How to Clean a Swiss Army Knife

[@guaiamuncascudo]

My dad gave me a Victorinox when I was 7yo and now, 30 years later and a LOT of beating and using I'm cleaning it for the first time. These tools are just amazingly built... Thanks for the video, it is very simple and satisfying

[@rhyannon8843]

I’ve had my Swiss Army knife for more than 20 years, when I went on an expedition and I’ve never once cleaned it. Now I’m looking up videos on how to clean it after my fiancé used it and commented that it was grubby. Pfft 😝

[@He_Grows]

How did it go?

[@rhsking05]

If you carry a SAK daily like me, I’ve found a pretty easy cleaning regimen that will keep the knife near perfect all of the time. First you take a small nylon brush, about the size of a toothbrush, and just every few days or once a week brush the ends, away from the joint and the back springs and towards the face. Then open every tool and take a felt cloth or microfiber cloth and take the butt end of the brush or something similar, even the back of a butter knife, and use that to push the cloth down into the bottom of the tool, and wipe back and forth a few times, making sure to push the cloth into the joint as you roll the wadded bunch out of the joint, pulling with it much of the dirt and lint trapped in the bottom of the tool. Lastly close each tool one by one but take the brush and, again brushing away from the joint and along the tool towards the face, brush the back springs again as you slowly close each tool. Give the tool a once over with a clean cloth and there you have it, a clean SAK. Oil the joints once a month, sometimes less depending on the climate and level of use, and just wipe away all excess oil until the tool appears to be fully dry again. There you have it. Simple

[@diypreppertv]

Nice! I like to use a q-tip that I have squished with pliers to reach into tight areas.

[@boredhuman9289]

I've been presented with one 14 years ago, gonna clean it for the first time. Amazing tool. Thanks for the video!

[@deniondimon7107]

I got my grandpas swiss army knife a few months ago, he had it for about 30 years, needless to say, never cleaned it, i want to get it back to functional, this video (and the no rubbing alcohol thing) saved me

[@v1nnyq]

4 years later and this video is still helpful, thank you

[@jamesluther3506]

It has been 38 years since I last cleaned my Swiss Army knife.

[@countrysister700]

God bless you! My hubs died suddenly several years ago and one of the 10k things I didn't know how to do is what to do with his SAKnives. They're tough but not indestructible

[@diypreppertv]

Thank you Country Sister. I’m sorry to hear about your husband.

[@countrysister700]

@@diypreppertv God has blessed me with many blessings big and small - especially fine men like you to give me ideas for knives and water purification and everything I may need when times are hard ❤️

[@marthaedelstein4949]

This is a great instructional video!!! I used these techniques to clean my over 30 year-old 'Fisherman" Victorinox knife and it is now alot easier to operate. It wasen't particularly dirty since i Hadn't used it very much over the years but since I'm now carying it on my keychain as an EDC I figured it wouldn't hurt to do these procedures. What was especially helpful was using the mineral oil (Johnson's Baby Oil = mineral oil + fragrance) to lubricate the implements as several were somewhat difficult to open. Thanks again for making this video!!!

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome Martha! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chrisbyars4422]

Great video! Learned quite a bitLije the mineral oil tip. Didn’t think that gun lubes might contain a chemical that could harm cellidor handles. Tip: don’t even think about taking a Dremel tool to polish the cellidor scales. The high rpms will cause the buffer head to eat right into the cellidor scales. It will eat it up. It’s okay to buff the blades to a mirror polish, though.

[@edog1955]

Thanks for making this - especially the tip about *no* alcohol. I make it a habit to brush my tools over a paper towel or newspaper so that I don’t add any more debris to the cleaning solution before I start washing.

[@ThomasDuffyRE]

Thanks for the simple - informative video. I just found a Victorinox knife cleaning out a house that was all gunked up and was unsure his to clean it. I will try your method this weekend!

[@spadz23]

How'd you go??

[@ThomasDuffyRE]

@@spadz23 Worked out pretty good and it cleaned it up nicely. I just used dish soap, water and an old tooth brush like he suggested along with a tooth pick to scrape out stuff. Got all the dust and junk out of the crevices and joints. I would have never thought to just wash it with soap and water because it was metal with moving parts.

