What's the dirt on dirt-proof folders?

For an assisted my Zero Tolerance 0301 is pretty open and easy to blow out.

For higher grit areas, I'd suggest NOT getting an AO.

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Got to agree....And I can open my non-assisted ZT0550 a little faster than my 0301. Without wrist flicking.

0550....on bottom, 0301 on top.







Open design works great with blowing out with a compressor..

I would not overlook the Benchmade Axis Locks either.

They don't come any more one-hand friendly.

I have never seen any evidence they are prone to dust or dirt making them feel gritty.

Unlike all liner-locks, nothing touches the blade when they are released to close them.

rc

A Skilsaw gets "dust" on it at a jobsite for heavens sake.. go figure. lolz. Sometimes you have to monitor/maintain your tools. If you drop it in concrete, you might have to wash it off etc. you can do it!

What I'm thinking of is similar to an o-ring motorcycle chain, which retains lubrication and keeps dirt out of the pivots.

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Look for any folder with nylon, teflon, or bronze washers.

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Yep.....a little out of focus. But you can see the bronze washers.

Looking at my (G10) Manix 2, I'm not so sure it's a great design for dealing with drywall dust. There's gaps between the liners and the blade, perfect place for dust to get in and difficult to get out. The washer design above looks a little better. Lower-end designs where the blade and the liners are flush may be better.

Really seems like a job for a small fixed-blade though. I love folders but if you're going into the muck you wanted something with no moving parts.

Manual openers like the Spyderco Sage II Ti and the waved Endura and Delicas, CRKT Shenanigan Aluminum and Lake Thunderbolt, ... are out there with washers that help keep grit out.

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Note that the screw construction on the Gen 4 delica / endura models allows you to disassemble for cleaning, as well. I've had a few occasions where my Endura or trainer got dirty enough that disassembly was warranted. Spyderco even sells a parts kit for when you loose the washers in the process

The Endura and Endura trainer come apart fairly easily and don't have many parts. There are numerous tutorials online that walk through the process. I'm not especially handy and have no problems with it.

A knife is going to have dust and dirt thrown at it. The real issue is, will it stick? My new Benchmade Risk was shipped with some oil on it, and presently collects lint worse than a dryer trap. It simply needs to be degreased - non chlorinated brake cleaner being one simple and cheap method. Then, not hosing it down in some other oily or otherwise attractive substance. It just makes the problem come back.

That's the issue - applying more of something that makes dust and dirt stick. It would be better to apply something that reduces it. Like aluminum alloy wheel treatments. If the black goo from cheap disc brake pads won't stick, then everyday dirt and dust won't do well, either.

The knives I've cleaned and left dry collect much less muck. A stainless knife with stainless or titanium liners and synthetic grips of whatever composition doesn't need much in the way of lube, and a hot water rinse disposes of what does stick.

Λ Λ Λ Λ
What he said.
A dry knife is a clean dust-free knife.

And any modern knife made of modern materials can be a dry knife and survive quite nicely.

If you need lube?
Use powdered lock graphite, or Remington Dry-Lube spray.

As far as cleaning a folder in a NYC under-ground tunnel operation??

Don't yous guys have air compressors with blow nozzles fairly close at hand to blow the tunnel sand off yous Gyro clam sandwiches before lunch????

PS: Just joking you!
What does an old Kansas farm boy know about NYC?
Except the time I was there on a weekend pass for the 1964 Worlds Fair while going through Basic at Ft. Dix NJ.

That weekend scared me enough, I ain't never been back!!

rc

Funny how everyone has different approaches to keeping their tools in good working condition. My folder is exposed to serious saltwater corrosion (understatement) along with the usual dust/dirt from riding inside a front pants pocket at all times. My solution is to periodically open the blade and run the entire knife under a strong hot water stream while opening and closing it repeatedly to exercise spring, lock, and hinge. Works like a charm, the tool is then carefully dried off (including a cloth or paper towel folded up around a small slot bladed screwdriver that's run up and down every portion of the slot that blade, spring, etc rest in). Once I'm satisfied that the knife is clean and dry then a tiny drop or two of fine gun oil (Gunslik or Break Free) for hinge, spring, and blade then every last bit of it removed with a soft cloth and you're ready to go.... My current EDC is a full sized Benchmade Ascent, in the past it's been AlMar Eagle, Cold Steel push blade, and others. All have survived corrosion and other hard use issues if I don't lose them...

That sounds like the plan!!

You will love the Spyderco I betcha!

rc