Every experienced knife user knows that a dull knife is a dangerous knife. Taking good care of your knives is important to keep them cutting smoothly, prevent premature wear, and keep any moving parts working flawlessly.
Proper maintenance of knives should be done on a regular basis with the help of good quality oil to ensure that you do not face any problems when you need to put your knives to use.
Wondering what type of oil to use for your knife? And which ones will last long and protect your investment? We have done some digging into the best knife oils and compiled them to help you in your search. Keep reading to find out about how to choose a knife oil for your knives.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Knife Oil
Comparison of the Best Knife Oils
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What is Knife Oil and What is it Used For?
Just like every other tool, knives also require proper care and maintenance. A knife’s function may be impeded due to pocket lint or dust which collects in the knife’s pivot and locking part if proper care is not taken. Regular lubrication and proper cleaning help to ensure knives stay sharp, movable, and keep working smoothly.
Knife oils are specially formulated oils which keep knives lubricated. There are different lubricants suitable for various types of knives, such as folding knives, kitchen knives, hunting knives, etc. Applying oil to your knife is an important aspect of knife care, and knife oils help you do that easily.
However, knife oil that is suitable for kitchen knives is different from the oil used for knives that are used as tools. For a kitchen knife, it is vital to choose a food-grade oil as some oils may not be safe to use on such knives.
With pocket and folding knives, oil is applied to the moving parts of the knife to ensure that they work smoothly. Generally, the oil used in such knives helps lubricate and clean.
How to Choose Knife Oil
In order to choose knife oil that suits your requirements, keep the following things in mind:
Type of Knife
The various oils available in the market have different properties, which make them suitable for various types of knives. If you want oil for a kitchen knife, you should look for food-grade oil such as mineral oil, but if you are looking for lubricating oil for pocket or folding knives, you should choose one that will better lubricate the moving parts of such knives and protect them from rusting.
Liquid Bearings, 100% Synthetic Oil
Material of Knife
It is imperative to ascertain whether the knife oil that you choose is compatible with the material your knife is made of. Some oils are not compatible with all materials, therefore, you should do a thorough check-up before selecting a knife oil, as the wrong type of oil could cause damage to your knife.
Type of Blade
Before choosing knife oil, you should also consider the material from which the blade is made. For instance, ceramic blades do not need oiling, while synthetic oils are better than organic oils when it comes to metal blades. This is because dust and dirt could stick to an organic oil and prevent the moving parts from working freely or can possibly react with the blade.
Review of the Best Knife Oils
Weapon lubricants are an important part of hunting gear. Keeping that in mind, we have compiled a list of the best knife oils to help keep your hunting knife sharp and ready. After reading this guide, you will find it very easy to choose a knife oil that is perfect for your unique needs:
Best Overall:
Hoppe's No. 9 Lubricating Oil, 14.9 ml Precision Bottle
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
A large percentage of buyers have found this product to be amazing and they state that it is able to do its job spectacularly. They also love its bottle, which is reusable and has a metal needle. This fine-tipped needle not only allows the oil to get to all the hard-to-reach places, but it also dispenses one drop at a time, thus eliminating waste.
Why it Stands Out To Us
There are various things about this oil that we find impressive. It is a refined, high-consistency oil that won’t spoil or solidify. Moreover, this extraordinary product provides intense insurance against cruel conditions and outrageous climate conditions. Also, the precision applicator which comes with this bottle makes it easier to reach even the hardest places with ease.
Who Will Use This Most
This oil works perfectly on an assortment of knives, including folding and pocket knives. It is an essential addition to any hunter’s gear. No hunter should leave this behind on a hunting trip as it protects against pitting and corrosion. Moreover, it can effectively clean rust, thus making even your old knives look like new. It works perfectly in every weather condition. Therefore, hunters anywhere can use this product easily.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The Hoppe’s No.9 lubricating oil is a highly effective oil which is not only ideal for knives but can also be used for guns and other weapons. It does not evaporate or become gummy when exposed to extreme weather condition, but some people have complained regarding shipping.
