How to Repair a Pocket Knife

Old pocket knives can be repaired.

You may have an old pocket knife that looks unusable and does not open smoothly. With a little bit of love, this knife can become a special item you can treasure for many years to come. You can repair your pocket knife to make it safe and easy to use.

Things You'll Need

• Lubrication oil
• Gun oil
• Steel wool
• Cotton swab
• Sharpening stone

Instructions

Cleaning the Knife

1. Soak the entire knife, even the handle, in a lightweight lubrication oil for a day. Knife care websites also suggest using gun oil. This process will make the knife easier to open and close while helping to remove years of accumulated grime and dirt.

2. Open the knife and use steel wool to clean the blade. Make sure some oil remains on the blade while you're cleaning it.

3. Clean the knife handle with an old toothbrush or a cotton swab and with hot, soapy water.

4. Air dry the knife to ensure no further rust forms.

Sharpening the Knife

1. Place a small amount of sharpening oil on a heavy grit sharpening stone.

2. Inspect the knife blade. Hold it up to a bright light and look for any nicks or cuts in the blade's edge.

3. Rub the blade on the stone to smooth any nicks. Lay the blade on the stone with the edge pointed away from you. Tilt the blade at approximately a 30-degree angle.

4. Push the knife away from you against the stone. This is cutting a thin layer off the surface of the stone. Repeat this a few times.

5. Turn the knife over to the other side with the cutting edge facing you. Tilt the blade, again, to approximately a 30-degree angle. Pull the knife toward you while pressing the blade against the stone, simulating cutting a thin layer off the surface stone. Repeat this process a few times.

References

• Knife Center: Sharpening
• Gerber Tools: Repair Knives
• Puma Knives: Knife Care