Nano Oil, KPL Knife Pivot Lube, Blue Lube, and Mineral Oil Test. Which is the best knife lubricant?

As the idea turned into a process this is level setting all the other tests into the same format at the same time, and temperature so there isn't any question about other factors.
It is a long video so take it in parts if you want, or watch straight through and treat it like a background podcast. Let me know what you think and if your guess for the best lubricant won?
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#nanooil #kpl #knifelube

[@zachstuff]

You nailed these tests and have set the bar for future testing and products on the market. Thanks for putting in the hard work so we could see how these products compare!

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah in deed, will be checking on a different test method later, but seems to work well overall.

[@jamesreese7111]

Great video. I've tried half a dozen different oils and I settled on Proshot Zero friction for bearins, Nano85 for detent balls, and teflon bicycle grease for washers. Might try that Nano grease on washers. Very interesting results. Thanks for taking the time to test these lubricants.

[@BladeBanter]

I do need to do this again and probably clean bearings each time with a fixture, thanks for checking it out.

[@nitrorc4life1]

I'm 51, been us8ng lubricants all my life on small mechanical items, have gone full circle, started with basic oils/grease to "boutique" oils/grease. Many higher price products are better IN certain circumstances. On low pressure and friction demands of a knife pivot, high pressure from strength oils only add a bit more if any actual advantage. Any high grade gun oil is more then capable for a knife pivot and detent ball. Dirt and dust getting cleaned out is far more important then the oil your using in this application for knife pivots. My proof? 30+ years using my tools daily and seeing the wear and tear or lack of myself with many brands of lubes, YES some are better then others, Your being scammed imho, on these overpriced "knife" lubes, after all they are relabeled oils from another industry after all, there are NO new miracle lubrication oils folks.

[@BladeBanter]

@@nitrorc4life1 After going full circle what did you end up with? Thanks for the comment too.

[@jamesreese7111]

@@nitrorc4life1I'm 53 and have a background in farming and ag/construction mechanics. Worked 15 yrs at a Case IH dealership then took over my dad and grandpa's family farm. You are correct about most of the knife oils being overpriced gimics. I was just commenting on what I've found to work best for me. If cost was the main concern I'd recommend 3in one sewing machine oil, it's cheap and comes in larger quantities. Many automotive oils will work as well but the niche oils have more pleasant smell. Nano 85 is odor free but 90w gear oil smells horrible. Lots of things to consider.

[@JR-5465]

Thanks for the vid. I've been using Blu lube for years ill have to give a couple of these other ones you tested out. I've liked and subscribed to your channel also thanks again.

[@BladeBanter]

Nice thanks a lot it was an interesting result.

[@MetalEffort]

I've been using Nano 10 weight this whole time. I've been wondering if I'm missing out on the KPL, but it's close enough I don't think it matters that much.

[@BladeBanter]

I would agree, I was really surprised by the Nano Oil 85. I'll need to try that on a bearing knife to see how it is.

[@BladeBanter]

Seems Nano might have a push towards longevity so you would not need to reapply for some time.

[@mikephantasmic]

@Me Me Maybe 10%...

[@waltofalltrades6817]

Pull tester: "I'mma turn off, you takin' too long." *2 seconds later* Him: "Come back on buddy, we're doing another test." Pull tester: "fffFUUUUU!"

[@BladeBanter]

Yup eventually will revisit but that tool seems to be a good way to get the information I need. 😁

[@henryhenry7170]

I use Royal Purple gun oil and Royal Purple Maxfilm. I disassemble and clean my Spyderco knives with RP. It takes a few days of it sitting in the knife before the action is at its best. That is just time, no break in at all. Always much better next day. Heat can speed that up. I put RP on a pistol several years ago for storage and it still looks freshly oiled (try that with plant based crap). It even works great after wiping the parts seemingly dry. It beat eezox in my outdoor rust test. Perfect for my M4 carry knives.

[@BladeBanter]

Nice thanks for the information and the experience you have had with the product.

[@warrenlivingston7594]

@@BladeBanter I can attest that Royal Purple products containing "Synerlec" or "Synslide" work extremely well.

