At Benchmade, we build knives for life, and with just a little routine care, your knife can last a lifetime. Whether you’re carrying an everyday folder, using a precision fillet knife in the field, or prepping meals with our kitchen cutlery, proper maintenance ensures your blade stays sharp, smooth, and ready for whatever comes next.
This guide walks you through cleaning, lubrication, and troubleshooting recommendations based on your knife style. When in doubt, we’re always happy to service your knife through our LifeSharp and Warranty Program.
General Maintenance Tips
Whether you’ve got a folder, fixed blade, or auto, start with the basics:
Cleaning
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Use mild dish soap and cool water to remove grime or residue.
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Never use harsh solvents or abrasives. These can degrade coatings and handle materials.
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Rinse thoroughly, then use compressed air to clear water from inside the knife, pivot, and hardware.
Lubrication
Once dry, apply a light viscosity lubricant (e.g., gun oil, Miteck, or BlueLube) to:
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The pivot and lock areas (for folders)
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The blade and handle hardware (for rust prevention)
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The button mechanism (for autos and OTFs)
Tip: If your blade coating or handle scale looks dry or chalky after washing, a small amount of oil can restore its original luster.
Folder Care (Manual, Assisted, and Automatic)
Folding knives need occasional attention, especially if exposed to water, dust, or heavy use.
Troubleshooting Gritty or Sticky Action
If your folder feels rough, slow, or uneven:
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Clean the knife using the steps above.
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Apply one drop of light oil to the pivot area on both sides.
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Open and close the blade several times to work the oil in.
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Wipe away any excess oil.
If the action is still not smooth, your knife may require internal cleaning or replacement of parts. Submit a LifeSharp service request, and we’ll take care of it.
Fixed Blades & Kitchen Cutlery
Benchmade fixed blades and culinary knives are designed for high performance, but they require the right care to maintain that level of performance.
DO:
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Always hand wash using warm water and dish soap.
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Dry immediately with a soft towel.
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Store in a dry environment, especially after use in wet conditions or wild game processing.
DON’T:
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Never put your knife in the dishwasher. High temperatures and abrasive detergents can cause your blade and handle to warp, dull, or degrade.
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Don’t soak your knife in water or let it air dry on a rack.
OTF Knives (Infidel®, Shootout™, and Similar)
Out-the-front (OTF) knives are mechanical tools that benefit from occasional cleaning and lubrication, especially if exposed to dirt, pocket lint, or moisture.
Blade Won’t Deploy? Reset It:
If the blade fails to lock open:
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Hold the knife in a safe, open space.
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Press the deployment button as if opening the knife.
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Flick the knife away from yourself with a firm wrist motion.
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You should hear a “click” as the blade re-engages with the track.
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Close and reopen the knife to verify normal operation.
Cleaning the Mechanism:
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With the blade retracted, blow compressed air into the hole at the bottom of the handle.
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Apply 1 drop of oil into the same hole.
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Actuate the blade 10 times upside down to distribute the lubricant.
This helps remove lint and keeps the internal spring system running smoothly.
If cleaning doesn’t resolve performance issues, we recommend submitting your knife for service instead of disassembling it yourself.
When to Send It In
We offer free cleaning, tuning, sharpening, and basic part replacement through our LifeSharp Service. If you experience:
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Action that won’t resolve with lubrication
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Blade play or lockup issues
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Pivot problems or spring failures
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A knife you just want “tuned up”
Let us do the work.
You only pay shipping to us, we cover the return trip.
Questions?
We’re here to support you and your knife for life.
Contact us at info@benchmade.com or call 1-833-557-2526 for help with care, troubleshooting, or submitting a service request.
Want us to do the work for you?
Start a LifeSharp or Warranty Claim here.