A well-made knife is more than just a tool; it’s a companion built to last. But like any trusted partner, it needs attention, maintenance, and the occasional tune-up. Whether you're carrying it every day, using it in the kitchen, or keeping one ready for the next backcountry trip, knowing how to care for your Benchmade knife ensures it will be ready when you need it. Longevity isn't guaranteed by design and materials alone; it's facilitated by thorough and proper care.
Clean Blades Cut Better
Regular cleaning matters more than you think. Over time, pocket lint, dirt, food residue, or moisture can collect on your blade and in the pivot mechanism. If ignored, this buildup can affect performance, wear down internal components, and even lead to corrosion.
Cleaning is simple:
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Wipe the blade with a soft cloth using warm, soapy water.
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Avoid soaking folding knives; clean just the parts that need cleaning.
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Dry thoroughly before oiling or storing.
A light wipe with a cloth after use is often enough to keep your blade in good shape. A deeper clean every few weeks (or more often in high-use environments) keeps things running smoothly.
Oil Is Your Friend
A few drops of oil can go a long way. Once your knife is clean and dry, apply a small amount of knife lubricant to the pivot and locking mechanisms. This reduces friction, preserves the smooth action of your blade, and prevents rust from forming in hard-to-see places.
Utilizing purpose-made lubricants, such as our BlueLube lubricant, is a good idea. These are often specially formulated to work their way into the ultra-slim tolerances between components and resist thickening and drying out over time. To avoid accumulating dust and debris, wipe off excess lubricant. Focus on the pivot area, where the blade rotates open and closed. A small drop or two is usually all you need.
For automatic or assisted-opening knives, applying a drop of lubricant to the mechanism can help restore fast, reliable deployment. After applying, cycle the blade open and closed a few times to distribute the oil evenly, then wipe away any excess. For fixed blades or folding knives with high-carbon or tool steels, it’s worth oiling the blade itself occasionally. A thin, even coating acts as a barrier against corrosion. Opt for food-grade mineral oil or specially-formulated protectants for safe, non-toxic results. Avoid cooking oils.
Sharpening At Home
Even the highest-quality steel dulls with use, so maintaining a keen edge is a must. A sharp knife is a safe knife. Dulled edges invite the user to apply more pressure to cut. Not only does this result in tearing rather than cutting, but you’re also more likely to slip or overcorrect, which can lead to accidents. Your blade is much more effective and less likely to cause injury when it does what it’s meant to.
For at-home sharpening, keep the following tips in mind:
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Start with the right tools: use a guided sharpening system, whetstone, or ceramic rod; whatever matches your skill level and comfort. Guided systems, such as our Guided Field Sharpener, are ideal for consistency.
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Match the factory edge angle: most Benchmade knives are sharpened at 30–35° inclusive (about 17–20° per side). Keeping a consistent angle is more important than exact numbers. Reprofiling to a different angle may be desirable in some circumstances, but it requires more work and removes more steel, so keep that in mind.
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Begin with coarse grit if necessary: if your blade is chipped, damaged, or very dull, start with a coarse grit (200–400) to reprofile the edge.
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Progress to medium and fine grits: after restoring the edge, move to medium (600–1000) and fine (2000+) grits for honing and polishing. This will take your edge from a toothy working apex to a refined, smooth edge with razor-like performance.
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Use light, even pressure: let the abrasive do the work. Too much pressure can create uneven edges or damage the steel.
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Maintain symmetry: sharpen both sides evenly. Count strokes or time spent on each side to keep the edge centered.
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Finish with a strop: a leather strop with stropping compound refines the edge and removes any remaining burr for a razor-sharp finish.
- Take your time: It takes time to build up a burr and knock it down through progressive passes. Rushing can lead to poor sharpness and edge rolling. A good edge takes time.
While sharpening at home can go a long way toward ensuring your knife remains in good condition, you may also want to take advantage of the Benchmade LifeSharp guarantee. If you're unsure or want expert service, consider a free sharpening and tune-up service for your Benchmade knife.
Rust Never Sleeps
Corrosion is preventable with a few good habits. Even corrosion-resistant steels can oxidize under the right (or wrong) conditions, especially if exposed to moisture, salt, or acidity. To mitigate corrosion:
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Wipe your blade dry after use.
