All About Pocket Knives

What is the best type of oil to use for older folding knives with sticky blades?
I've heard that gun oil is good for blade preservation, but nothing about which oil to use for blade opening action.
Thanks!

Welcome to AAPK. You'll probably get as many recommendations as there are products.

My favorite is Quick Release.

Thanks, Jerry!
I'm new to knife collecting/maintenance. Have some old pocket knives that I inherited from my Dad (Case, Browning, Imperial), and I just want to make sure I don't use anything that will damage them further. Doubt that they're worth much beyond the sentimental value.

to AAPK, and I agree with Jerry.

Incidentally, in addition to what you inherited what do you like to collect? There are a lot of brand specific and pattern threads here, including Military issued and fixed blades. Lots of good threads on what to avoid too.

John

You're quite welcome. Inherited knives are the best no matter what their condition. Next would be knives gifted to you.

I don't know how available Quick Release is in the retail market. You may have to order it online.

wstewart wrote: ↑Fri Oct 15, 2021 4:57 pm What is the best type of oil to use for older folding knives with sticky blades?
I've heard that gun oil is good for blade preservation, but nothing about which oil to use for blade opening action.
Thanks!

I agree with Jerry. Quick Release.

Thanks, John!

I've studied Kenpo Karate, and I'd really like to get my hands on one of these:
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... h-box-1-19
(even though it's just a made-in-Taiwan United Cutlery reproduction of the original). None for sale anywhere, except here:
https://www.musalone.top/index.php?main ... s_id=15172
which just looks like a scam to collect credit card numbers. Note how they borrowed their store name from AliExpress.

Other than that, I'm pretty much in learning mode.

One of my Dad's pocket knives is a Browning Stockman with "match striker" nail pulls. Like this one:
https://www.americanedgeknives.com/brow ... wood-2518/
But all the Browning Stockman knives that I see for sale out there have the standard pulls, e.g.:
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... kman-knife &
https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... kman-knife
some of which also claim to be 2518, so I'm a little confused about the model numbers for this knife.

Lately I have been using Labelle Model Railroad oil. It is available at hobby shops that sell model railroad supplies.

As Jerry stated, you will get as many recommendations as there are oils. As long as it is not too thick, just about any oil you have lying around will do. From mineral oil to hobby oil. Whatever you decide, if you get yourself a needle dispenser, it does help get the oil where it is supposed to go. The old timers just used 3 in 1 or similar, sewing machine oil is okay, or whatever they had, and they got by okay. Don't over think it.

I agree with what was recommended for the oils. Be sure to clean the
touching parts prior to cleaning. If there is dirt and other material
in there the oil will be less effective. I have used dental floss and
a WaterPik to really get in there and clean things out.

Bob

Hmmm. A WaterPik. Great idea.

Soaking a knife in warm water with a little dish soap will sometimes loosen up a bunch of gunk. Rinsing in very hot water will usually dry the metal, then oil the joints.
Treefarmer

I like the water pik idea. Just tried to but one but they won't deliver to a post box. Another method i use is some degreaser. Spray it into the joints, then flush out under warm running water. You can buy a can for about 2 dollars.

I like 3 in 1 oil.

You are receiving great advice: clean, then oil.
I have used Remington gun oil to good effect, as well as 3-in-1 and mineral oil. The Quick Release is by far my favorite though. Any oil is better than no oil!