To clean a Swiss Army knife, the users have to follow multiple steps by using numerous high-quality products. It is essential to know that all the major tools of these army knives such as the blades, scissors, & screwdrivers include the use of multiple products and steps for proper cleaning activities.
Here in this article, we will review or analyze the best steps that you have to follow to get stainless Swiss knives. Moreover, we’ll also share the main tips and things to avoid in this process. So, make sure to read all the given information in this article till the end.
Best Steps to clean a Swiss Army Knife:
The Swiss Army cleaning services include the use of the best steps for accurate results for all its tools. In addition, ensure that you don’t skip any of the given steps or else you would not be able to get perfect-quality results.
If you are interested in reading these special knife use and cleaning articles, then don’t forget to check out our latest article on How to use a Butterfly Knife in detail with the best tips, tricks, and benefits for the users.
So let’s start with the steps from basic to advanced to make sure that you can easily clean your Swiss Army knives with simple materials.
1. Disassemble the Knife
Before cleaning a Swiss knife, it is essential to disassemble all the major parts of the knife. First, open the thumb stud of such knives to expose all the tools installed in them along with their battery which play a keen role in maintaining the functionality of these special Army knives.
Now, remove all the tools from the knife gently by using a small screwdriver or your finger. But, be careful that during this action, no spring or other screws of such tools do not get lost.
To clean these tools, add some warm water and mild soap to scrub them one by one with small brushes & cloths. This will remove all the dust and debris from these tools, then make sure to use a damp towel and rub the handles to make them smooth & easy to handle.
2. Use Cleaning products
Before you reassemble these knives and their tools, it is important to know about the best products that you can use to clean such Army knives. You can easily use multiple materials to clean the blades of such knives and make them more smooth and more efficient.
Use a fine-grit honing stone or honing steel to sharpen and clean the blades. This will remove any burrs or nicks on the blade and make them sharper. Make sure to use a light oil such as mineral oil or honing oil to lubricate the blades while honing.
All these products are also used to wash the Victorinox Swiss Army blades and their handles. Our advice will be to make sure to use all of these materials one by one for the best output results.
3. Condition the Handle
To create the shiny and smooth gripped handles on these Army knives, you have to take help from multiple materials. First, scrub these handles with a good force using mild soap and a gun to continuously add the soap on such handles for easy rubbing purposes.
Then use a microfiber towel cloth and a compressed air filter to suck all the residue of dust and dirt from such special knives. You can also roll these amazing knives in dry towels and then clean all the debris from their surface to get the smooth surfaced handles for the perfect quality.
In the end, we would recommend using numerous conditioners and other mineral oils to shine these handles. For wooden & leather handles, you can choose different conditioners for out-class results.
4. Lubricate the Knives
Before ending this cleaning process, one thing which we can provide you as a major tip is the use of multiple lubricants. In this process, you just need to put a little amount of silicon-based lubricant or any other mineral-based oil such as vinegar on the hinges, edges, and blades of these Swiss knives.
However, do not use a large amount of these oils on these knives, as it will make the knives thick, slippery, and attract dirt or debris. Moreover, it can damage the tools installed inside these knives along with their functional capabilities for multiple tasks.
Using these lubricants will make it easy for you to use such specialized knives for a long time. Moreover, it is one of the simplest processes that you can follow to maintain your Army-based special knives.
5. Reassemble the Knives
After cleaning the knives in detail with the best quality products, it is now time to reassemble them in their main position. Start with the blades, place them in the front by positioning them at the perfect angle, then go for the layers that you detached from these knives.
Make sure to also add all the tools such as the opener, scissors, and screwdrivers in these knives. Then, detach the handles at the back of such knife products with all accessories that you want.
Another tip that we’ll share before ending this process is the tightening of these tools within this knife. You have to make sure that these tools do not fall out of such knives after the knife is assembled again. Using small screwdrivers can be the best choice for you in this process.
