Kizer Knife Maintenance Checklist

Category

Tasks

Notes

Steel-Specific Prep

- S35VN: Check for dampness daily

Low chromium (14%) → prone to rust

- Nitro-V: Keep away from high heat

Avoids hardness loss

- Damascus: Wipe dirt off patterns after use

Prevents dulling

Daily Cleaning

1. Brush pivot/lock with soft-bristled brush

Removes hidden dust

2. Wipe blade with mild soapy warm water

No harsh cleaners

3. Dry immediately with suede cloth

Focus on pivot moisture

4. Skip steel wool on Damascus; no alcohol on Micarta handles

Prevents material damage

Rust Prevention

- Light use (≤3x/week): Apply thin food-grade mineral oil post-cleaning

Wipe excess with tissue

- Heavy use (daily): Spray dry rust inhibitor + wipe evenly

Lasts 1 month

- Long storage (>1 month): Add 1 drop lubricant to pivot; store in dry box with desiccant

Keeps blade/latch protected

Calibration

- Loose pivot: Tighten with Kizer T6 Torx wrench (1/4 turn clockwise)

Don’t over-tighten (causes jamming)

- Sticky lock: Brush lock bar/slot with lubricant; open/close 5x

Spreads lubricant evenly

- Handles: Wipe titanium with suede; apply wood wax oil to Micarta/G10 every 3 months

Restores non-slip texture

Mistakes to Skip

❌ No WD-40 (corrodes gaskets)

✅ Use Kizer’s Teflon lubricant

❌ No air-drying

✅ Blow crevices with cool hair dryer (30 sec)