[@juliangriffiths9583]

sorry for the many comments, but thank you so much, made my victorinox sentinel look like new! it had all dirt in the holes and it was very disgusitng and impossible to open, it opens perfectly now just like new!

[@diypreppertv]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching!

[@J.S.McDuff]

"I have a nine month old and they cry a lot" 4:13 **cries and screams of distant infant in the background**

[@name5949]

Just a little tip the glass will do your knife blades in because glass is harder thanks for sharing this with us👍

[@captainchaos3667]

I still love the Cyber Tool my parents got me twenty years ago or so. Just ordered a replacement screwdriver and looking into cleaning it.

[@Ohiostatenate31]

Great video this channel definitely deserves more subs

[@diypreppertv]

Thank you!

[@meYogii_]

Thanks for the guide on how to clean your pocketknife. I just bought a very cheap knife in a secondhand store. I googled it cause i want the name of it and found out that it is a "victorinox huntsman". I payed only 35 SEK (approx. 3,7 USD). It was a real found! Now i'm gonna clean it up a little. It's in amazing condition, like new, only a little bit of dust inside it. This video is great help, thanks again!😊

[@diypreppertv]

Thanks for commenting!

[@iamsemjaza]

You can spray a scale with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol, press your thumb to it, and then let ti harden again. I accidentally added a thumb print to a SAK like this and thought it would be nice done more purposefully.

[@NewfieOutdoorsman]

Hey man,nice video, i have a sak that belonged to my dad that he got while in the coast guard and its sticking and hard to open,now I'll be able to clean it up and start using it again,thanks for the info

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome Mark! Glad I could help!

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

Great information I have to get a Swiss toothbrush.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

Sometimes a toothbrush won't reach the back springs. An od hairbrush usually does.

[@amk8411]

Great informative video, thanks.

[@martinbalman2503]

Great video 👍 I've seen people use WD-40 which is not the best for Swiss army knives . Will definitely be using this video every time I clean my Swiss aren't knife !

[@martinbalman2503]

*army

[@Felipemelazzi]

WD-40 can make some damage to the parts that are not metal. It's an oil that can be used as a lubricant (of course), but we have to remember that it's a solvent

[@josephtortona824]

How warm should the soapy water need to be?

[@paulsehstedt6275]

Compressed air is also great for cleaning your Swiss Army Knife!

[@MichaelMiles-nb4qc]

Wow. I've had a Champ SOS for going on probably 40 years. Never knew it had a straight pin.

[@juliangriffiths9583]

if there is some dirt really in the small gaps get a paperclip fold it out into a long pin and just rub it of, if its really in there but it in the bowl of dish soap and open and close it then try again and keep going it ll be all clean, now if you cant dry it fast use a hair dryer and blow it in there the dirt could also even still come out while blowing it.

[@Vpentrov]

I don’t think a hair dryer is a good idea, same issue with the plastic scales.

[@danielcharrie7125]

Ty, detailed but simple!👍 No expense! merry Christmas 🎄

[@diypreppertv]

Thank you! Merry Christmas!

[@PixelSE46]

I had to warn my parents before cleaning mine in case they saw me in the bathroom with a massive knife

[@Wmaddox333]

i uncovered my SAK that i received when I was about 10, its seized up completely and ive had to pry the tools out with much force, even after cleaning its still hard to get them out. I am determined though and will give it another cleanse.

[@wayneholmes637]

I just put mine in an ultra-sonic cleaner for 10mins, rinse then when dry very lightly oil the pivots.

[@croissantlover1]

thanks so much. I found two "old" swiss knives, big red one and blue smaller one, threw out the blue one, was covered in rust and I didnt want to deal with all that. (I know others would have done differently), the red one was in a leather shaft and luckily only small spots of rust, but the leather had bright yellow coming off when washed w. paper, was worried it was rat pee as both of them were found in a garage. Why I need to disinfect it.

[@rares_21]

Do you think it is safe to use some engine oil? Thanks!

[@mraxy8975]

Usefully video.Thanks!

[@jioshi96]

I have the exact same knive!! thank you for this video

[@Mahigeer1]

Any thoughts on using sonic cleaners with warm water?

[@tomwaters7392]

Thanks, helped a lot!

