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How to clean a sticky knife

orange-with-pocketknife

Q. Whenever I go camping I always cut oranges with my knife. But then my knife sticks and is hard to get open. What is the best way to de-stick my knife?
— Sticky Fetzko, Munhall, Pa.

A. First, try licking the juice off the blade … wait, bad idea! Very bad idea.

Here’s what my friend Jeff Freeman, a big-time knife designer with Gerber Legendary Blades, recommends: “Wash your knife in warm water with simple dish soap. This will get the acid off. Be sure to get any gunk out of the knife’s locking mechanism. (Try using a toothpick.) Then, towel it dry or let it air dry.

“If you live by the coast where there’s lots of salt air, dab a little motor oil on a rag and rub it onto the blade. Finally, wipe it off with a towel.”


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11 Comments on How to clean a sticky knife

  1. Do what the guy from Gerber suggests.

  2. I’m awesome 😋😋

  3. Use canola oil, brings the grime right off

  4. Sleight of Hand // April 7, 2017 at 2:05 pm // Reply

    WD-40 works fine, make sure to get it into the hinges and in the grooves where the blades are stored
    Use a Toothbrush and move the blades during this cleaning so the WD-40 gets into every surface. Then wipe thoroughly with a clean cloth and dry completely…before applying a drop or two of a good oil (3-in-one, or an oil made for knife lubrication).

  5. knives that have been stored, need cleaning – what the best – new but forty years old just never used. don’t want to harm them. blades and brass or stainless stell handle ends.

  6. I would recommend cooking oil, mineral oil or petroleum jelly (Vaseline is one brand name) instead of motor oil for a knife in contact with food. Candle wax is also good. Wipe the knife clean after applying, using a clean dry cloth.

  7. try toothpaste and water

  8. It’s called soap & water. Give it a try.

  9. Wipe it down with your honing oil, it’s the best oil for your knife. It’s also a consumable unlike motor oil or WD-40 cleaning solution.

  10. definetely dont lick it, i tried that after cutting oranges and it cut my lip which bled for about 2 hours

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