[@BladeBanter]

Nice I need to set up a new testing set up. That one worked well for what I was trying to figure out.

[@warrenlivingston7594]

@@BladeBanter you might want to work the lube in a bit as well. You should try Archoil Ar-4400

[@sanhxhebsbbb1048]

The lower the number the least resistance correct??

[@BladeBanter]

Correct as it is measured in grams.

[@ohioknifelover]

Nano-Grease blew my mind! It did very well. I thought it wouldve been closer to 130 but 105 isnt bad at all!

[@BladeBanter]

Awesome thanks for watching. I'm going to try it on my Chris Reeve knife and a bearing knife to see how it reacts.

[@ohioknifelover]

Blade Banter I’m sure it will be super smooth on the Chris Reeve! From other channels they said they have liked it a lot. I look forward to your opinion!

[@BladeBanter]

I tried KPL on a small Sebenza that was loaned to me and it wasn't as smooth as grease.

[@ohioknifelover]

Blade Banter Maybe the 85 weight Nano-Oil would work better

[@Magoot2456]

@@BladeBanter hey I would love to hear how the nano grease worked on your chris reeve!

[@didacthomas2511]

after watching your video, I use blue lube normally, going to buy nano oil, thanks for the time you spend making this video, hope you got good vibes on your life 🙏 thanks for your work

[@BladeBanter]

Nice yeah I may revisit this later on as it would be good to have a different method in having a clean washer or bearing for each lubricant.

[@TheAdequateMedia]

Normie question. are any Knife lubes thin enough to use on pews?

[@BladeBanter]

Possibly the light weight nano oil as I believe most run about 10 weight lubricants for those.

[@TheAdequateMedia]

@@BladeBanter Yeah, I've since figured out the main difference is that pew sauces are MUCH thinner than most of the stuff you'd ever use on a pivot or detent track. save, of course, the Microtech + rem oil application.

[@johnimperial9777]

Have you tried victorinix multi tool oil is it good?

[@BladeBanter]

That's a oil I haven't come across.

[@Ike32]

Very interesting video. And well done

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks I think I might try a mass batch since there seems to be favorites and new brands out now. Thanks for watching.

[@bubbapeppers4354]

Great testing... can't find the spreadsheet you mentioned with results. Looks like Nano 85 was your winner???

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah personally for that knife it may have had a little more resistance but it was butter. I still need to finish it I'll be posting when it's done.

[@BladeBanter]

Added the spread sheet.

[@bubbapeppers4354]

@@BladeBanter I know you liked the 85W, but the 10W had the better numbers... interesting!

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah it was just a feel where it was more hydraulic. Guess that's where perception is more of a personal opinion.

[@bubbapeppers4354]

@@BladeBanter Nicely done!

[@eqlzr2]

Sorry for having bigger frish to fy than watching a 50+ minute vid on oil. For those in a similar fix, the winner was Nanolube 10. Thx for your efforts tho. ;-)

[@BladeBanter]

Hey to each their own. Didn't want someone to say I tested one different than another so recorded all the way through. Need to find a new test method at some point.

[@eqlzr2]

@@BladeBanter Ain't science wonderful? ;-)

[@jamesleary1405]

Great tests no doubt about it! But I've always been a believer in the fact that lube helps best for knives with ball bearings over just a washer. I never oil my washer knives just do an occasional cleaning because they always work just fine on the washer without oil. I don't understand it lol but it is how it is. Now my ball bearing knives i oil because I've found they perform better oiled. Probably because the oil help keep those balls doing their job. As too washers don't have a moving point in them like ball bearing washers do. Now off topic a little that knife is pretty cool I've never actually seen it before. But i also don't own many crkt knives if I'm being honest. But not needing any tool's too brek it down for cleani years is awesome.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah that break down method is pretty useful in that orientation. The next generation was almost too quick of a take down. CRKT is stepping it up as they now have the Italian line and USA made from Hogue. It's a balance with lubricants. I'll plan to revisit this at some point. I got a 3d printer so will look at doing things a bit differently.

