7 Critical Mistakes That Are Destroying Your Survival Knife (And How to Fix Them)
No matter if you use high carbon steel blades or a stainless steel knife, a dull knife isn't helpful. We'll show you how to save that knife blade.
When disaster strikes, your survival knife becomes your lifeline.
Yet many survivalists unknowingly damage their blades through improper maintenance, potentially leaving them vulnerable when they need their knives most.
Learning how to maintain a survival knife properly isn't just about keeping up appearances – it's about ensuring your blade will perform when your life depends on it.
1. Neglecting Regular Cleaning
One of the most devastating mistakes in survival knife maintenance is allowing debris and moisture to linger on your blade.
After each use, thoroughly and safely clean your knife with a dry cloth. If you've used it in wet conditions, completely disassemble the knife (if possible) and dry all components. If disassembly isn't an option, do your best to safely dry the blade.
For stubborn residues, use a mild soap solution, but never store your knife until it's completely dry.
Quick Fix: Create a daily cleaning routine. After each use, wipe down your blade with a microfiber cloth, paying special attention to the handle-blade junction where moisture often collects.
2. Improper Storage Leading to Rust
Understanding how to prevent survival knife rust starts with proper storage. Many survivalists make the critical error of storing their knives in leather sheaths long-term.
Leather retains moisture, creating the perfect environment for rust formation. Even stainless steel blades aren't immune to this threat.
Quick Fix: Store your knife in a climate-controlled environment, using silica gel packets can help to absorb moisture. Potentially consider applying a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil before storage.
3. Wrong Sharpening Techniques
Survival knife edge damage repair often becomes necessary due to incorrect sharpening practices.
Using the wrong angle, applying too much pressure, or employing inappropriate sharpening tools can permanently damage your blade's edge geometry.
Quick Fix:
- Maintain a consistent angle (typically 20-25 degrees per side for survival knives, check with the maker to know for sure)
- Use proper sharpening stones, starting with coarser grits and progressing to finer ones
- Let the weight of the blade do the work – don't apply excessive pressure
4. Ignoring the Pivot Point
The pivot point in folding survival knives often gets overlooked during maintenance.
This crucial area needs regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent lock failure – a potentially dangerous situation in survival scenarios.
Quick Fix: Every month, apply a drop of quality knife oil to the pivot point and work the blade open and closed several times to ensure even distribution.
5. Using the Wrong Lubricants
Many well-meaning survivalists use WD-40 or household oils on their survival knives.
These products can attract dust and debris, creating a grimy mixture that accelerates wear and may contaminate materials you cut.
Quick Fix: Invest in proper knife oils or appropriate food-grade mineral oil. These products provide protection without compromising your blade's utility for food preparation.
6. Neglecting Handle Maintenance
While focusing on blade maintenance, many overlook their knife's handle.
Wooden handles can crack from moisture exposure, while synthetic handles can degrade from UV exposure and chemical contact.
Quick Fix:
- For wooden handles: Apply boiled linseed or wood care oil every few months.
- For synthetic handles: Clean with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals
- Regularly inspect for cracks or damage
7. Improper Use as Tools
Your survival knife is not a pry bar, screwdriver, or hammer.
Using it for these purposes can lead to blade chips, broken tips, and compromised handle integrity – all potentially fatal flaws in survival situations.
Quick Fix: Stick to tasks your knife was designed for. Carry a proper multitool for prying, screwing, and hammering tasks.
Final Thoughts on Survival Knife Maintenance
Learning how to maintain a survival knife safely and properly is crucial for emergency preparedness.
By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the suggested fixes, you'll ensure your blade remains reliable when you need it most. Remember, in a survival situation, your knife might be the only tool standing between you and disaster. Treat it with the respect it deserves.
Maintenance Schedule Quick Reference:
Daily:
- Wipe down blade after use
- Check for moisture
- Inspect edge condition
Weekly:
- Deep clean all parts
- Check for early signs of rust
- Test edge sharpness
Monthly:
- Full disassembly and cleaning
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Thorough edge maintenance if needed
