Stay Sharp, Stay Clean: How to Maintain Your NedFoss Folding Knife
If you own a NedFoss folding knife, chances are you picked it for its rugged style, solid build, and sharp performance. Whether you're out in the wild or just opening Amazon packages at home, your knife is your go-to tool.
But like any good tool, it needs a little love to stay in peak condition.
“Is it easy to clean and maintain?”
Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? Let’s break it down.
Why Maintenance Matters
Even high-quality knives like those from NedFoss — made with durable steels like D2, 14C28N, and 7Cr17Mov — will eventually:
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Collect dirt, lint, or wood chips inside the pivot
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Lose that razor-sharp edge after hard use
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Develop light corrosion if left wet or dirty
The good news? Regular care takes only a few minutes and can dramatically extend the life of your blade.
Step-by-Step: How to Maintain Your NedFoss Knife
1. Keep It Clean
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After each use, especially outdoors, wipe the blade with a dry cloth.
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For sticky residue (like tree sap or tape glue), use a little rubbing alcohol.
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For models like the DA52, MY10, or BRUISER, make sure the pivot area stays lint-free.
Pro Tip: Use a toothpick or cotton swab to clean inside the handle or lock area.
2. Lubricate the Pivot
Most NedFoss folders, like the Bushcraft 14C28N Knife or the Warthog Tactical, come with a smooth pivot system—often with ball bearings.
Every few weeks:
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Apply a drop of knife-specific oil (or light machine oil) to the pivot.
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Open and close the blade a few times to spread the oil.
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Wipe off any excess.
Result: smoother deployment and reduced wear over time.
3. Sharpen When Needed
NedFoss blades generally arrive razor-sharp, but edge retention varies by steel:
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D2 holds an edge well but needs diamond or ceramic sharpening.
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14C28N sharpens easily with standard stones.
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7Cr17Mov is softer but ideal for easy home touch-ups.
Tools you can use:
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Pocket sharpeners
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Whetstones
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Guided angle systems
If you don’t sharpen often, aim for once every few months depending on usage.
4. Prevent Rust & Corrosion
Though most NedFoss steels are stainless, they’re not rust-proof.
Especially for D2 models like the MY10:
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Lightly oil the blade after cleaning (especially if it got wet or sweaty).
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Store it dry. Don’t leave it in a wet sheath or pocket for extended periods.
A few drops of mineral oil go a long way in preventing surface corrosion.
5. Tighten Loose Screws
After extended use, especially heavy-duty knives like the DA52, screws may loosen slightly.
Use a small Torx driver set (T6–T8) to check and tighten:
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Pocket clip
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Pivot screw
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Frame or liner screws
Always tighten just until snug—over-tightening can affect the blade’s action.
Knife-Specific Tips
| Model | Steel | Special Maintenance Note |
|---|---|---|
| NedFoss MY10 | D2 | Keep dry, oil regularly |
| NedFoss BRUISER | 14C28N | Easy to sharpen, low rust |
| NedFoss Sweetheart | 7Cr17Mov | Simple care, no oiling needed if dry |
| NedFoss WARTHOG | 8Cr14Mov | Clean pivot, check lock |
| NedFoss DA52 | 7Cr17Mov | Large blade, oil pivot often |
Recommended Care Products (Available on Amazon)
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KPL Knife Pivot Lube – Keeps action buttery smooth
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CIVIVI or Kershaw Torx Tools – For screw maintenance
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Lansky BladeMedic – Quick field sharpening
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Esee Knife Oil – Prevents rust, food-safe
Final Thoughts: Care for It, and It’ll Cut for Years
Maintaining your NedFoss folding knife doesn’t require pro skills or fancy tools. With a few minutes of regular care, your knife will stay:
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Sharp
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Safe
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Ready for anything
So the next time your blade gets muddy or a little sluggish, give it a quick tune-up. Your future self (and your blade) will thank you.
