Converting to Tuf-Glide on Folding Knives

I've used a Sentry Tuf-Cloth on my knife blades since my first RSK Mk1 many many years ago. Great stuff.

To this point I've been using 3-in-1 oil on folding knife hinges relatively infrequently, but after reading so many recommendations to use Sentry Tuf-Glide on knife hinges I finally bought their needle tipped bottle.

Now I find myself wondering exactly how to convert to using Tuf-Glide. Should I somehow remove the previously applied oil first? If so, how do I safely de-oil the hinge? My first thought was brake cleaner spray, but I've read it can harm plastics. Then I wonder if I should dip the hinge in rubbing alcohol. Any advice?

Personally, I'd just pull the pivot screw, pull everything out, clean everything and reassemble. Make sure to use blue Loctite on the pivot screw.

Alternatively, some spray electric contact cleaner would probably work.

While I am a longtime happy user of Tuf-Glide, FWIW, I have been using KPL for pivots for a bit, testing, and am happy with it. https://knifepivotlube.com/

I’ve been using Tuf-Glide and a Tuf-Cloth on knives and firearms for over 10 years with only outstanding success. My main training season is over and I have something like 4K rounds on my primary range pistol without cleaning or lubricating it.

For me, the one exception is modern sporting rifles — for them I use Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 10W30 — again with great success.

I don't remember if it was you or Aeromedix, a retailer you were working with at the time, but I remember Tuf-Cloth being provided with the purchase of your knives more than ten years ago. Doing that says a lot about what you think about Tuf-Cloth.

Jeanette Isabelle

Doug, do you still provide Tuf-Cloth with the purchase of every knife, assuming it was you and not Aeromedix? Or was that in the past, if it was you and not Aeromedix?

Jeanette Isabelle

I have quite a few Ritter knives, from the early days of the RSK Mk1 (purchased with the molded sheath), to the very sexy RSK Mk4 Gentleman's Folder, and most recently a beautiful orange RSK Mk1-G2, and I don't recall getting a free Tuf-Cloth.

BTW, I'm so tempted to buy the new RSK Mk3-G2 fixed blade knife. I have the first generation Mk3. It's been my favorite fixed blade knife since I got it. Highly highly recommended!!

In that case, it must have been a deal that the retailer, Aeromedix, had.

Jeanette Isabelle