[@npcrah]

I noticed after accidentally dropping mine intp sick of full clean water, I can't open any tool without prying them open with another tool. I had thought it was rust. This method won't add more rust? Because of the dish liquid maybe? Or am I missing sometning else?

[@treadnokash7598]

I have 3 victorinox sd for 7 years i think i kinda lil bit overlooked their maintenance.

[@richardkut3976]

Thank you.

[@shemmac4700]

Thanks for this video. i tried to clean mine, but was harder than i thought

[@gunner4238]

Can I know whether can I remove adhesive from my blade using your method and for the oiling portion is WD-40 an alternative? Thank you in advance!

[@seanodwyer8205]

What mineral oil did you use? Having trouble finding some.

[@diypreppertv]

You can find it in the pharmacy section of most stores. It is also used as a laxative, which is why it is food safe. There isn’t a specific brand necessarily.

[@rjgonzalez9220]

@@diypreppertv hello i have a cybertool lite and tourist. Any suggestions how to clean them?

[@zafarfcma]

@@rjgonzalez9220 In the same way

[@rjgonzalez9220]

@@zafarfcma will it ruin the electric parts ?

[@yukterez]

You need to use the toothbrush while the knife is under the water, not outside of the water

[@funjuror]

Thank you, how do you carry this knife? I have the same model, but find it very heavy to carry about. Even in a belt case, it tends to get in the way.

[@diypreppertv]

I just carry it in my pocket, but it took me a week or two to get used to the weight. I intentionally buy jeans and slacks with large pockets. It rides right next to my wallet so it sort of blends in with it.

[@funjuror]

@@diypreppertv I now have it hooked to a metal clasp, that is attached to my right rear belt loop, knife is clipped on and hangs down into my rear trouser pocket. Weight is now on the belt loop, and not the pocket. It does not get in the way when sitting or moving around. Also if it was to come off, it would fall into the right back pocket. It works very well.

[@SmacSA]

Thanks for the info

[@black_bjorn3010]

some alternatives other than mineral oil are available?if not whick mineral oil should be used? thanks in advance

[@BagenB00]

What is mineral oil? Is there any alternatives I can use that I may have lying around?

[@kingsmoke1855]

I have the Swiss Army knife cybertool M. Its brand new, so it’s pretty clean atm. So how often do I clean it like this?

[@winstonramirez1665]

Which is better Light of Heavy grade USP mineral oil?

[@legendarypillow1450]

Is someone getting murdered in the background? Jesus those kids

[@caiorochasantos4241]

You help me a lot, thank you sir !!!!

[@rasdan_69]

I got sand in my grafting knife😑

[@RGSTR]

Thank you!

[@diypreppertv]

Glad to help!

[@bubblebubble2715]

do u need the mineral oil?

[@diypreppertv]

Yes, you will need to lubricate the knife after it is cleaned in this way. You can use other types of oil but mineral oil is cheap, effective , and food safe.

[@bubblebubble2715]

@@diypreppertv thank you

[@w.j.terrell9831]

So, I got a knife recently that was packaged in a plastic bag full of a strong-smelling oil. I don't know if it's food-safe or not, so I would like to remove it and re-oil it before using it. What would be the best way to remove all the oil from that knife? Thanks in advance!

[@diypreppertv]

Hello W.J.! Dish soap should remove the oil.

[@w.j.terrell9831]

@@diypreppertv Thanks! 😁

[@SteelRoninTT]

Have you tried the victorinox oil and can compare it to mineral oil? Ive been researching looking for the best knife oil for so long and I gave up

[@diypreppertv]

I have not, but if it is what Victorinox uses from the factory then it is really good. I have shied away from the Vic oil because mineral oil is so close to what come on the knives from the factory and it costs next to nothing. I have had the same bottle for around 10 years and still have a ton of it left. All the tools are snappy and my knives don’t rust.

[@marcelob4132]

Thanks for the very useful video. A swiss friend recommended the use of Liberty Oil 1, a synthetic oil for clock lubrication, #1 being the finest of the 3 types... Have you tried it?

[@diypreppertv]

No problem! I have not tried clock oil, so I’m not familiar with its thickness or whether or not it is food safe. Sorry!

