Cleaning out grit

[liko]

What is y'all's favorite way to clean out the little grit particles that inevitably accumulate in the blade well of your knife. I took a look at Spyderco's suggestion for using a toothpick when I got my first knife... A toothpick. Funny.



I've tried using paper towels, kleenex, and TP to wipe it out, but that simply replaces dirty metal grit with clean paper grit. A q-tip would do the same.



I was thinking of trying those disposable makeup applicators my girlfriend always has plenty of, for eyeliner and stuff. They look thin enough to get into the blade well, and since they're foam, they won't leave lint. Just a couple drops of oil on one, swab it around in there to pick up all the grit, then go back with a dry applicator to clean out the excess oil and any grit I missed.



So, what do you use to clean out your knives, and how/why?

[gunandtackle]

soap and water with an old toothbrush (but i wonder if the dishwasher would hurt anything??? ) then i oil it

john

[RYAN]

WHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Do not put a knife in the dishwasher.....PLEASE! Run the knife under hot water and use some soap (Palmolive is great). Work the blade back and forth and then dry thorouhgly (Wipe off and then if possible use a blowdryer to clean up any extra moisture). Oil joints and pivots and resume use. Hope this helps. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[revolvergeek]

I normally just spray mine out with a good blast or two of canned air that we use on the computers. If is it really funky then I will speay a little Formula 409 in first and let it sit, then rinse it with some warm water and finally blast it with the canned air.

[Gallaghe]

I also use can air after cleaning with warm soapy water.

Kevin S. Gallagher

[gunandtackle]

Thanks ryan !!!!!
i wasnt sure about the dish washer ( ive never tried it ) now i will be sure not to!!!!!!

john

[lotsablades]

All you really need to do is use a little dish liquid, and nice, hot water. That should clean out all but the toughest crud.
Then, use a toothpick (wooden or plastic) on any other tough areas. I use Canned air all the time, I would highly recommend it for any one who is as picky about their knives as I am. Lastly, give it a quick wipedown with a Tuf-Cloth.

If you have any problems after all that, you were just born under a bad sign!

:-)




"A knifeless man is a lifeless man..." -ancient Nordic proverb

[Sword and Shield]

Hot water, soap, and Q-tips have always worked well for me. I've never experienced lint from a Q-tip, though I don't suggest using any paper products, as they do disintegrate when wet.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

[pyrguy]

The heat in the dishwasher isn't high enough too hurt. It's the &quot;soap&quot;. It's a chemical kinda like lye that disolves the crud. That's what screws up your knife. That's why aluminum pots comes out with that funky grey coating.

There's a fine line between "it's a hobby" and mental illness.

[Tightwad]

For knives that are REALLY FULL of crud or rust
(as in a found knife) use a kerosene soak to remove
the debris. Follow with a good hand wash &amp; dry to
clean. If all the gunk / rust doesn't come off scub
with a bug sponge (won't scratch) then a scotch-brite
(ONLY if necessary) using kerosene then wash again.
After knife is cleaned to you preferance oil using your
favorite lube then store or use.

I've used this method for decades on tough to clean knives
and have managed to save quite a few from the junk pile.

[vampyrewolf]

Dental Picks to remove the pocket fuzz, then a gun oil and a lot of working... and wiping.

takes about 20 minutes for one knife. they always get a good coat of mineral oil daily anyways.

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...