How to Clean Your Pocketknife

Q: I use my pocketknife almost daily, and it gets so dirty. How can I stop that?
— Noah, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

A: Unfortunately, there isn’t a special treatment to constantly keep everything clean. Instead, set aside a little time after each use to clean your knife. Keeping your blades clean and sharp should maintain their usefulness and safety.

After you’re done using your knife, wipe off any grime. Use cotton swabs or a toothpick to clear any dirt stuck inside the handle. You can also try a can of compressed air to blow out the dirt.

Clean your knife with warm water and a little mild dish soap. You can use a sponge or an old toothbrush to scrub it clean. Don’t put your pocketknife in the dishwasher.

Open the blades fully and wipe off any moisture. Apply a few drops of a mineral oil or multipurpose oil, like 3-in-One, to the blade and hinges, and then wipe it off with a clean rag. These steps should prevent rust and help your knife open and close more easily.