6. Test & Store the Knives
Last but not least, it is essential to test the functionality of these knives before considering them to be perfectly assembled. Therefore, you need to use these knife products for multiple tasks but, make sure to maintain your distance from them to prevent yourself from any damage.
Then, cover them with the thumb shed and rub them with some high-quality luster to add more shine and smoothness to their surface. But, never use mineral oils for these tasks as it leaves this covering thick and not good.
In the end, the last tip we’ll share is to place these knives in dry spots to prevent them from any damage to their amazing functionality. Make sure to keep them away from water. In case, they are corroded, you can use the same steps to clean a rusted Swiss Army Knife with efficiency.
Things to avoid to clean a Swiss Army Knife:
Here are some of the major things that you have to avoid using in cleaning these Swiss Army knives. All these things take part to clean a Swiss army knife but destroy its features and composition.
1. Harsh chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the handle and blades of the knife.
2. Steel wool or abrasive pads
These can scratch the surface of the knife and damage the finish.
3. High heat
Avoid using high heat to dry the knife, as it can warp the handle or blades.
4. Ultrasonic Cleaners
These can cause damage to the knife’s mechanism and screws.
5. Power tool
Avoid using power tools such as a drill or dremel to clean the knife as they can cause damage or cause injury.
6. Soaking
Avoid soaking the knife for long periods, as it can cause rust or corrosion on the blades.
7. Hard brush
Avoid using a hard-bristled brush, as it can scratch the surface of the knife and damage the finish.
What Oils are the best to clean Swiss Army knives?
Here is the list of the best that we recommend you use in case of cleaning the Swiss Army knives with high accuracy and perfection. So, make sure to use all of them for the perfect output results.
1. Mineral oil
This is a food-grade oil that is safe to use on knives and is often used to lubricate and protect the blades of kitchen knives.
2. Teflon-based lubricant
This is a specialized lubricant that is specifically designed for use on knives and other cutting tools.
3. Silicone-based lubricant
This is a lubricant that is safe for use on knives and can provide long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion.
4. Light machine oil
This is a type of oil that is commonly used to lubricate moving parts on machines and tools. It can be used on knives to lubricate the hinges and other moving parts.
5. Ballistol
This is a multipurpose lubricant and cleaner that is safe to use on knives and can provide long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion.
Can you use wd40 to clean a Swiss army knife?
WD-40 is a multipurpose lubricant and cleaner that is often used to clean and protect metal surfaces. While it can be used to clean a Swiss Army knife, it may not be the best choice for several reasons:
1. Lubrication
WD-40 is not a long-term lubricant, it can dry out and leave the knife parts dry and unprotected.
2. Corrosion protection
While it can help protect against rust in the short term, it may not provide the same level of protection as a specialized oil or lubricant.
3. Residue
WD-40 can leave a residue on the knife that can attract dirt and debris, making it harder to keep clean in the long term.
4. Handle
It’s not safe to use on some materials, such as plastic or rubber, that are commonly used in knife handles.
5. Abrasive
It may contain some abrasive particles that can scratch the surface of the knife, making it more likely to rust or corrode over time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can clean a Swiss Army Knife by submerging the whole blade in warm water or running hot water over it to remove dirt and grime. While the knife is underwater, gently swirl it. Be careful when opening and closing each tool.
Swiss Army Knives must be regularly cleaned and oiled so that they can function properly.
You can use any food-safe oil or wax to clean and lubricate a Swiss Army knife. Canola or corn oil is preferred over olive oil as it does not go rancid over time. Specialized oils specifically designed for knives can also be used.
Final Verdict:
The best way to clean a Swiss Army knife is to regularly disassemble it and clean the blades with a soft cloth or brush and soapy water, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Once the blades are clean, dry them thoroughly and use a food-safe oil or specialized lubricant specifically designed for knives to lubricate the moving parts, including hinges and locking mechanisms.
Be sure to also clean the handle and reassemble the knife in the correct order. This routine maintenance will help ensure that your Swiss Army knife stays in good working condition and lasts for a long time.