I use the compressed air can for my knives also. to get rid of the "gunk" I use a little water and dawn to cut the built up greese and the i take a small brush .I use one of my kids brushes they use for their braces. of coarse they don't use it again. its a very small brush long ang thin. it work great to clean out the grunge. then i use a blow drier to get rid of any water and 3in1 multi oil to finish the job.