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Store in a dry environment.
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Avoid leather sheaths for long-term storage, as they can hold moisture.
A thin film of oil provides a barrier between your blade and the elements. If you're near the coast or using your knife to prepare food, up the frequency of care. For minor spotting or the early stages of patina, a gentle polish with a product such as Simichrome Polish or Flitz applied with a microfiber cloth can restore the finish without damaging the steel.
Store With Care
How and where you store your knife matters. Proper storage protects your blade, preserves the edge, and prevents corrosion. For folding knives, store them closed and dry. For fixed blades, ensure the sheath is breathable or remove it during long-term storage.
Avoid leaving knives in damp environments (like basements or gloveboxes), and don’t store a dirty knife, as you’ll just be sealing in trouble. A padded case, knife roll, or felt-lined drawer insert protects edges, prevents unnecessary contact, and helps you stay organized.
Little Fixes, Big Impact
Tighten screws, swap clips, and keep things dialed in. Pocket clips, thumbstuds, and pivot screws can loosen or wear out with regular use. The good news is that most of these small issues are easy to fix at home, and they make a big difference in how your knife performs day-to-day.
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Tighten as needed: use a Torx screwdriver (typically T6 or T10, depending on the part) to snug up loose screws. Just don’t over tighten—snug and secure is the goal.
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Replace worn or missing parts: if a screw strips or a clip bends out of shape, seek replacement parts.
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Thumbstuds and clips can be user-serviced: with the right tool, such as a Torx driver, many components can be replaced or repositioned at home. Left-handed? Swapping a clip to the opposite side is usually just a couple of screws away.
The Benchmade Knifesmith is a premium multi-bit driver that includes 12 hardened, magnetized bits in the handle. It's perfect for performing minor knife maintenance tasks at home or on the go.
Add threadlocker only when needed: if you notice hardware loosening repeatedly, a small drop of blue (non-permanent) threadlocker can help hold things in place. Let it cure for 24 hours before using the knife.
Care Is Legacy
A knife is one of the oldest and most trusted tools in human history. Caring for your EDC or Tactical knife doesn’t just extend its life; it deepens your connection to it. Every cleaned pivot, sharpened edge, or replaced clip is part of the story you share with your knife.
FAQs: Knife Care Basics
Can I sharpen my kitchen knife at home?
Yes, follow these steps:
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Use a whetstone, guided system, or ceramic rod.
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Maintain the factory angle (typically 14° per side for Benchmade cutlery).
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Finish with a leather strop for a polished edge.
How often should I clean my knife?
It depends on how and where you use it. For everyday carry, a quick wipe-down once a week, or after heavy use, is usually enough. If your knife comes into contact with moisture, food, or dirt, clean it right away. For outdoor or work use, aim for a deeper clean every couple of weeks. Regular cleaning keeps your knife performing smoothly and helps prevent wear over time.
How often should I oil my knife?
If you're using it daily, once a week is a solid routine. In dry or low-use situations, once a month is usually enough.
What’s the best way to store knives long-term?
Store in a clean, dry, low-humidity environment. Avoid sheaths unless they’re synthetic and breathable. A soft cloth wrap or drawer insert works well.
How do I know when it’s time to sharpen?
If your knife struggles with basic slicing, it’s time. You can also try the paper test; if the blade doesn’t cleanly slice through printer paper (tears or catches), it needs a touch-up.
What is LifeSharp?
Benchmade offers free sharpening and regular maintenance through LifeSharp service. Whenever you need a fresh edge, simply visit this link to start the process. We will send you a special mailer for safe packaging, along with a prepaid shipping label and instructions. LifeSharp service is free and available for multiple knives at once, anytime. A $10 fee covers the cost of packaging and shipping. You may also bring your knife to us directly via our Factory Store, or visit a participating authorized Benchmade dealer to avoid the $10 fee.
For the life of the knife, we will clean, oil, adjust, and sharpen your Benchmade anytime. Should your knife require a new blade or handle, we'll take care of it free of charge.
If your knife needs more extensive repairs or deep cleaning, which requires disassembly, please begin a warranty claim.