KPL Knife Pivot Lube vs Mineral Oil & Blue Lube Measured Test (Best Knife Oil Series)

By request for Mineral oil which performed fairly well. This is not a longevity test but strictly on friction reduction. This video goes over the results of test 1 and into the test for mineral oil for this round.
The test subject is the same as the last video with the same parameters. The only thing about this video is there was a high initial pull. Let me know if you would prefer to include it as it would be fair for the other lubricants?
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[@rustyvavles6101]

I've only used mineral oil on my 60plus collection because it's cheap, readily available and food safe but I've always wondered how it compared to more hyped methods. glad to see it's performs reasonably well. I use a hypodermic needle to apply the oil ...works great.

[@BladeBanter]

Nice that's a good way to do it. I like those bottles I found. Original purpose seems to be for the Vape cigarettes.

[@mickeygoldmill3965]

Hi I’m new to knife collecting should I put mineral oil on my spyderco knives for rust protection they have s110v steel and s45vn steel will it cause patina or affect the finish of the blades?

[@SlashGears]

​@@mickeygoldmill3965your knives are stainless so patina wouldn't be much of an issue. A thiñ coating of mineral makes it even protected. I used mineral oil in all of my knives.

[@SouthernKnifeLife]

​@@mickeygoldmill3965both of those are stainless so shouldn't be to much worry

[@AverageDE]

Awesome, thank you for doing this! Makes me feel more confident that I am not losing out by only using mineral oil. Food safe and lubes well. Win-win. I am thinking it's fair to leave out the 129. It seems like it's way too far off to have not been a fluke. Those bottles you bought look perfect. I'm going to grab some for myself. It's pretty cool that nano lube found your tests and contacted you about trying their products.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah it was opposite it reach out to them, but they did review the test before agreeing to send their product, which seems good to have some validity. The bottles work well probably exactly the same needle and cap as KPL just bigger.

[@barkingspider2007]

I've used KPL, nano oil, Diawa reel oil, EDC spray, REM Oil. The mineral oil is just as good and costs $2 for a lifetime supply. I would love to see a link to the bottle from Amazon. Thanks again for the video 😎👍

[@mrblauer1]

I would like to also see a comparison to 3-in-One oil. Thanks for doing this, it is nice to see an actual comparison vs advertising hype.

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks that's what I was going for in having a measurement other than presumed feel.

[@robertgeary2900]

From an engineer, 129 would be considered anomalous and requiring a total retest. You can verify it by recleaning it, re-lubing and retesting. Great job man. Keep up the good work. You ROCK!

[@BladeBanter]

Nice thanks for the comment, I would like to have more of a fixtured system to test, initial and slow cycled open and closed for a long term result but haven't figured that out yet.

[@BladeBanter]

I also have the one I did after this with Nano oil too.

[@robertgeary2900]

@@BladeBanter You Da Man!!! Keep em comin!

[@iamtubuler9266]

Appreciate your work here. Do you have a video on adding the thumb stud to the Statera? I also can't seem to locate those particular refillable oilers on amazon as most are plastic bottles? Subscribed.

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks for subscribing. They are sold as vape bottles and really it seems like the KPL bottle. I don't have a video of that I just did that one evening.

[@rickbuchanan5762]

Good video. For pure results do 5 pulls, discount the highest and lowest numbers, then average the remaining 3 values. Also, mineral oil is food safe. Something to consider if you use your knives for food prep or eating.

[@BladeBanter]

Appreciate the feedback I think I did that for the high and low in the full group test. Good point on the food grade which I knew about but don't think I mentioned in either video.

[@rbs1889]

I'd leave out the 129 as it deviates too much from the rest. Great test method, I love this stuff. Thanks! 🤘🤘🤘

[@ohioknifelover]

Ron Broeders Agreed

[@BladeBanter]

Awesome thanks for the feedback, that's what I was thinking but wanted to be transparent on the results. Nano-Oil is on it's way.

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks for watching and the response.

