We all know that sinking feeling when you pull out your ever-dependable cutter and notice a thick layer of brown decay covering the tip and edges of your blade. For most of us, it's the kiss of death for our knife, it's time to depart and say goodbye to the old trusted sidekick. But here's the good news. Knives are in essence simple tools. Even the most advanced automatic knives and OTFs have simplicity at the core of their design principle. So, it's fairly simple to bring them back to life even after a bloodthirsty rust assault.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Unless you boast a huge arsenal of OTFs, it's fairly simple to look after these babies and prevent them from rusting. The first step for taking good care of your OTF knife is to learn about it's anatomy and functions.
There's a spring mechanism inside OTF knives that makes the blade leap forward. This takes a heavy beating. Even when there's no need for the OTF knife, we idly fire and retract the blade and find comfort in the smooth clicking action. Next, nature takes its toll on the cutter. The moisture and minerals in the air cause oxidation. Iron and O2 (Oxygen) have opposite charges and start to pull each other. This results in iron losing electrons to oxygen atoms (oxidation), which causes rusting.
It's fairly easy to maintain your knives and prevent rusting.
- Clean your blade after use
- Dry the OTF knife thoroughly before putting it away
- Use spray-on wax and oil for tools
The blade is only the visible part of your OTF knife. There are vital hidden parts inside your OTF knives' handle. You need to oil the spring mechanism every now and then. This will stop the moving parts inside from rusting and prevent them from misfiring or jamming altogether. Regular care and maintenance of your OTF knives are vital for boosting their lifespan and maximizing their functionality.
Recommended Read For You: At Home Knife Maintenance And Tips
Beginners Guide To Removing Rust From OTF Knives.
Whether it’s your favorite hunting knife, automatic knife, or a friendly pocket knife, there are several easy ways to eliminate rust from your cutter and restore its shine, edge, and function.
Baking Soda
The king of the kitchen also rules at removing rust from OTF knives.- Make a mix from half a cup of baking soda and 2-4 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Apply a thick layer of this paste on your blade and let it sit for 10 minutes
- First, use a non-abrasive scrubber or toothbrush to gently scrub the sponge. Next, if the layer of rust is too thick, use a more abrasive sponge or steel scrubber.
- Once all the rust is gone, clean and lubricate with a thin layer of mineral oil
Vinegar
- Pour distilled white vinegar in a shallow pan, deep enough to cover your knife- Soak knife for 7-8 minutes. The acetic acid in the vinegar will break down the rust.
- Wipe the blade clean with circular motions and apply a layer of mineral oil