[@jonas2431]

Got any tips oh how to get stuck tools moving. My net maker tool and can opener dont move what so ever. How can i fix it I have it soaking in olive oil now

[@diypreppertv]

You could try using penetrating oil. If you or someone else in the family play something like a trumpet or tuba, valve oil should do the trick as well. If it is really stuck, small movements back and forth combined with a small amount of heat (like from a hairdryer) should free it up eventually. Just be careful to not heat the plastic handles too much.

[@jonas2431]

@@diypreppertv thank you so much

[@diypreppertv]

You’re welcome!

[@gurjeevangrewal126]

Grea video . But can you use some other oil

[@diypreppertv]

You can use Ballistol. It has many of the same positive characteristics of mineral oil but it is more expensive. There are other things that will do a good job lubricating but mineral oil is cheap, food safe, odorless, and never expires. It also doesn’t become sticky or rancid like other types of oil.

[@KimWin64]

I washed my husbands SAK and the blade discolored turned a cloudy white what happened?

[@DeeDeeDraws]

Can you do a video on how to clean *rusty* swiss army knives? I have a knife that is so rusty that it won't open without a lot of struggle. I tried the things in this video and it worked a little but the knife will still barely open.

[@eatmelily]

If it is that rusty, it is beyond ever working smoothly again. Even if you get all of the rust off, the steel will be pitted, and rough....It sounds like it just didn't have very much care, and was left in the wet or high humidity....Probably time for a new one....

[@allengrant]

Try giving it a bath in white vinegar. Vinegar eats rust, turning into a salt. Brush it off periodically.

[@Mailliw8173]

I was doing knife throwing, and I got a lot of dirt in it. Thanks for the tutorial! Do I need to use mineral oil though?

[@diypreppertv]

I’m glad you found it useful! You don’t have to use mineral oil, but it is cheap, food safe, and easy to find. (It is in the pharmacy section) Other lubricants are either not food safe (gun oil) or may become sticky over time (WD-40). As far as throwing knives go, you can find some that would be much better-suited than a Swiss Army Knife. A simple one-piece throwing knife can usually be found for around $15, and then you wouldn’t have to worry about damaging your pocket knife.

[@Mailliw8173]

@@diypreppertv ok, that helps alot. Thanks!

[@oldsport3364]

Would it be ok to use olive oil instead of mineral oil?

[@diypreppertv]

It should be as long as you use the knife regularly. It will go rancid if left on their too long. Regular use should force you to replace it hopefully before that happens. Mineral oil is super cheap though. I think it is cheaper than olive oil.

[@beachsidebooy]

Yeqh good video ., when decide to clean my knife when its extreme dirty knife and has sand inside knife ., soak the knife in hot water 4 hours then start to brush it and stream water into the knife the oil it ., with victronox oil. Thats came with the knife

[@vvsjaso]

Do you have to oil them or can you just use the bowl and dish soap then let em dry

[@diypreppertv]

It really is best to oil them. If you don’t, the tools will feel gritty when you move them. It’s also easier to move them when they’re oiled.

[@vvsjaso]

@@diypreppertv ok I will just to get some but as of rn I don’t have any so I am just going to let it dry out

[@vvsjaso]

@@diypreppertv I just go mine

[@christiansalazar4604]

How would you disinfect a SAK that you bought on eBay?

[@ohioman4646]

Buy from somewhere else

[@dionst.michael1482]

Steam!

[@emmanuelfernandez1259]

Would it be the same process as this if I have a walnut hiker?

[@diypreppertv]

I would avoid dunking the whole knife if possible since wood absorbs moisture. If the knife just needs a routine cleaning, cleaning the inside with a soapy Q-tip and a quick rinse may be enough. Just be sure to dry the wood as much as you can with a towel afterwards.

[@dionst.michael1482]

No

[@amaidenpearl6462]

My bf left his swiss knife with me while on vacation, it's hard to open and I want to oil it but the top is in wood instead of plastic, could the mineral oil damage the wood? The wood doesn't feel like it has any gloss or layer on it, I'm scared it might absorb it (also don't worry he knows I'm cleaning it)

[@diypreppertv]

You should only be using the mineral oil in the knife’s joints, and in very small amounts. It should stay away from the wood for the most part and any that does come into contact with it can just be wiped away.

[@gurjeevangrewal126]

Can you use vegetable oil

[@diypreppertv]

It will lubricate the knife but could go rancid eventually.