[@rbs1889]

@@BladeBanter Excellent! Looking forward to that one👍

[@BladeBanter]

It's reassuring that they saw some relevance in the test. They are providing the test samples.

[@zachstuff]

Very nice breakdown of the mineral oil! Obvious improvement from the 129, but wonder what the retest would show? Maybe just needs more time to lube the internal parts? Like the testing! Keep it rolling!

[@BladeBanter]

Since the last test where I had the KPL in to the day I did the new video the results were similar. Will at some point need to figure out a long term test.

[@nebulamask81]

Have you thought about also trying to test how well these work after a longer period of time? Would be interesting to see how they hold up, but it seems that might be a lot more work and/or have a lot more variables to try to control for though.

[@BladeBanter]

It would be an interesting test but currently cost prohibited. Unless CRKT is going to provide me with one knife per lubricant. As the long term test would be add then test, then probably every day or so open and close then test and different increments. It's not a bad idea but currently not a test process I would be able to take on. I have thought of it though.

[@pioneerxmnl6033]

Im using mineral oil for my knives for almost 2 decades now, so far mineral oil performs very well on my knives

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah did fairly well in the test. How often do you find that you need to reapply?

[@pioneerxmnl6033]

folders and fix blades i reapply every 3 mos for my collections, and for my edc every 2 mos they never get dry easily

[@lukuscarter3563]

@@pioneerxmnl6033 thanks for the experienced input.

[@jackfarmboy]

And the plot thickens.... sorry couldnt resist 🙃. Keep up the good work 👊

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks seems to be a valid assessment so far.

[@chocolat4hogs]

When I was in service we had solvent, linseed oil for wood, and mineral oil for metal. it all came in big squared off metal containers.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah that is probably still a pretty good mix for product care.

[@dave-xe6pc]

Thank you for doing this! Given that the video is from ~3 years ago, Amazon no longer sells the 15ml hard plastic bottles with steel needles. Any idea where they can now be sourced?

[@BladeBanter]

It seems pretty hard to find now you can. Order something like 20 from Alibaba which will last you a lifetime search 10 ml metal tip or something similar to locate them.

[@rodneypearson6986]

Awesome testing like my KPL

[@BladeBanter]

Nice, it was interesting with the results.

[@WillEDC]

I wonder what the results would be to lube the detent ball as well. Of course that needs to be cleaned between the products. I usually put a drop on the ball if the knife has been sitting long term. The liner lock is always putting pressure on the blade stock Lol what if kpl was repackaged mineral oil haha

[@BladeBanter]

It could be possible although he states it is a base synthetic. In the tests I do put a drop of the lubricant on the detent ball as well. The marathon test has all of the lubricants, but its like 50 minutes long.

[@stevemilk4526]

Love these videos very interesting results and the consistency using the hot glue placement is genius. Ignore the 129 I say that mineral oil is very impressive. Also check out hops 9 and daiwa reel oil (I have both if needed) sigh I need one of those applicators but not 12.

[@BladeBanter]

If the applicator makes life easier $10 isn't too bad and you would have a lifetime supply of containers.

[@LTT.Official]

Hum, happy I came across your channel, subbed. Was about to buy KPL and ship it in (i'm from the Caribbean), I may just go to the drug store and get some mineral oil instead.

[@BladeBanter]

Many folks use mineral oil, you may need to reapply more often but for cost of mineral oil at least here, one bottle is a lifetime supply. And that is a very long user name.

[@CrazySharp]

I’d be curious to see how it lasts ... run the pull test after a week of carry and see which ones have the staying power

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah that will be the next step with things as the mineral oil seems like it is pretty thin. Seems the parameters would work for n extended time will need to look into that for future ones. Thanks for watching.

[@bubbapeppers4354]

Interesting results. I'd be curious to see several identical knives with the different lubes over an extended period of time. Does one lube degrade or get "gummy" vs continual lubrication... just a thought...

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah not set up for that currently but that's what I was thinking. Also there would be variables for each knife so would need to get their baseline and check the change even the same production knife probably has variations.

