A Kershaw pocket knife is an investment in quality. This is the company that brought the world Speedsafe Assisted Opening and Composite Blade Technologies, after all.

But, like all tools, a Kershaw pocket knife will need periodic care and maintenance to keep it sharp (figuratively and literally).

Keep this primer bookmarked so you can reference it as needed. Most of what you need to know about basic knife care is in this guide.

Keeping It Clean and Protecting Against Corrosion

The main concern with knives, fixed and folding, has to do with keeping them clean and corrosion free.

Many Kershaw pocket knives are made with titanium and corrosion-resistant steel alloys, like 8Cr13MoV or 14C28N that are unlikely to rust under normal conditions.

However, your pocket knife must still be kept clean to protect against premature wear and corrosion.

After use, always wipe your blade clean. If your knife is particularly dirty and there is lint, dust, fouling or grime in between the scales or at the pivot point, it will need to be disassembled and cleaned.

Otherwise, for a light cleaning, wipe the knife down. Then use compressed air to blow any loose debris out from the pivot point and lightly rinse the knife.

Allow the Kershaw pocket knife to dry completely, then apply a light coat of oil to protect against corrosion. Most household oils, gun oil or WD40 will work fine to lubricate and protect the knife.

Always wipe away excess oil and be very sparing in your application at the pivot point, as oil will attract dirt and dust.

Never allow your knife to sit in water or to remain wet for any prolonged period of time.

Also, if you use your knife in marine environments, always thoroughly rinse and oil it after every use.

Keeping It Sharp

Knives that are kept sharp will cut with less effort, minimizing straining and making them safer to use. Remember, a sharp knife is a safe knife.

You can keep your knife sharp using a variety of systems, pull-through sharpeners, sharpening rods, or just a simple bench stone or pocket stone.

If using a stone, sharpen the knife at an angle between 17° and 20°. A shallower angle will produce a finer (and sharper) edge, but a finer edge will also wear faster.

Always wet the stone or use honing fluid on the surface before use, as this will help to lift and clear particles from the blade, resulting in a more consistent edge and a better finished result.

There are a variety of techniques used in knife sharpening; but whichever you use, remember to apply the same number of strokes on both sides of the blade to ensure a uniform, consistent edge.

Also, keep in mind that all Kershaw knives come with free lifetime sharpening. Just send your knife to their Tualatin, Oregon facility requesting the service. Contact them for details if you are unsure; there is more detailed information on Kershaw’s Warranty page.

Keeping It Tight

Kershaw pocket knives are assembled, predominantly, with Torx T6 and T8 fasteners, although some older models may use T4 screws.

Periodically tighten these fasteners, as this will keep the knife tight and in good shape, and prevent any play that allows dust or particulate matter to get inside of the parts and abrade the knife.

Pay particular attention to the pivot screw, as this will work loose with time as you open and close the knife, and when it gets loose, blade play will develop, which can cause stress to the knife’s hardware.

Always use a Torx driver when doing so; do not use an Allen key or you run the risk of stripping the fasteners.

If you notice the fasteners working loose consistently and are worried they are stripped, use a thread locker when tightening, allowing it to cure fully before using the knife again.

On Blade Coatings

Many Kershaw knives are made with special blade coatings that enhance wear resistance, protect the steel from corrosion, and add beauty and character to the knife.

While these coatings are intended to last a long time and exhibit excellent durability, scratches, scuffs, and wear are not only normal but inevitable.

As the coating wears, however, be aware that you may need to be more judicious in your application of oil on the blade to serve as an insulating layer that protects against corrosion.

Proper Pocket Clip Usage

Many Kershaw pocket knives are equipped with pocket clips that make it easier to carry the knife clipped to the top of a pocket or to MOLLE webbing.

While these carry clips offer a lot of versatility, there is a right way to use them. To ensure the knife stays closed while it’s being carried, clip the knife to the top of the pocket with the spine of the knife up against the edge of the pocket.

Also, press it all the way down to the juncture of the flip and the frame/scale, with the knife inside the pocket and the clip on the outside.

Kershaw advises against carrying its pocket knives loose in a pocket, as well as against clipping the knife to the belt.

What You Should Never Do with a Kershaw Pocket Knife

While these recommendations for Kershaw pocket knife care will help protect your investment, here are some other best practices you should follow in order to prevent injury and protect your pocket knife.

• Never throw the pocket knife.
• Do not strike the pocket knife against any object, or use any object to strike the knife (for instance, when batoning; a folding knife should never be used in this fashion).
• Never use the Kershaw pocket knife as a prying tool.
• Do not leave the knife in water, or put it away while it is still wet.
• Do not apply excessive oil to the pivot point as it will attract dirt, dust, and other abrasive particulate matter.

Following these tips will help ensure that your Kershaw stays in good shape for longer.

Pick Up a New Kershaw Pocket Knife

Looking for a new Kershaw pocket knife? Get it here. We offer free shipping in the United States and sell a lot of popular models, such as the Leek, Blur, Lucha, Iridium, Camp series, and many others.