Best Practices for Keeping Your Microtech Knives in Top Shape

If you've got a Microtech knife, congratulations—you own one of the most finely crafted cutting tools on the market. Whether it's a Microtech fixed blade, folding knife, or another piece of this company's gear, your blade deserves more than just a quick wipe-down and a toss into your pocket.

Proper care ensures your knife stays sharp, smooth, and ready for action, whether you're opening boxes, slicing through rope, or just showing it off to jealous friends.

Let's talk about the best ways to maintain your Microtech knife—because even the best blades need a little TLC to stay in fighting shape.

Keep It Clean—Your Knife, That Is

A dirty knife isn't just an eyesore; it can lead to performance issues, rust, and premature wear. Pocket-lint, dust, and grime love to sneak into the crevices of your blade, especially if you're carrying any of the brand's outstanding OTF knives for sale, which have mechanisms that can trap grit and dirt.

Best Practices for Cleaning:

• Blow Out Debris: Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove lint, dust, and pocket gunk.
• Wipe It Down: A microfiber cloth with a touch of rubbing alcohol will keep your blade sparkling and remove grease.
• Deep Clean: If your knife sees heavy use, occasionally remove the blade (if you're comfortable doing so) and clean the internal mechanisms.

Because Microtech makes quality products from high-end materials, you don't need to run for cover at the first raindrop or splash. However, it's best to avoid prolonged water exposure when possible. If your knife does get wet, dry it thoroughly and lubricate it before storing it. Rust is a knife's worst enemy—don't let it win the battle.

Lubrication: The Secret Sauce of Smooth Action

Microtech automatic knives are known for their lightning-fast deployment, but even the best mechanisms need a little oil to stay silky. A dry knife can feel sluggish, while an over-lubricated one can attract more dirt than a dropped snack at a picnic.

Best Practices for Oiling:

• Easy Does It: Don't be generous. A tiny drop goes a long way, and more is not better.
• Light is Right: Use a light product like Rem Oil or Nano-Oil.
• Anything that Moves: Apply oil—sparingly—to the pivot and, for OTF knives, the internal sliding mechanism.
• Wipe Down: Wipe away excess oil to prevent buildup.

Your knife will thank you for the sip of oil by smoothly and quickly snapping open.

Keep Your With and Your Knife Sharp

A dull knife is a dangerous knife. Instead of slicing cleanly, an unsharp blade forces you to apply more pressure, increasing the risk of slips and injury. Microtech knives come razor-sharp from the factory, but regular use will dull even the best edges over time.

Best Practices for Sharpening:

• Right Tools: Use a ceramic rod or fine-grit sharpening stone to maintain the edge.
• Stick with Manual: Avoid powered sharpeners unless you're experienced. These tools can remove too much metal too quickly. You didn't buy a cheap knife so you don't want any more of it than necessary to end up as metal dust due to oversharpening.
• Finish the Job: Strop your knife on leather to refine and polish the edge.

If unsure about sharpening yourself, look into professional services and send your knife off for a spa treatment. If your knife is off being sharpened, that provides the perfect excuse to shop for another one to add to your collection.

Storage: Give Your Blade a Safe Home

Even if your knife is your daily companion, proper storage is crucial. Leaving your LUDT rattling around in a toolbox or tossing your Ultratech into a junk drawer is a surefire way to eventually damage both the blade and the mechanism.

Best Practices for Storage:

• Store it Sensibly: Keep your knife in a dry, temperature-controlled environment whenever possible. Letting it bake in your glove compartment or under the seat of your truck in the summer heat is not cool. Literally.
• Wrap it Up: Store it in a protective pouch or dedicated knife case. Microtech products are made of rugged, wear-resistant materials. That means they will fare better than many cheap alternatives, but banging around in a drawer filled with screwdrivers, box-cutters, and other metal objects can cause scrapes and dings. A pouch or case puts a protective layer between your knife and anything that might smash or scrape against it.
• Oil for Long-Term: If you don't plan on using the knife for a while, apply a light coat of oil before storage to prevent corrosion.

Know When to Send It to the Experts

We are talking about precision tools. While regular maintenance is essential, sometimes a professional tune-up is the best option. If your knife starts misfiring, gets sluggish, or develops blade play, don't panic—Microtech offers warranty and service options to keep your blade in peak condition.

Final Cut

Caring for your Microtech knife doesn't have to be a chore. With regular cleaning, proper lubrication, timely sharpening, and smart storage, your knife will remain in top shape for years. Whether you're an everyday carrier, a collector, or a bushcrafter, treating your knife right ensures it stays as sharp as your skills.

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Owning a Microtech knife means carrying a precision-crafted tool designed for peak performance. However, even the finest blades require regular maintenance to stay sharp and dependable. Discover the best ways to care for your Microtech knife in this infographic.