[@DanIiban-z3l]

So I’m so confused, how they could possibly be more resistant with the lubrication on the knife then with absolutely no lubrication as to when you cleaned it bear that makes no sense whatsoever here.

[@BladeBanter]

Seems with any weight of lubricant there is a level of resistance. Not a perfect test but at the time what I came up with.

[@DanIiban-z3l]

Ok yes that makes perfect sense, so do you feel nano oil did the best??

[@BladeBanter]

@@DanIiban-z3l yeah overall I feel nano oil performed the best. I've been using a 20 wt Molykote product recently. Let me know if you if you know of a standard way to test some products.

[@jatna77]

I wonder how they compare to Extreme Fluoro grease and also regular sewing machine oil.

[@BladeBanter]

I still want to set up a test fixture. I'll need to look into it more.

[@AdamMalcolm96]

I appreciate the effort that went into this, but is there a time stamp or tldr for results? I not sure I have 50 minutes to learn about knife lube, so I offer you a like and a comment as payment

[@BladeBanter]

I have the spreadsheet up, I'll revisit this later too.

[@andrewmoreno79]

Hello Blade Banter, I just recently bought a brand new Spyderco Para 3. I was wanting to know what oil or grease you would suggest for me to use? I haven’t taken it apart yet but I believe it has bronze washers? I realize you made this video a while ago but I would greatly appreciate your feedback. Thank you and have a good day.

[@BladeBanter]

I use Nano oil which resulted in the best result from testing. The bronze will break in so just use and enjoy it. If your going to take it apart you can use Nano Grease too. KPL also does well I have and use both.

[@andrewmoreno79]

Blade Banter Thank you for quickly replying back. Which Nano? The 10 or 85?

[@BladeBanter]

@@andrewmoreno79 I would say 10 depending on the feel that your going for the 85 will be a bit more slow moving and more for detent balls.

[@darichard11]

Nice job. Would like to see a comparison with reel oil like Daiwa. For me it gets 90% of the slipperiness as Nanooil at 10% of the cost.

[@BladeBanter]

Interesting. After the testing one of the Teflon washers got dislodged which seems to have changed the consistency. Will be looking for the next test option.

[@christianstclaire5706]

Hey David, it is like Champagne, the relationship between price & quality is definitely not linear but an exponential curve, the vertical is the price but when mission critical demands it, I personally go for Dom Perignon LOL but true. now please do not dismiss longevity of the " smoothness "

[@BladeBanter]

Great thanks for adding a comment. I'm still trying to figure out different methods and will be playing around with it until I can get the methods locked down. Currently a longevity test at low rpms I haven't been able to figure out yet, someday. I personally have never tried Dom Perignon.

[@kameronabrusci6258]

Diawa isn't food safe though so I would be afraid using it on my knives and then cutting apples the next day

[@BladeBanter]

Oh mean the mineral oil

[@thebiped]

Exactly what i wanted to know...even if it was super long getting there.

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks for watching through, didn't want to have any cuts to ensure there wasn't question on the test method. Could of course be better, but will try a new method later.

[@inthepocket7405]

Great stuff bud👍 and thanks for doing this! Do you think you would get a different result if it was on bronze washers? Since Teflon washers somewhat self lubricate? This is an awesome demonstration, none the less🤙

[@BladeBanter]

Possibly up until actually yesterday I figured the field strip was the only way to go. I saw a video from Wiha for a inch pound torque driver that would be able to get the reassembly pretty close each time the knife is broken down. Regarding the results possibly as this is basically two flat surfaces and the other would have some micro grooves and other factors. Will continue to look at different methods, but I think the results would be pretty much the same.

[@inthepocket7405]

Blade Banter dude... that’s crazy. I was just talking to a guy yesterday about a torq Torx... that’s funny... yeah, that might eliminate some variables, but I know that would still be a more tedious process of disassembly and assembly.

[@videojoe7]

At the beginning of the video, mineral oil was 83 grams. Why wasn't the reading added to the spreadsheet? Maybe I missed something later in the video on the reason 83 grams didn't make it to the spreadsheet results.

