How to Keep Your OTF Automatic Knife in Excellent Condition!
Posted by SwordsSwords on Jun 3rd 2020
Although all the knives in your collection deserve equal attention, the automatic knives need a deft hand and keener eyes. Automatic blades are definitely the jewel of any utility belt or survival kit. These small daggers provide fail-safe protection for EDC. The durability and sturdiness of these knives are also formidable in times of need and danger. This is the main reason why the maintenance of the OTF Automatic knife must be a priority.
Out The Front (OTF) knife is often referred to as OTF automatic knife in the professional circles. They are usually used by servicemen, travelers, handymen, and people concerned about their protection. The deployment and retracting mechanism of these knives are a great attraction. This is because the ingenious mechanism of the blade is much more advanced and safer than the slip joint or folding knives. Sometimes, it also becomes extremely addictive that you just can’t stop playing with it!
The uses and advantages of this blade are indeed manifold but they don’t matter if the knife is not maintained properly. The automatic mechanism means that there are many joints and tiny parts that can be affected by moisture and dust. Rust or debris in these areas can cause the knife to get stuck or break apart during usage. This is dangerous for the user as well as anyone standing nearby. To erase this possibility, thorough maintenance is essential.
The best possible condition of an OTF automatic knife is a rust-free and oiled blade with a polished handle. The knife is usually treated and cleaned at the time of purchase. The sellers also recommend an optimal maintenance schedule for every blade. The rest is up to the user. Cleaning and preserving an OTF automatic knife can be tricky and unpredictable. Novices are usually discouraged to open up the knife and clean individual parts. This is because they might not be able to put it all back together. This might lead to the cancellation of the knife warranty.
The professional maintenance workshops provide services and ample guidance for the maintenance of automatic blades. However, if you want to save your coins then you must learn this skill and execute it to perfection. Stick with us and find out what you need to do.
The first step of OTF Automatic knives maintenance is disassembling your blade and the handle. This is a tricky step. One must avoid the use of excessive force as it could damage the blade. The easiest way of opening up the mechanism is by firing up the blade. One it is deployed, leave it out and then look for the screws. These tiny screws need to be undone. They hold together all the parts, so make sure you don’t lose them. Keep the springs aside and separate the slider and the spring from the main body of the knife.
Using the appropriate screwdriver size is pertinent to this step. Don’t substitute it with the tip of another knife or other pointy tools. You might up damaging the tops of the screws and making them useless for future use. Before opening up the knife, cover your worktable with a white or neutral-colored cotton sheet. This material is most appropriate for absorbing dust and liquids. It also doesn’t slip, so the smaller parts will be secure. Familiarize yourself with the interior and placement of the blade. Take pictures at every step if possible.
Lubrication is the most optimal method of cleaning your blade. Many experts recommend gun oil. It works reasonably well with springs and screws of the OTF as well. Canola oil is another great option if you are out of cleaning liquid. However, cooking oils are not recommended for repeated maintenance. Make sure to use a dirty rag and a cotton buff while scrubbing.
Spray the knife blade with a cleaning solution thoroughly. If using oil, pour it heartedly on the aforementioned dirty rag or a spare kitchen towel. Keep in mind that you can’t use the kitchen towel for regular housework after this. Wipe both sides of the blade rigorously in an up-and-down motion. Keep in scrubbing until the solution is absorbed in the blade and there is no residue left. Remove the rust before this step is the blade has any. A cotton swab dipped in rust remover does the trick perfectly.
A lint-free cloth must be used on the casing or the handle. This ensures that no threads are stuck during cleaning. Thoroughly pick out the grime and muck hidden in crevices. For the smaller nooks and crannies, you can use cotton buds. Lightly lubricate all the parts and rub the oil thoroughly. Leave the blade and all the parts in open sunlight for a few minutes. Then, wipe over them with a cotton cloth. Lastly, reassemble the knife.
How to Safely Disassemble your OTF Automatic Knife
The first step of OTF Automatic knives maintenance is disassembling your blade and the handle. This is a tricky step. One must avoid the use of excessive force as it could damage the blade. The easiest way of opening up the mechanism is by firing up the blade. One it is deployed, leave it out and then look for the screws. These tiny screws need to be undone. They hold together all the parts, so make sure you don’t lose them. Keep the springs aside and separate the slider and the spring from the main body of the knife.
Using the appropriate screwdriver size is pertinent to this step. Don’t substitute it with the tip of another knife or other pointy tools. You might up damaging the tops of the screws and making them useless for future use. Before opening up the knife, cover your worktable with a white or neutral-colored cotton sheet. This material is most appropriate for absorbing dust and liquids. It also doesn’t slip, so the smaller parts will be secure. Familiarize yourself with the interior and placement of the blade. Take pictures at every step if possible.
Clean Your OTF Automatic Blade
Lubrication is the most optimal method of cleaning your blade. Many experts recommend gun oil. It works reasonably well with springs and screws of the OTF as well. Canola oil is another great option if you are out of cleaning liquid. However, cooking oils are not recommended for repeated maintenance. Make sure to use a dirty rag and a cotton buff while scrubbing.
Spray the knife blade with a cleaning solution thoroughly. If using oil, pour it heartedly on the aforementioned dirty rag or a spare kitchen towel. Keep in mind that you can’t use the kitchen towel for regular housework after this. Wipe both sides of the blade rigorously in an up-and-down motion. Keep in scrubbing until the solution is absorbed in the blade and there is no residue left. Remove the rust before this step is the blade has any. A cotton swab dipped in rust remover does the trick perfectly.
A lint-free cloth must be used on the casing or the handle. This ensures that no threads are stuck during cleaning. Thoroughly pick out the grime and muck hidden in crevices. For the smaller nooks and crannies, you can use cotton buds. Lightly lubricate all the parts and rub the oil thoroughly. Leave the blade and all the parts in open sunlight for a few minutes. Then, wipe over them with a cotton cloth. Lastly, reassemble the knife.