My approach to maintenance of my knives

[ka bar]

Hi guys....

 

I have built up a very simple yet effective toolkit for cleaning and maintenance of my US knives/bayonets

 

A denture toothbrush

 

Bottle of CLR

 

3 in 1 oil (watchmaker's oil)

 

Soft cloth

 

I spray on some CLR, avoiding the grips

 

Let it penetrate for 10 mins

 

Then I use the denture brush and get a good foam

 

The denture toothbrush is stiffer than the firm toothbrushes

 

They have a great bristle bit on the back which can really clean out maker stamps and clean out the junction between the crossguard and the ricasso

 

I then rinse in water and DRY PROPERLY

 

I use an ear bud (I think Americans call them cue tips) and dip it in the 3 in 1 oil and lightly coat all metal surfaces

 

The 3 in 1 oil is thin, clear and won't stain (not yet anyways)

 

This is a once off process usually once I first get my blade home

 

The ongoing maintenance is a light oiling every so often

 

They look great afterwards

 

Oh, don't use CLR on aluminum like on some trench knives

 

Make sure you do it outside or with windows open, CLR is a bit hard on the sinuses

 

Oh, I have some white cotton gloves handy just in case wandering hands wish to play with my blades!

[etienne]

Hello Kabar,

 

interesting tips, what is CLR exactly ?

 

Regards, E

[Der Finn]

Same here - what is CLR?

[ka bar]

CLR is Calcium Lime Rust

 

I am not sure if you get it in the States

 

Its a clear thin liquid

 

Usually in a litre bottle

 

Its about $12-00

 

Lasts for ages and it removes surface rust and basically just "freshens up" the blades.

 

I haven't used it on parkerised blades only on bright blades

 

It gets rid of cosmoline and all the gum and gunk from my gear when I first get them.

 

It stings on the hands if you have any existing cuts etc...wear gloves

 

It also stinks a bit

 

Please don't try it on your mint, blade marked Imperial M3 in case you aren't happy with the result.

[Sabrejet]

Can you post some before / after pics?

[ka bar]

The next time I acquire a blade, I will do it.

 

I do it pretty much as soon as I get them

 

So they are all done at the moment

 

I don't do it to all my blades, only the ones that need a bit of lovin'.

 

I don't know how to go about cleaning leather scabbards yet

 

But don't use neatsfoot oil, it softens up the leather too much

 

Any neat cracks in dried leather ends up becoming mushy and then those cracks tear more and more

[Terry K.]

CLR is available in the US

[skautdog]

ka bar,

 

Thanks for the post. I never thought about denture brushes being stiffer than regular tooth brushes. I have a couple of items where Ren Wax Cleaner has left a white residue. The denture brush may be the answer to removing that.

 

Ken

[ka bar]

ka bar,

 

Thanks for the post. I never thought about denture brushes being stiffer than regular tooth brushes. I have a couple of items where Ren Wax Cleaner has left a white residue. The denture brush may be the answer to removing that.

 

Ken

Hi Ken, a denture brush is great. It has enough strength in the bristles to actually scrub the surface but it doesn't leave scratches like wire bristles or a scouring pad.

[skautdog]

ka bar,

 

You have any connection to the Australian Army? I worked several tracking missions with folks from the Queensland Regiment (if I remember correctly) in Vietnam. They were great trackers and definitely took actions (chances) I did not normally take with my teams. Also, they always had Fosters when we got back.

 

Visiting Australia is still on my bucket list.

 

Ken

[skautdog]

Board,

 

I apologize. My previous post should have been a PM.

 

Ken