[@BladeBanter]

Good question, I tried to keep everything as controlled as possible so the knife was cleaned lubricant applied and pull test completed. The 83 at the begining was a good result but it wasn't completed in the same test format. Also I was dropping the top and the bottom number so it would not have been part of the average even if included. Thanks for watching and the question.

[@overlandedc]

Cool test! Interesting to see the results on Teflon, but I really wonder about bearings and phosphorous bronze washers. In my persona use I’ve found KPL works good on all types of washers, nano oil didn’t feel as good on Bronze washers but is great for bearings

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah just difficult to figure out how to consistently tighten the pivot so it isn't a factor in the results.

[@HustleHabit]

@@BladeBanter Torque wrench using inch/lbs perhaps.

[@BladeBanter]

@@HustleHabit Yeah looked at that as Wiha even had a inch pound torque driver.

[@bullyakker]

Use lapping film and polish up those washers. They'll fly open! Kizer ppy, buck 112, ganzo (yeah, sorry I have one) they fly open closer to a BB but without the BB issues

[@danduran536]

Awesome video. Have you tried Weapon Shield? In my case it has worked pretty good and it’s half the price of nano oil. The makers of weapon shield have some videos on KZbin comparing to other oils. It would be nice to see an unbiased testing on a knife.

[@BladeBanter]

Nice I haven't heard if them. Thanks for the information.

[@Koop833]

I'm curious to see a possible test between WD40 and Rem Oil.

[@BladeBanter]

I can see Rem oil, but WD isn't recommend as a lubricant.

[@Koop833]

@@BladeBanter I wouldn't recommend WD40 but it works Lol.

[@BladeBanter]

Long term how does it perform from your experience?

[@Koop833]

@@BladeBanter I dont use it on Teflon washer due the WD40 eating away at it. I use it all the on phosphor bronze washers and it's works well it's a little thicker of a lubricant . It's nice too because it will knock any debree in the knife and will prevent the blade from rusting

[@BladeBanter]

Nice thanks for the input on that.

[@kagehano3600]

You ever try super lube?

[@BladeBanter]

Haven't where is it normally sold and the initial purpose?

[@kagehano3600]

@@BladeBanter amazon, menards, and not sure where else but has Teflon in it say it’s multi purpose lubricant Here’s menards info Brand Name: Super Lube Features Dielectric, Food Grade, Clean Lubricates and extends the life of machinery and equipment Anti-corrosive, Impervious to salt and fresh water All temperature, Superior adhesion, Stays put. Withstands temperatures with in a range of -45 to 450.

[@WillEDC]

Nice work

[@BladeBanter]

Great thanks a lot went a whole lot longer than I expected.

[@amunderdog]

Still getting familiar with your content. Enjoy your easy style.

[@BladeBanter]

Appreciate it. Let me know if there are things you feel could be improved.

[@IlIlIlllIlIlIllli]

Have you tried Hoppe's Oil?

[@BladeBanter]

Have not as of yet, I need to build a fixture system to do some of this testing.

[@ohioknifelover]

I use Hoppe’s No 9! Here’s a link to the needle point bottle with the oil that I have purchased! www.amazon.com/dp/B0013R67A6/?coliid=I32XD0XKUSON2G&colid=30N40U84UPP2B&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[@BladeBanter]

Nice great it comes in that bottle.

[@ohioknifelover]

Blade Banter I was happy about that too!

[@mrblauer1]

I wondered if their was any benefit to lubricating Teflon washers, now I know. Thanks for testing them for me. I find it interesting that the winner by feel is not the slipperiest but the one that also has a smooth glide perception.

[@BladeBanter]

Yeah it felt different between the two top performing items.

[@eriknash8783]

How many beers to get through the making of this video?

[@BladeBanter]

Took a long time and will redo once I come up with a new process.

[@zsoltfodorj]

Hi, good idea BUT you really should have the knife in a stable position as you do it the readings are false as your left. hand is exercising the counter force. Apologies for not being positive just thought you may have the tenacity to do it correctly again. It’s a good idea on an interesting topic. Keep up the good work buddy🖖live long and prosper! Zsolt

[@BladeBanter]

Nice, looking to find a better way to do this as I would like to get a fixture system where I can do initial and extended use testing. I can see what your saying about having it be stationary. How much do you think the reading would change it would almost seem the preasure reading would be the same if it is given by the pull gauge or the hand holding the knife. I could be wrong, thats how things progress continual testing.

