ABOUT KNIVES

Knife Care

BUCK KNIVES ARE DESIGNED FOR CUTTING

Please don't throw, pound, pry or chop with a Buck knife. It's not safe and if you damage the knife using it that way, it may void the warranty. Strong impact or twisting can also damage your knife, or worse, cause an injury. If you have a locking blade, always check that the locking mechanism has secured the blade open before you use it.

KNIFE CARE INSTRUCTIONS

 

  • Buck knives are built to last. Cleaning and caring for your knife will maintain performance and enhance the life your knife.
  • Keep your knife dry; that means the entire knife, not just the blade.
  • Keep your knife clean, particularly moving parts and locking devices.
  • Keep your knife oiled; especially pivot points and the blade. Oil at least twice a year.
  • Keep your knife sharp; a sharp blade is safer than a dull one.
  • Don't try to repair a damaged knife yourself. Send it to us and we'll do our best to make it good as new.
  • Store your knife in a dry place.

 

CLEAN THE ENTIRE KNIFE REGULARLY

That includes the blade, pivot points and locking mechanism. It's best not to immerse the knife in liquid. But if you do, be sure to dry your knife thoroughly. Spray cleaners are a good alternative. Clean and oil your knife regularly to avoid sticky residues, light surface oxidation and the beginnings of rust. Always lubricate your knife after cleaning, we recommend using Wax Lubricant. It will lubricate, seal and protect your knife from surface oxidation and corrosion from moisture.

 

RECOMMENDED CLEANERS

Clean Streak is completely residue-free. It's an excellent metal cleaner that's easy to use. Simply spray and wipe. No rinsing or immersion in liquid required.

Metal Brite is a polish. It removes surface oxidation, rust, tarnish and sticky residues while leaving a protective coating.

You can also use chemical solvents like Acetone, nail polish remover, MEK, alcohol and paint thinner to clean the blade. Keep in mind that these solvents can damage some Buck handles.

Don't use harsh detergents that contain chlorine like washing machine powders. They can speed up corrosion of the metal.

DISCOLORATION IS A SIGN OF OXIDATION

If you find the metal has a blue, grey or black color, it is a sign of oxidation and a precursor of rust.

Stainless steel, which is what Buck uses, does not discolor easily. If you do notice a change in the color of the metal, clean it immediately. It's a sign of rust waiting to happen.

Discoloration is common to non-stainless steel. But regular cleaning will keep the metal from rusting.

Get Rid of RUST

Rust is reddish-brown in color and will eat pits into your blade and contaminate what you cut. Light rust can be cleaned and removed with oil. Heavier rust requires more abrasive action.

We recommend Metal Brite, an excellent polish for removing rust. You can also use some solvents or a plastic cleaning pad.