Breaking in a new MT

mpgt · **on:** November 26, 2019, 04:18:18 PM

I have a new surge. Any pointers on loosening it up, other than just using it? Disassemble, clean and lube maybe??

genevabuck · **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2019, 04:35:46 PM

Yes. Do not oil it for awhile. This allows for metal to metal break in. Open each implement about 500 times. Use gloves or a rag when opening the blades. Oil it only after several months of carrying and using it.

Happy Gilmore · **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2019, 05:53:27 PM

Quote from: mpgt on November 26, 2019, 04:18:18 PM

I have a new surge. Any pointers on loosening it up, other than just using it? Disassemble, clean and lube maybe??

View this post on Instagram

This helped a lot

Max Stone · **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2019, 10:30:24 PM

Agree with genevabuck.

While it sounds counter-intuitive, don’t oil it until the surfaces have bedded in. When it’s a little smoother, you can use a light oil to draw out the metal grind (you’ll see a satisfying grey oil seep from the pivot), give a really good wash/soak in detergent to remove the oil, dry and repeat.

Rapidray · **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2019, 10:41:28 PM

I have done the warm water liquid soap before and then after I thought it was cleaned. It would be hard to open...repeated and when working the blades find hardened debris finally break free and come out. Those were used knives. The new ones I have are still running great with a drop of oil every so often.

genevabuck · **Reply #5 on:** November 27, 2019, 05:12:22 PM

Also, I recently read on Reddit that the Leatherman engineers use Hoppe’s gun oil. I bought some with the needle applicator. Works awesome.

Link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hoppes-9-Precision-Gun-Oil-Lubricant-Needle-Applicator-Refill-Firearm-Lube/333192593577?epid=2255419642&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item4d93d380a9:g:azMAAOSwJJdc1y1k

Aloha · **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2019, 05:56:30 PM

Let us know what works. Most of my MTs come to me previously owned so I've not had experience with break in. My Wave of got new in 2012 was good to go out the box and now I can balisong it.

mpgt · **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2019, 08:06:13 PM

I think I will just use it until it loosens up, unless someone can assure me that disassembling it and cleaning to re-lube it is worth it. It's not bad at this point.

mpgt · **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2019, 08:08:03 PM

I have a Charge that I bought used. It's smooth as silk. I think buying used is better than getting a new one, as long as it's in great condition.

stugumby · **Reply #9 on:** December 02, 2019, 10:26:37 PM

I put mine straight to use out of the box, clean it once a month unless it gets soaked/starts to rust. open and close now and then while looking at it to partially break it in. Gets cruddy it goes into the solvent bin at work and gets blasted out with compressed air and oiled with wd40 or krey oil.