[@timbo4374]

Interesting. I have been using the 10W Nano oil. I have a tube of Tuff Glide and Hoppes nbr 9 but have never used either, because I've been happy with the Nano 10.and I have almost a full tube left.

[@BladeBanter]

There might be some difference, but its difficult to have a test blade that I can use where I can set the pivot the same each time.

[@timbo4374]

@@BladeBanter yes I agree, and it would be a pia with the torx screws..the field strip is great for what you're doing.

[@BladeBanter]

Thanks for watching. Will need to try it on a bearing knife too at some point.

[@jeo1349]

Tuff Glide is no bueno for pivots man ---------

[@BladeBanter]

Haven't had any experience, what types of issues have you found.

[@datboi__]

I don't usually comment, but if you are trying to be more objective it would be a good start to do the test with the knife clamped down when you are measuring to eliminate any hand movement/resistance from affecting the weight measurement. The results of this particular test are not very helpful because the variable in this case has too much random variation that skews the measurements. I understand you are not trying to be ultimately obiective and scientific, this is just my two cents. I am really interested in in the results of this test as one parameter for finding the ideal lube, but these results leave more questions than answers. I am really interested in the results though, they might even be the same or similar as the numbers you got from this test. Great content nonetheless!

[@BladeBanter]

Appreciate the feedback this is something I may need to come back to. The normal testing of lubricants had been feel and preceptions. If you have ideas for a test rig let me know. I wouldn't think the hand motion would affect it as much as the reading is a maximum force needed. I think an ideal would be to have how ever many of the same knife, get a base line and then add lubricant. Even if in a fixture that might give a better reading that isn't affected by other lubricants.

[@marekmasar5216]

10way nano is best in my experience

[@BladeBanter]

I use the 10 weight quite a bit especially after testing.

[@marekmasar5216]

@@BladeBanter today I bought a new stuff.. You can check it out.. It's called Reel Supreme.. Didn't yet try it on the phosphor bronze washers but on the bearings it's even better than 10weight Nano-oil.. In therms of teflon ,I use them dry cause it is basically self lubricating substance.. Great test👍🙏 Genius way to test resistance of the pivot...

[@BladeBanter]

@@marekmasar5216 awesome thanks a lot still want to make a more fixture based test.

[@mesnyankin89]

@@marekmasar5216 I don't think teflon is self lubricating surface. I read on wikipedia. PTFE just have low adhesia with mostly every types of liquids and solid surfaces, but not self lubricating. It means it slides on every surface good, but i think it will slide even better with a very thin layer of oil.

[@bigsean2473]

@@BladeBanter i use synthetic motor oil. get alot for cheap. use on guns too. if it works get on high friction engines its good for knives and gun. just my opinion

[@feraltrafficcone4483]

Yeah, I’m about to watch a 50 minute video on lubes

[@BladeBanter]

That's impressive, in a group of a few folks.

[@trevorj203]

Can someone just tell me what the better one was I don't want to watch a 40-something minute video

[@BladeBanter]

Someone put it in the comments already if I'm not mistaken.

[@trevorj203]

@@BladeBanter that sentence is longer than the answer I asked for

[@BladeBanter]

Nice thanks for stopping in

[@Localjadedealer]

@@BladeBanter lol

[@DanIiban-z3l]

NANO OIL

[@jimmyross1672]

thanks so much for making this video brother i almlst waisted money i dont have on KPL when clearly mineral oil works just as good for way chaeaper lol now if i had a 300 dollar knife and i was rich of course i would go with KPL but im so poor i cant even afford mineral oil lol i had to sell some stuff just to get money so i could buy mineral out and a cheap 30 dollar knife and a 22 dollar flashlight lol so thanks for letting us poor people know is ok to buy mineral oil for our knifes

[@BladeBanter]

Sorry for the rough times, I need to revisit this testing with a fixture at some point.