Knife Care & Repair

Knife Use
Buck knives are designed for cutting. Using them for other purposes, such as throwing, pounding, prying, chopping or other purposes may create an unsafe condition and may void your warranty. Strong impacts or twisting forces may damage the knife or lock mechanism, and may result in the blade folding or otherwise failing during use. Any such use could result in severe injury. On lock blade models, always check to assure the locking mechanism is engaged prior to use. Keeping your blade sharp will also reduce risk of injury, as a sharp blade is safer than using a dull blade.

 

Knife Care
Buck knives are made to provide years of reliable service. Like most equipment, knives need a little care. Here are a few tips to help you get lasting service from your knife:
  • Keep your entire knife dry  —  not just the blade.
  • Keep your knife clean, particularly moving parts and locking device.
  • Keep your knife oiled; especially pivot points and the blade.
  • Keep your knife sharp. A sharp blade is safer than a dull one.
  • Do not attempt self-repair. This voids the warranty and may create an unsafe condition.

Care

   
Knife Care Instructions
Buck uses stainless steel for blades and other components to minimize (but not eliminate) the weathering effects of liquids and oxidation. Not all knives use stainless steel. Older knives, and some newer ones, use carbon steel that is more susceptible to effects of the elements and may need more frequent care. Knife performance and longevity are enhanced by regular care:
  • Clean the entire knife regularly, including blade, pivot points and locking mechanism. If possible, clean it without immersing into liquid (spray cleaners work well). If you immerse in liquid (water, soapy water, or solvents), dry thoroughly after cleaning, then oil blade and moving parts. Regular cleaning and oiling should take care of sticky residue and light surface oxidation or beginning rust formation commonly found on knives.
  • Discoloration of metal: Discolored metal has a blue/grey/black color, is a sign of oxidation, and precedes rust.
    On non-stainless steel: Discoloration is common and can provide a barrier against oxidation. Regular cleaning will keep discoloration from turning to rust.
    On stainless steel: Stainless steel does not discolor easily. Discoloration should be regarded as rust waiting to happen and should be cleaned immediately.
  • Rust: Rust has a reddish-brown color. Rust will eat pits into your blade and contaminate what you cut. Light rust can be cleaned with oil. Heavier rust needs to be cleaned with more abrasive action, such as cleaner, polish, or plastic cleaning pad.
  • Cleaning, polishing and lubricating help the performance, safety and longevity of your knife. Buck offers an assortment of knife care products.
  • Store your knife in a dry place (out of the sheath). Lightly wipe the blade with clean oil 2-3 times a year to keep rust from starting (more often if near water).

 

Cleaning
After using your knife, it is a good practice to clean and dry your knife (the entire knife, not just the blade). Even though our blades are made with corrosion-resistant stainless steel, prolonged exposure to the elements can cause the steel's surface to oxidize. Folding knives should be kept clean of debris, particularly the locking device on lock-blade knives.
For your convenience, Buck provides two superb knife care products. Clean Streak is a completely residue-free metal prep that's easy to use. Just spray and wipe-no rinsing required. Metal Brite is a polish that removes surface oxidation, rust, tarnish and sticky residues while leaving a protective coating.

As an alternative, chemical solvents such as Acetone, nail polish remover, MEK, alcohol or paint thinner may be used to clean your blade. Use care with these solvents, as some, such as acetone, nail polish remover, white gas, or brake fluid may damage some Buck handles. Avoid harsh detergents that contain Chlorine (mostly powders, including some for washing dishes and clothes), which can accelerate corrosion of the blade steel.

Avoid prolonged immersion in liquids (water, solvents, etc.). This can have a detrimental effect on not only the metal parts, but handles made of wood or other porous materials as well. Before using your Buck knife on food items, wipe clean with alcohol, or wash with hot soapy water and rinse clean. Remember to re-clean and lubricate your knife after the food job is done.

Lubricating
Periodically, and always after cleaning, apply a small amount of lubricant to the working parts of the knife, particularly the pivot points of a folding knife. Then apply a thin film of lubricant to the entire surface of the blade. This will help prevent surface oxidation and corrosion from moisture.

Repair
Self-repair of a Buck knife will void your warranty. If your knife needs repair, please send it to Buck Knives. If the necessary repairs are covered under warranty, the work will be done at no charge. If the repairs are not covered under warranty, they will advise you of the cost and ask for your approval before doing any work. Payment is required before repairs are performed. For more information about what is covered by warranty, please refer to Buck Knives Website Warranty Section. If you are looking for sharpening instructions, please refer to Knife Sharpening.
   
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