[@oldfool2635]

Keep the practical test coming. It would be interesting to see the lubricants abilities over time. We use the knives for extended periods before we re-lubricate. Just a thot. Thx for your time and efforts, Furbs

[@BladeBanter]

Yes eventually could do that but it isn't practical at this time as I would need the same knife for each lubricant, and financially that's not available and it will add more variables as where the hot glue was applied and such. Will be thinking about it though.

[@oldfool2635]

Thx@@BladeBanter

[@BladeBanter]

No problem thanks for watching.

[@thui7889]

I currently use mineral oil, but thinking of using blue lube. However, would adding blue lube over the pivots with mineral oil affect smoothness? Or would it counteract and make it more gunky?

[@BladeBanter]

It would probably slow the action as it's a thicker lubricant. But you may find a mix that you like better.

[@sung-kyunlee5989]

Great video! Can you link the bottles you stored the oils in?

[@BladeBanter]

Seems the one I got are not available. Search Dasunny on Amazon and those are about the same.

[@ShortcutReviews]

Would be interesting to do a long term test, lube it up, let it stand a week and then test. Lube that doesn’t stay put is less helpful then something less likely to run. Why lube has weights I believe. Great test, I also agree with other comment do 5 and throw out the high and low.

[@BladeBanter]

Great thanks a lot. I did the pull prior to starting this test as KPL was left on the knife. The result was in line with the prior pulls. I'll need to figure out a method as I've been thinking about the long term. Nano-Oil is next.

[@TinyIslandMaine]

I use mineral oil for all my knives when needed. It works fine for me and it is food safe. Does anyone know if KPL / Rem oil / blue lube or any others are food safe? Also how about viscosity ratings? Do you ever measure that difference in each product?

[@BladeBanter]

They range from 10-30 wt I believe but not sure which one would be food safe. I worked with Molycote on the Orion side for a food safe lubricant.

[@flipflat4814]

I just almost got pharmaceutical mineral oil to use on my knife Pivot Point but then I came across this. Food-grade mineral oil lubricants for food machinery contain corrosion inhibitors, foam suppressants and anti-wear agents, even though they are authorized for contact with food. Pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil has to be free of all impurities under USP standards. I guess pharmaceutical mineral is a no-go for a folding knife.

[@BladeBanter]

It will probably still work, but the added benefits of the food grade would probably have benefits.

[@a4_music21]

Cool! Would 3 in one all purpose lube work?

[@BladeBanter]

Might but heard it gums up and not the best lubricant, but haven't really played around with it.

[@xderiwx]

Since KPL says their weight is 17, if you had to guess, what would you say the Bluelube and Mineral Oil would be rated at? Thanks!

[@BladeBanter]

Blue lube is a bit thicker or at least seems so in moving the bubble in the tube. Also in putting a dab on a surface and elevating it the kpl runs quicker. So I would say blue lube is 20s to 30 weight.

[@BladeBanter]

Will be an interesting test with nano lube and KPL heavy as they are the same weight. At least one of the nano oils.

[@xderiwx]

@@BladeBanter I agree. Can't wait for the test video! Thanks again for doing this! So weight wise, mineral oil is thinner than KPL?

[@pateralus9]

Results, in case you want them quickly: Shown on screen: KPL: 97.7 g Blue Lube: 105.7 g ---------- What I calculate based on numbers you gave in video: No lube (control): 107, 116, 103 = 108.7 g Mineral Oil (leaving out the 129): 96.3 g

[@timzusa]

So does that mean mineral oil performed just as good as KPL and Blue Lube?

[@BladeBanter]

Nice open to suggestions on improving the testing.

[@BigRedEDC]

The 129 seems to be a fluke. Very interesting test....thanks for sharing!

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks seems to be going pretty well.

[@barrylevitt1170]

I would like you to compare the KPL to Hops gun oil. Excellent review.

[@BladeBanter]

Great thanks for the suggestion. I have the Nano-Oil coming in and will take a look at that oil.

