DETAILED MANUAL ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF FOLDING KNIVES

DETAILED MANUAL ON THE PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE OF FOLDING KNIVES

1. SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE

1.1 Do's and Don'ts
• Recommended activities:

  • Cutting soft or flexible materials: paper, nylon rope, fabrics, food (fruits, vegetables), soft wood (dry branches).
  • Correct example: Cutting an 8 mm diameter rope with a controlled movement, keeping the blade perpendicular to the material.

• To avoid:

  • Cutting on abrasive surfaces:
    • Incorrect example: Cutting cardboard placed on a ceramic plate. Ceramic is harder than steel and chips the edge.
    • Safe alternative: Use a wooden cutting board or a soft surface as a base.
  • Leverage or twisting:
    • Risk: Forcing the blade to open an stuck box deforms the locking mechanism (e.g., liner lock).
  • Striking the pommel:
    • Damage: Hitting the pommel against a hard surface to close the blade wears out the pivot screws.

1.2 Opening/Closing Techniques
• Safe opening:

  • With one hand: Only if the knife has a thumb stud or a hole for opening. Avoid opening it with a violent tug.
  • With two hands: For models without quick opening systems, gently lift the blade with both fingers.

• Controlled closing:

  • Steps:
    1. Press the locking mechanism (lock) with your fingertip, not your nail, to avoid damaging the spring.
    2. Guide the blade toward the handle with your other hand, keeping fingers away from the closing path.

1.3 Preserving the Edge
• Cutting angle:

  • 15-20°: Ideal for most steels. A sharper angle (e.g., 10°) increases the risk of chipping.
  • Practical example: When slicing an apple, tilt the blade slightly to utilize the edge without stressing it.

• Materials to avoid:

  • Sandpaper, fiberglass, laminates: Abrasive particles wear the edge irreversibly.

2. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STEELS AND RELATED MAINTENANCE

2.1 Carbon Steels (e.g., 1095, D2)
• Why do they rust?

  • The absence of chromium (>13%) makes them vulnerable to moisture. Hand sweat or lemon juice can cause rust within hours.
    • Advanced maintenance:
  1. After kitchen use: Rinse the blade immediately to remove acids or salts.
  2. Storage: Wrap the blade in a cloth soaked in mineral oil if not used for weeks.

2.2 Stainless Steels (e.g., VG-10, S90V)
• Why do they resist corrosion?

  • Chromium forms a passive layer (chromium oxide) that protects the surface.
    • Specific attentions:
  • Stubborn residues: Use a wooden (non-metallic) stick to remove dirt from locking mechanisms or crevices without scratching.
  • Pivot lubrication: Apply a drop of dry lubricant every 2-3 months to ensure smooth opening.

3. MAINTENANCE OF HANDLES

3.1 Wooden Handles (walnut, ebony)
• Deep cleaning:

  1. Remove trapped dirt with a dry toothbrush.
  2. Wipe with a cloth soaked in water and Marseille soap, well wrung out.
  3. Air dry, not near direct heat sources (e.g., radiator).

• Hydration:

  • Tung oil, flaxseed oil, or furniture wax: Apply with a microfiber cloth, let sit for 20 minutes, then remove excess. Flaxseed oil penetrates deeply, while furniture wax creates a shiny protective barrier.
  • Beeswax: A natural option for a matte and antibacterial finish.

3.2 Synthetic Handles (G-10, titanium)
• Cleaning grease and resins:

  • To remove adhesives or tar, use acetone (only on G-10, not on anodized titanium) with a cotton swab.
    • Titanium handles:
  • Scratch prevention: Do not store the knife in your pocket with keys or coins.

4. CLEANING AND STORAGE

4.1 Post-Use Cleaning
• Typical scenario: After cutting adhesive tape:

  1. Remove glue residues with a cloth soaked in cooking oil.
  2. Wash with water and soap to eliminate the oil.
  3. Thoroughly dry, especially around the pivot area.

4.2 Long-Term Storage
• Ideal environment:

  • Humidity: Use a dehumidifier in the room if you live in coastal areas.
  • Temperature: Avoid thermal shocks (e.g., don’t leave it in the car during summer).
    • Practical solutions:
  • Vacuum bags: Insert an anti-corrosion VCI sheet and a silica gel packet.

5. SHARPENING: TECHNIQUES AND COMMON MISTAKES

5.1 Tools and Techniques
• Diamond stones:

  • Why are they necessary for S90V? The vanadium carbides in the steel require harder abrasives than normal.
  • Example: A 600-grit diamond stone removes micro-chips, while a 1200-grit one finishes the edge.

• Mistakes to avoid:

  • Inconsistent angle: Changing the angle during sharpening creates an irregular edge. Use a magnetic guide if necessary.
  • Excessive pressure: Pressing the blade down on the stone reduces precision.

5.2 Edge Testing
• Paper method:

  • Hold a sheet of A4 paper suspended. If the knife cuts without tearing, the edge is optimal.
    • Tomato method:
  • Slice a ripe tomato without squashing it: a sharp edge cuts the skin effortlessly.

6. IN-DEPTH: LOCKING MECHANISMS
Folding knives use locking systems to secure the blade in the open position. Here are the most common:

  1. Liner Lock: A metal tab inside the handle that moves sideways to lock the blade.
    • Maintenance: Clean the tab with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove dust.
  2. Frame Lock: Similar to the liner lock, but the tab is an integral part of the handle frame.
    • Maintenance: Ensure that the spring maintains the correct tension.
  3. Back Lock: A rear lock that disengages by pressing a button.
    • Maintenance: Lubricate the moving parts with specific oil.
  4. Axis Lock: A ball mechanism that locks the blade via a side bar.
    • Maintenance: Lubricate the bar and springs every 6 months.

Cleaning locking mechanisms:
• With the knife closed, use compressed air to remove particles from crevices and pins.
• For stubborn dirt, apply a drop of dry lubricant on the pivot and open/close the blade 10-15 times to distribute it.

Final Notes:
• All examples and techniques are based on standard procedures for maintaining cutting tools.
• Avoid aggressive products (e.g., bleach) that damage both the steels and handle materials.

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