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Clean sand out of a knife

Q. How do you get sand out of your knife’s insides?
— Sandy Adam, Amherst, N.Y.

A. Hey Adam. Sand is definitely a big problem when it comes to folding pocketknives. And it doesn’t really take much sand to foul up the folding and locking mechanism.

Try to blow the grit out of the knife using an air compressor (some dads have these in their workshops). If you don’t have access to an air compressor, you can buy a can of compressed air that’s typically used for cleaning computers and other electronics. You can find it at most office supply stores and electronics shops for about $7-$10. Just aim the air into all the nooks and crannies of your knife and try to blast the sand out.

Once you’ve got most of it out, lubricate your knife (and especially the folding mechanism) with a basic 3-in-1 oil. Do that and your knife should be sand-free and ready for business.


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15 Comments on Clean sand out of a knife

  1. camocamaro // May 23, 2015 at 4:29 pm // Reply

    yup air compressor is what i always used!

  2. If you have a multi-tool like I do you can try to take it apart and soak it in 3-1oil. Let it sit for about 45 seconds and then wipe it down with a paper towl.

  3. duke of nothingham // May 8, 2012 at 11:56 am // Reply

    take A your knife run it under you kitchen faucet with the hot water all the way up take Q-tip run it through all the cracks and crevices on your knife then take a dry Q-tip and do the same thing dry your knife and oil it. (and buy your self a small lock blade so as to avoid the problem in the future)

  4. howdy partner // January 20, 2012 at 7:19 pm // Reply

    If I had to pick a pocket knife I would pick a leatherman they are really nice its got a screwdriver a saw a file and lots of other things too.

  5. What tipe of Knife do u have?

    • Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) // December 8, 2011 at 11:07 pm // Reply

      I have a Gerber LMF II fixed blade for my primary camping,scouting,hiking,hunting and survival knife. for a everyday carry knife I use a Gerber Bear Grylls scout or a Bear Grylls Ultimate multi-tool(Gerber Suspension).

  6. Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) // October 12, 2011 at 9:38 pm // Reply

    Really? Well I still carry my GERBER LMF II every where I go INCLUDING to scout meetings and scout outings. I admit it would be better to carry a folding knife for meetings(which most of the time I do) But here in the Idaho mountains You don’t rely on a folding knife when you go on an outing. NOTHING can beat a fixed blade for heavy duty work. And my scout master doesn’t seem to care.(one time one of the scouts brought a 15″ machete to a meeting to show the other scouts and do you know what he said? “There you go!” in a good job kind of a tone of voice) By the way I am a Buck knifes fan also! how does the 110 hunter do? being a buck I am sure it is a one of a kind!

  7. @Chad101 BSA’s official policy is that you are no longer allowed to carry fixed blade knives. I do like to have a fixed blade for hunting and fishing, but I carry the Buck110 for Scout and Daily use. Thanks for the cleaning ideas.

    • Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) // October 20, 2011 at 1:36 pm // Reply

      It says in my boy scout book the BSA does not ENCOURAGE the use of sheath knifes. It does not say you cant have them it just says they PREFER it if you dont carry one.

  8. Q-Tips work nicely as does a toothbrush.

  9. Get a fixed blade and you wont have that problem. But whatever makes your weals spin I guess it’s your choice.

  10. spay it with air conpresser.

  11. Pedro's Keeper // July 20, 2011 at 4:34 pm // Reply

    While your remedy is practical, how about good old fresh water from the tap, followed by an application of 3 in one?

  12. I’ve been having this problem too. Thanks Sandy And Gear Guy

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