Buyers say that when they received this product, the bottle cap was not closed tightly, which resulted in leakage. The manufacturer should ensure that the bottle caps are sealed so buyers get the full amount they have paid for.
Bottom Line
If you need an oil that is not only effective but will also last a long time, then this product is perfect for you. It not only cleans all the debris, it ensures that your knives are working smoothly. Just a drop of oil is enough to keep your knife free from corrosion and rust.
Runner-up:
Liquid Bearings, 100% Synthetic Oil
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers attest to the fact that it is excellent synthetic oil that shows extraordinary performance. It contains low and high-temperature characteristics, which are necessary for proper lubrication but are absent from lubricant sprays and petroleum-based oils. Once buyers have used this product, they profess they will never use any other product.
Why it Stands Out To Us
The safety features and excellent performance of this product earn our wholehearted approval. It is the ultimate lubricant with a performance superior to any Petro-oil. It is fully compatible with current and vintage oils and flushes away the residue of evaporated real oil from your knife after a few uses.
You will find your knives working smoothly and folding much easier after you use this product on them. It doesn't contain harmful components such as graphite or PTFE. Moreover, it does not retain or attract dirt and contaminants like petroleum-based oils. The bottle is designed with top-quality LDPE and is available with two stainless steel needles of different lengths, thus making it easier to apply drop-by-drop.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is ideal for all hunters, as it provides essential lubrication to their knives, which keeps them working smoothly. It does not have any odor, therefore, your gear will not smell of oil. It also does not harm or soften any neoprene, plastic, or rubber components, thus ensuring the long life of the knives. The best thing hunters like about this product is that it never becomes gummy or hardens.
What Could Be Improved and Why
This is an amazing product with not much room for improvement. However, users have found it to be a bit more expensive than other products available in the market. If the manufacturers reduced the price of this product, it would be able to fit the budget of many more hunters.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a product that keeps your knives working smoothly while also protecting them, then Liquid Bearings, 100% Synthetic Oil is perfect for you. It comes with a money-back guarantee that instills a feeling of trust among users.
Best for the Money:
Pro-Shot 1-Ounce Zero Friction Needle Oiler
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have found this oil to be a good combination of light-weight oils in a convenient bottle with a perfectly-designed applicator. The oil does a great job of lubricating knives and guns, making it an absolute necessity for all weapons enthusiasts. They are satisfied that this bottle allows the application of the right amount of oil at exactly the right place.
Why it Stands Out To Us
There are two things about this oil that we find exemplary – unmatched performance and economical price. Every hunter should have this lubricating oil in their maintenance and cleaning kit. It is very convenient and does not create a mess. This zero friction, synthetic-based gun oil is formulated for rust prevention, anti-wear, and superior lubrication of all knives and firearms.
Who Will Use This Most
This oil is formulated to meet the needs of every knife or firearm user. It is a budget-friendly product which makes it popular among a large number of knife users. A number of applicators squeeze out too much oil. Oil captures dust. Therefore, it is preferable to apply a thin film on knives to reduce friction. This applicator does that, making it ideal for all knife users.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Users have reported that the needle applicator may leak a small amount if the bottle is left upside down when they are moving around getting into small spaces. A slight change in the cap's design could easily take care of this problem, making the bottle more safe and secure.
Bottom Line
If you want a needle oiler that allows you to get the oil exactly where you need it, then the Pro-Shot Zero Friction Needle Oiler is just the right thing for you. The small bottle is very easy to carry. Its superior anti-wear formula delivers unmatched precision while retaining all its lubricating properties, even in low-temperature settings.
4. KPL Knife Pivot Lube Knife Oil
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This product has received many favorable reviews from recent buyers. They have used it on different knives ranging from Teflon washers to phosphor bronze washers to ceramic bearings. Buyers have found that this product has made a significant difference in every single one. They are of the opinion that this is an awesome product which beats all other products available.
Why it Stands Out To Us
This product not only works great but also has a pleasant smell, which we particularly love. It is suitable for all kinds of knives, as it dramatically improves the action of each. It does not become sticky or get gummed up, thus staying much cleaner.