[@ohioknifelover]

Blade Banter I use Hoppes no. 9 and I love it!

[@BladeBanter]

Great I need to get a list going.

[@mrblauer1]

The Hops gun oil is an excellent suggestion. In the same vein, I would also recommend considering Daiwa Reel oil.

[@BladeBanter]

Nice thanks for the comment.

[@johnscarborough4746]

I'd be curious to see how a full synthetic oil like Mobil One compares.

[@BladeBanter]

Interesting not sure. Maybe a 0w30?

[@johnscarborough4746]

@@BladeBanter well nano oil comes in a 10 and 5 weight so synthetic motor oil should be easy enough to match. Is KPL listed as to weight?

[@BladeBanter]

I heard that it was 10 weight but that's just through videos I don't know if that was confirmed.

[@outkast_xiii670]

​@@BladeBanter they say its 17 weight but I think it really is 15 weight (kpl)

[@BladeBanter]

@@outkast_xiii670 Yeah the FAQ sections says the regulars is 15wt.

[@jaytpmc]

How about doing this on butterfly knives?

[@BladeBanter]

That could be a good way to look at it, although I'm not an avid butterfly knife person. The results would probably be pretty simular to the group testing.

[@austenhatch3285]

That mineral oil with the funnel is actually meant for bike brakes that use mineral oil.

[@BladeBanter]

Oh which one is that as the mineral oil used was one from the pharmacy.

[@austenhatch3285]

@@BladeBanter oh idk I just know that mineral oil along with the funnel is used to do a flush on bike brakes that use the oil

[@toddburdick1]

I'd like to see CLP

[@BladeBanter]

Not familiar with that one will need to do a Google search.

[@RoyFernbach]

Perhaps start doing 5 pulls, disregarding the best and worst. Some other ideas: Frog Lube, 3-in-1, Tuf-glide, 10w30... just to give reference etc.

[@BladeBanter]

That's what I was thinking is the 5 pulls and as you said drop the best and worst.

[@JacksonKnives]

If you do frog lube, you've got to do a comparison with coconut oil (since everyone's 99.9% sure that's all it is.)

[@BladeBanter]

That's what I had heard too.

[@JacksonKnives]

@@BladeBanter just whatever you do, don't look into the whole Fireclean - Tuohy lawsuit fiasco. It will change your opinion of humanity for the worse. FrogLube/Tracklube guys aren't exactly shining examples of transparency, but I understand why they want to protect their "secret" formula. At least they're not suing anyone.

[@BladeBanter]

Good to know and thanks for the information.

[@Lemonhoko]

So mineral oil wins? great review and tests!

[@BladeBanter]

For that aspect, there is still the matter of longevity, but don't have a good way to test that yet. But in this test yes.

[@Lemonhoko]

@@BladeBanter For me thats what really matters, longevity is low on the list...if you maintain your knives on a regular basis, it shouldnt be a factor on how long your oil will last..depending on use, I take apart and oil with mineral oil atleast 3 times a year if not more...Im glad my gut instinct was right about mineral oil...Ive been using it on my knives for over 10 years now.

[@BladeBanter]

Great, the needle tip oiler bottle is a nice addition.

[@outkast_xiii670]

​@@Lemonhoko I tried mineral oil it works really great for about a day and gradually loses the effect after 3-4 days it's like I didn't even lubed it. I ordered some kpl to check it out I bet it has a lot more longevity... Also a lot of people like kpl over nano oil so I guess they must be right...

[@sambrown4424]

Yeah I say in the future do 5 or so and then kick the outlier number

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah thanks will probably do so and kick out the high and low number. Nano-Oil is on it's way.

[@stevenbusch9336]

🤘🏼

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks for checking it out.

[@darrinjt1]

I just use gun oil, easier to find locally than an oil marketed for knives ,which is something i would have to oreder online. I maybe wrong but if it's good enough for guns which is the last thing you want to fail do to rust or not lubricated well even ,it's got to be more than good enough for a knife .

