All About Pocket Knives

Was wondering what everyone uses for knife oil/rust prevention?

Quick release

3-in-1

Barricade gun oil

I don't believe that there is a "best" oil for knives.
Quick-Release works like magic on the pivot points.
Machine oil is good as a protectant, but you don't want to slice and eat an apple with that on the blades!
Mineral oil can work well as a blade protectant, but it evaporates quickly and must be re-applied more often.
You may also try a wax paste, like Mother's Mag polish, or even a carnuba was for cars.

There are many choices. Try a few, and find what works best for you, in the way that you use your knife!

My personal choice is Latama's Quick Release oil. Ask 15 people and you'll likely get at least 10 different answers. The fact is, a pocket knife joint is very simple mechanism but it does need some lubricant. Any lubricant from graphite powder to high end oils to bacon grease is better than no lube at all.

Wish I had a dollar for every time your question or a variant of it has been asked here. Use the keyword search function ( found under Quicklinks on the upper left of this thread, or the little three line "hamburger" icon). Search for lubricant or oil, etc to find more recommendations.

Ken

Tuf-Glide for most modern knives with loose joints and Quick Release for most traditional knives with tight joints.

Before my reply 3 out of 6 replies wrote they use Quick Release Oil for at least some of their knives. For Mumbleypeg to get his 10 different primary knife oil recomendations out of 15 replies we need more variety: Singer Sewing Machine Oil. Actually, ignoring cost, my favorite knife oil is the oil that's been my favorite gun oil for over 50 years: Hoppe's. However, Singer Sewing Machine Oil is almost the same and a larger container costs less than Hoppe's small container. There's no difference in a knife joint.

I vote with my dollars, I buy Quick Release Oil.
I think it gives more lubrication for the dollar.

I use Rem oil, or lacking that any gun oil will work. One time years ago I had to pull up the dipstick of the car for a couple of drops, but don't recommend it unless it's an emergency.

I have them all but my go to is Ballistrol for both lubrication and protection.

OLDE CUTLER wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 11:42 am I use Rem oil, or lacking that any gun oil will work. One time years ago I had to pull up the dipstick of the car for a couple of drops, but don't recommend it unless it's an emergency.

I have done that, but it gets messy.

Pam cooking spray for knives that might be used for food preparation.

Jeepergeo wrote: ↑Mon May 26, 2025 6:22 pm Pam cooking spray for knives that might be used for food preparation.

I thought that was what the bacon grease was used for.

Mineral oil cause ya never know when I'll be cutting up an apple

I see a lot of folks using Rem Oil but I'm using TRI-FLOW and it really does a good job. I'll admit I've never seen or used Quick Release but I'm happy with TRI-FLOW.

He Who Shall Not Be Referenced used to advise in his books to use plain Mineral Oil, U.S.P., a lubricating laxative, available at your local pharmacy.

RobesonsRme.com wrote: ↑Wed Jun 11, 2025 1:55 pm He Who Shall Not Be Referenced used to advise in his books to use plain Mineral Oil, U.S.P., a lubricating laxative, available at your local pharmacy.

I use that too. Inexpensive, readily available, and food safe; the only negative that I see is that it dries more quickly and has to be reapplied every few months to my EDC knives.
Latama's Quick Release is a better lubricant but I use mineral oil more often.

I've used 3 in 1 oil on knives and guns for over 40 years.
Lately though, after acquiring 3 needle oiler bottles from amazon, I've added some oils. one bottle for 3 in 1, one bottle for Kroil, and one for Mobile One full synthetic 0w-16 https://www.amazon.com/Hicet-Bottles-St ... 233&sr=8-3

ken98k wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 3:31 pm I've used 3 in 1 oil on knives and guns for over 40 years.
Lately though, after acquiring 3 needle oiler bottles from amazon, I've added some oils. one bottle for 3 in 1, one bottle for Kroil, and one for Mobile One full synthetic 0w-16
oiler.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/Hicet-Bottles-St ... 233&sr=8-3

Just added those to my cart on next order. Been looking for new ones because mine are decades old and leak. Thanks

For those using Barricade gun oil, do you use it inside the house and how is the odor?

I just use food grade mineral oil because I use my knives for food prep alot

For the old rusty rebuilders that I buy, I give them a shot of this first to loosen things up.

I've used all the above lubes, all have good points, some a few bad points. Way back in the 80's, i used whale oil. I worked in a power plant and some of the breakers used whale oil as lube. Of course the breakers were 1920's - 1930's vintage. Retired those breakers in the 90's. Whale oil worked good but smelled like he** for a day or two.

I'm old school and always used regular old 3 in 1 oil. I'm sure there are better ones out there but it's what I have on hand all the time.