[@robertphillips93]

@@diypreppertv In fact, because they are so highly refined -- often using toxic chemicals -- it's better to use them as lubricants than as foods!

[@diypreppertv]

Maybe that’s why I have a third ear starting to grow out of the side of my head. Lol In all seriousness though, you’re probably right, Robert.

[@blinx8706]

What about vegetable or olive oil ?

[@diypreppertv]

They should be okay for a knife that gets used frequently. However, I would avoid putting them on anything that is going to be stored long-term. Vegetable and olive oils can become rancid after a while.

[@FreedomFox1]

Thanks for the tutorial! Do you need to do anything to dry it? My concern is having mold grow in those tiny crevices (I can’t imagine how those tiny holes in the scales could dry.). Oh and FYI some of the Wenger products live on in the Victorinox lineup. I picked up the Evolution S14 which is roughly the size of a compact, but with a few extra tools and a locking blade. Perfect size for edc.

[@diypreppertv]

I usually just set mine out in the sun or on a vehicle dashboard for a while. However, you could use an air compressor or canned air to remove excess water before letting it sit. I have seen Victorinox’s knives that they adopted from Wenger. The ones with the little nut wrench look cool.

[@pornchaidamrongthaveesak2581]

Where can I find that mineral oil

[@diypreppertv]

Pretty much any pharmacy or large retailer like Walmart. It is used as a laxative, so it should be around the other digestive health medications.

[@raghavkejriwal3817]

Is sewing machine oil okay?

[@diypreppertv]

To be honest, I haven’t ever used sewing machine oil. That being said, as long as it doesn’t have a bunch of additives, it shouldn’t cause damage. My biggest concern would be whether it is food safe or not.

[@bogan4009]

Great video!!!

[@rickyporter6450]

Great video, you should have used a Recruit or Cadet... would have been easier.

[@juliangriffiths9583]

i have this very dirty one that cant even open the tools ahahahaha

[@dionst.michael1482]

You’re screwed! Ahahahaha!

[@DESERTRACKER1]

break cleaner melted my scales

[@codjonnet617]

Is gun oil good?

[@diypreppertv]

It is fine as long as you don’t plan to use the knife for food prep. Most gun oils are toxic to some extent.

[@codjonnet617]

@@diypreppertv okay, thanks!

[@1valg]

@@diypreppertv You can use Ballistol. Perfectly fine for food prep as well.

[@diypreppertv]

@@1valg You are correct. I didn’t know that before. Thanks!

[@dionst.michael1482]

Real good! Real good for guns! 😂

[@ADCFproductions]

you're gonna need a bigger bowl xD

[@diypreppertv]

I thought that as I was making the video. Lol

[@silenthunter343]

Just put alcohol on it it started getting sticky put it in water immediately. Wish I saw your video first before I try to clean I went off a web article i saw.

[@diypreppertv]

Yeah, I was very frustrated when it happened to mine. If the scales are really messed up you should be able to find a replacement on eBay.

[@name5949]

😂😭👍

[@avarmauk]

can i use wd40?

[@diypreppertv]

It will do a good job of you have tools that are stuck or hard to move. However, there are better options (mineral oil and Ballistol) for regular oiling and maintenance. I tend to use WD-40 more for larger items or getting stuff moving again. It is messy, has a strong odor, and not as safe to use on something that may come into contact with food. (Note: I actually like how WD-40 smells, I just don’t want the smell to follow me everywhere I have my EDC knife)

[@avarmauk]

@@diypreppertv good advice. thanks

[@yutubl]

Too much salty/soap water or other aggresive cleaning fluids may cause unwanted rust/corrosion especially not for expensive valuable parts like swiss army knife ! Thats why I recommend cleaning any metal parts, like a knife or saw or other tools: 1.) mechanical clean step using scarf, brush or pneumatic vacuum cleaner. 2.) very carefully using very few metal care & rust remover & cleaning fluid avoiding risk of metal corrosion especially on rubbing joints. 3.) Optional for heavy dirty metal surfaces: following sanding & polishing steps may be needed, especially sharpening knife or saw blades.

[@albertoortiz3574]

🙂🙃🙂👍👍👍

[@TheFrog767]

👏👏👏👏🍻

[@Venom-nk8nd]

😬🇵🇬

[@gabemartinez229]

This is so great !! Thanks so much.👍