When you employ the use of folding or liner lock knife during hunting and fishing the environment that the knives are used are not exactly anti-septic. In fact, it is not uncommon for a number of foreign elements to come in contact with the folding knife. This can prove to be troublesome because debris can lead to the degradation of the knife. This is why it is important to clean the knife completely after use and clear any debris that may have collected on the knife. If anything blocks the folding mechanism of the knife the knife may end up ruined. Clearly, it would not be a good thing for a reliable quality knife to be put out to pasture if proper cleaning and maintenance could prolong the life of the knife.

To clean your knife, avoid submersing the whole thing in water if possible. Use a spray cleaner if you can find it or a damp cloth. If not, make sure to dry the entire knife, including the blade, handle and pivot joints. After it has been cleaned and debris has been removed, put a couple of drops of oil on the joints and springs to ensure the knife will open and close easily and rust won’t start to form.  Also, rub the knife with a small amount of oil too to prevent rust. Though stainless steel is rust resistant, it still may have some rust problems so take precautions when you can, especially if you live or are hunting in a very damp climate. 

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