some mineral oil in a small cup, dip the paintbrush in, and go to town.

[Myoman]

When you soak the knife do you open all the implements?

[Aloha]

Sometimes I do but for me more importantly I open and close each tool in the soak.  I also open and close each tool as I rinse.  BE CAREFUL when doing this please.

A useful tool are toothpicks or similar to get into nooks.  I've tried floss and its ok in my use.  I've never NOT been able to get a very dirty SAK back to its familiar SNAP we're accustomed to.  It might be a tad weaker SNAP but a snap. 

All my more recent SAKs are fleamarket finds that usually are well used or abused.  Some are really nasty and require several soaks.  Canned air is such a good thing to have on hand.  Just keep your fingers safe please during the cleaning process.  Its an accident waiting to happen. 

   

[spudley112]

Pipe cleaners are another useful maintenance tool. They are great for getting into small areas and cleaning out little bits of gunk. As stated before, toothpicks are also handy. If you are like me, you want your SAK to function forever, so routing maintenance is key. If you go to fleabay, put in a search for eyelash brushes and you can buy these handy little brushes in bulk. They get into spaces that other brushes cannot. Sorry to ramble.

[Myoman]

Thanks guys, great replies!

[jph_777]

Are any of you concerned about residual water/soap remaining under the scales, in the toothpick and tweezers slots?  I just wonder if any remaining water can cause corrosion or rust after a rinse.

[Knerml]

Because of this concern, I:
1. Soak overnight in isopropanol, in a covered  jar
2. Agitate before and after soaking
3. Clean all surfaces, nooks and crannies
4. Let dry
5. Oil

[spudley112]

Are any of you concerned about residual water/soap remaining under the scales, in the toothpick and tweezers slots?  I just wonder if any remaining water can cause corrosion or rust after a rinse.

I shake it out pretty well. As some have said, canned air is handy. Under the scales is aluminum sides so rust is not a huge issue.

[Max Stone]

Vic’s are (almost) immune to water. What gets trapped under the scales will evaporate and you can add some warmth to help this by leaving it on a sunny windowsill or with a fan or hairdryer on medium heat (don’t use high heat as you’ll soften/distort the cellidor scales). As said above, the scales are only in contact with the aluminum sides and brass pivots, so corrosion is a non-issue). It’s very rewarding to get the SNAP back from a dirty SAK!

[Aloha]

 

 

[Sawl Goodman]

Be sure the water's not too hot when you soak your knife. I accidentally turned a Spartan into a Tourist that way, really really true story.