[@BladeBanter]

That might be correct although different operating conditions. With ceramic bearings and detent balls lubricant isn't necessary. Thanks for watching.

[@riccardocarbo2479]

The testing does not include other things like corrosion resistance (which adds abrasives and friction); evaporativeness; how well it stays in place; or how temperature affects it's performance and how each lube creates optimal action. Also, if the washers rotate with the blade or stay stuck to the liner, then you get a differnt friction effect, lube aside. By-the-way, 3-in-1 oil has some pressure/friction reducing additives that go way beyond mineral oil. It would sell quite well if it were labeled with amphibians, reptiles or showed mystical colors. But doesn't that make it work better too? Opinion can make an oil even slicker!

[@BladeBanter]

It's something I tried to gain some information, other than the opinion of feeling smoother. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@Hpr1]

Deam,, you men, meeeen!

[@BladeBanter]

Not sure what your referring to?

[@ohioknifelover]

I use Hoppe’s No. 9! If you want to check it out here’s a link for when I bought mine in a needle applicator bottle www.amazon.com/dp/B0013R67A6/?coliid=I32XD0XKUSON2G&colid=30N40U84UPP2B&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[@BladeBanter]

Nice and interesting that they have a limited edition one that is probably the original bottle graphics.

[@kevins8575]

I think you have to throw out that high reading.

[@BladeBanter]

I thought I did take of the high and low. It has been a while though.

[@NickWeissMusic]

Knife oil is kinda half snake oil. It actually works, but almost no knife actually NEEDS it lol. No knife is going to be faster than when it's clean and dry and properly adjusted, bearings and washers ARE the "pivot lube." Same with bearings, they're never faster than when clean and dry, lube is literally used to slow bearings down, not the other way around. So if you want your ZT to flip as quickly as possible, degrease the bearing, don't oil it. That said, a little lube will preserve parts longest, maybe keep your action consistent a little longer, but in the grand scheme of knife purchasers on Earth, the vast majority never oils their stuff, and regularly used, un-oiled knives don't one day just disintegrate or rust shut. Cleaning and degreasing is a more fruitful maintenance chore than oiling, and taking apart is almost never really necessary. Alcohol, Ronsonol, and indeed, overpriced 20ml bottles of purpose made knife degreaser, all work well, water and compressed air work great too. Spraying in some alcohol and working the pivot a little cleans things up as effectively as any Nick Shabazz treatment, 100% guaranteed, unless you like fussing with tiny screws and lock springs, knock yourself out lol. I do use tuff glide on my knives I carry with me on the saltwater, but my 20 year old never-oiled, occasionally cleaned Ken Onion Shallot still opens every time.

[@BladeBanter]

Sorry for some reason was in the held for review category. Yeah Its been a while since I did that and just wanted to try to offer something other than preception of a smoother action. I think the Shallot is 14c28n and assisted so that is probably a good combo for that condition.

[@slick_slicers]

You ought to repeat the test say 100times. That would throw out a few outliers, sufficient to produce some proper significant stats. I’m not sure how good a video that would make, but the results would.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah would need to fast forward that one. I'll be looking at how to accomplish more of a long term testing.

[@slick_slicers]

Yeah, it would rival one of Super Steel Steve’s cardboard cuts. Forgot to mention, I’m impressed by these results. KPL & Blue Lube are stupidly expensive here in the UK due to shipping costs ($20+ a bottle) but a half pint bottle of food grade mineral oil is under $4!

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah back to your point on longevity, I'm not sure how the mineral oil will hold up.

[@chrisfranks2215]

Drop the 129. It appears it was a fluke cuz you consistently got mid 90’s.

[@BladeBanter]

That seems to be the consensus future ones will have 5 pulls dropping the high and low.

[@davidmadrid3453]

Like the results. KPL is over priced and over rated, just like Chris Reeves knives.

[@BladeBanter]

I have one Chris Reeve knife once I disassembled it I appreciated it more. I need to revisit this test.