It makes opening and closing the knives easier and much more satisfying. It is a high-end synthetic lubricant which provides exceptional lubricity, high-containment suspension capacity, and outstanding film-strength. Also, this product has a fantastic price compared to nano oil.
Who Will Use This Most
Whether you own a phosphor bronze washer, Teflon, or bearings, this product works on them all. It also has a great applicator which does not dispense too much at one time, thus giving the users total control over the application. It also contains components which provide complete protection against corrosion, making it a perfect product for all knife owners.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Users have found this oil to be super thin. It does not feel like oil and rolls away from where they put it. We feel that a slight change in its formula would increase its appeal among users.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for knife oil that not only improves the pivot mechanisms in modern folding knives but also protects the knives from premature wear, then the KPL Knife Pivot Lube Knife Oil is for you. It provides ultimate smoothness and improves the action of your folding knife, thus making it one of the best lubricants specifically designed for knives.
5. Nano-Oil - NanoLube Anti Friction Concentrate 10-Weight
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers report that, at first, they were hesitant about spending a relatively large amount of money on such a small bottle of oil. But after they tried it, they found it to be totally worth it. This product has improved the action of their pocket knives to unbelievable levels.
Although their knives were smooth before, after using this product they feel like they are operating on melted butter sliding over glass instead of on bearings or washers. They also like that just a few drops are needed for lubrication, which ensures that this small bottle goes a long way.
Why it Stands Out To Us
The best thing about the NanoLube Anti-friction Concentrate is that it is designed with nano-bearing molecules which easily reach microscopic crevices, providing a low-friction dynamic contact. We also love the fact that this product has multiple applications. It is not just suitable for knives, it is also perfect for guns, fishing reels, hinges, motorcycle forks, electric motors bushings, bearings, chains, and much more.
Who Will Use This Most
The wide application of this product makes it suitable for everyone who wants to keep their knives and firearms working smoothly. It is compatible with a number of mineral and synthetic lubricants available, thus making it perfect for everyone. This product is also used by the sheriff’s departments, Swat team members, and military personnel in Iraq where micro-sand creates a lot of problems.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Although users are highly satisfied with the performance of this amazing product, they are not happy with its price. They think that the price is too high for such a small bottle. Therefore, we recommend that manufacturers reduce the price of this product in order to fit more budgets.
Bottom Line
The NanoLube Antifriction Concentrate is an amazing product worth every penny. It has a needle applicator, which makes it easier to control the amount of oil you want to apply. This high-quality lubricant contains no metals or harmful solvents. Although it comes in a very small, refillable bottle, the oil is going to last a long time. All your knives will work better with the application of this oil.
Benefits of Using Knife Oil
Using the right kind of oil can be highly beneficial for the longevity and performance of your knives. Some benefits are:
Lubrication
Knife oils provide a layer of lubrication to the moving parts of the knife. This prevents them from grinding together and causing damage. It also keeps them moving smoothly and ensures their long life.
Rust Prevention
Lubricating your knife regularly keeps it rust-free. If you own a carbon steel knife, then you should look for oil that says that it increases rust-resistance.
Cleaning
Knife oils also have compounds that make them perfect for cleaning purposes. These knife oils also come with needle applicators. The applicators are small enough to reach into the trickiest parts of the knife easily, thus eliminating the need to take the knife apart for cleaning.
Protection
Knife oil also helps to protect the blade from salt or dampness.
Conclusion
When we invest in good, quality knives, we want them to perform optimally for a long time. However, that is not possible if we do not maintain them properly. In addition to sharpening and cleaning your knives, you should also lubricate them regularly, particularly if you have folding knives.
Pocket or folding knives have a locking mechanism that should be well-lubricated in order to work optimally. Also, it helps improve their functioning and avert rust, corrosion, and premature wear.
This review of the best knife oils presents the top brands and also tries to answer all your queries regarding knife oils. We hope you can easily find an affordable and effective product that is just right for you.