Gun Oil on Knives: What You Need to Know (Video Guide)

As a knife enthusiast, you might wonder if you can use gun oil on your knives. The short answer is that you can, but it’s not recommended.

While gun oil has various benefits for firearms, including helping to maintain grip and lubricating the mechanisms, it can also damage knives if applied excessively. Some knife manufacturers specifically warn against using gun oil on knives.

Can I use other oils or gels on my knives instead of gun oil?

Instead, recommend using a light lubricant like WD-40 or vegetable shortening on your knives when they start to feel dry. These products are safe to use on most knives and won’t damage them.

What is the difference between gun oil and WD-40?

Gun oil and WD-40 are both lubricants, but the main difference is that gun oil is designed for firearms. WD-40 was created as a military solvent and can also remove waterlogged wood, grease, or other substances from surfaces. It’s also safe to use on metal and plastic guns.

One thing to remember when using these products is that they may not be suitable for all firearms or ammunition. So make sure you read the product label before using it!

How does it work on knives?

Many people mistakenly think that gun oil works on knives the same way it works on firearms. While this may have been true, modern-day formulas are designed to work specifically with knives. This is because a firearm’s moving parts require regular lubrication to prevent them from jamming and losing accuracy, while a knife relies more heavily on its blade for cutting purposes.

Gun oil formulations are typically made up of several types of oils, including synthetic motor oil, heavy petroleum distillates (like naphtha), silicone fluids and esters, pine tar soap flakes, graphite powder mixtures (for anti-rust properties), shellac varnish (to stop corrosion), and mineral spirits or kerosene (for cleaning). All these ingredients combine to form a fluid film that locks away moisture and prevents rusting.

Myths about using gun oil on your knives

While there are a few myths about using gun oil on your knives, most of them have nothing to do with lubricating and preserving your knives. Here are four common misconceptions about gun oil and knife maintenance:

Myth 1: Gun oil damages knives: This is false. Gun oils are often made from synthetic compounds that protect against rust and other corrosion.

Myth 2: Lubricating my blade with a high-quality firearm lubricant will become loose or “gummy” over time: Again, this is false. While some firearms lubricants may contain silicone or waxes that can cause small amounts of slippage over time, most will not gum up your knife blades. These products can help preserve the finish on your blade by preventing wear caused by friction between metal surfaces.

Myth 3: All guns need to be coated in lube: Not everyone has access to a quality firearm lubricant, let alone uses it on their blades regularly enough for it to make any real difference. Nor does applying firearm lube preclude you from sharpening or cleaning your weapon as necessary。 Reality check – Many homeowners rely primarily on WD-40–based solutions when dealing with nuisance “click” issues related to rusty trigger assemblies (those require more than just wiping down), adjusting sights without delinking parts first, etc.

Benefits

As a general rule, gun oil is used to lubricate firearms and improve their performance. However, it can also be used on knives to help them glide smoothly across the skin or reduce friction while cutting. Here are some of the most common benefits of using gun oil on your knives:

• It helps reduce friction and wear between the blade and food, improving precision and accuracy when slicing meat or vegetables.
• It prevents sticking by providing a thin layer of protection that shields the knife from moisture and bacteria buildup. This keeps your blades sharper for more extended periods.
• Gun oil eliminates drag during cuttings, making it easier for you to quickly handle large cuts without feeling fatigued or struggling with resistance.
• Gun oil adds a sheen to your blade that provides visual deterrence against robbery or theft (making it less likely that someone will try taking your knife).

How do I use gun oil on my knives?

When using gun oil on your knives, you will want to apply a thin layer of the oil to the blade and then work it into the metal with your fingers. It would be best if you did this before each use to help protect the blades from rusting and increase their lifespan. Additionally, gun oil can be used as a lubricant when sharpening knives or other tools. It is also effective in restoring lost sheen and reducing friction during operation.

How do I know if my knife needs gun oil?

There are a few ways to test if your knife needs gun oil. One way is to wipe the blade down with a clean cloth and apply enough gun oil to cover the entire blade. Then, put the knife back in its sheath and wait one hour before testing it again. If the blade doesn’t slip when you rub it against anything, your knife may need additional lubrication.

Another way is to wet your finger and insert it into several spots along the length of the blade while rubbing briskly backward and forward.

Can I use other oils or gels on my knives instead of gun oil?

There is much debate surrounding this topic, but the consensus is that you should not use other oils or gels on your knives. Many believe these products can contaminate and damage the blade, while others maintain that they don’t work as well as gun oil. It’s ultimately up to you whether or not you want to try using another type of lubricant on your knife, but be sure to test it out first in an inconspicuous area before putting it into regular use.

How often can I use gun oil on my knives? 

While it is not recommended to use gun oil on your knives every time you use them, it may be permissible in some cases. Make sure to read the product label and follow the instructions carefully. Generally speaking, you should only apply Gun Oil when your knife has become dry or rusty due to contact with food.

If applied regularly, Gun Oil will help prevent corrosion and increase the lifespan of your knife by protecting its blade from wear and tear. A small amount of gun oil can be applied once or twice a month, depending on how often your blades are used.

Is it safe to store my guns with gun oil?

The safety of your guns depends on various factors, including the type and amount of gun oil you use. However, many firearms experts recommend storing your guns in a dry and cool location (between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit), away from children and other pets, out of reach of thieves or curious bystanders, and out of reach sight.

In addition to keeping your guns safe, using gun oil can help to keep them functioning properly. It protects metal surfaces against corrosion while offering extra lubrication for smooth operation.

What if I accidentally spill gun oil onto my knife? 

Thoroughly cleaning and removing any gun oil residue from your knife using a commercial cleaner or soap is the best action. If this is impossible, you should wait until the oil has dried before wiping it off. Never use water or other solvents to clean your knife; these can damage the blade and render it unusable. Additionally, do not put your hand near the blade when it’s wet – even if you think the oil has been wiped away. For added safety, store your knives in a sheath when they’re not in use.

Is there a downside to using gun oil on knives?

There may be a downside to using gun oil on your knives, but it depends on the type of gun oil you are using. Some oils can cause rust and corrosion if they get into the blade, while others can weaken it over time. It is important to use caution when applying any oil to your knives, as improper use could lead to accidents.

Final Words

As you can see, gun oils are not just for guns. Many people use it to clean their knives too. The oil leaves the blades super shiny and prevents rust from forming.

If you have not used gun oil before, you might be surprised to see its effectiveness. I recommend Hoppes 9 Elite Gun Cleaning kit for thoroughly cleaning your knives and air guns. It comes with a brush and cloth that can help you quickly clean even the most difficult parts of your firearms.

It also comes with extra brushes and hovers, so don’t worry if it doesn’t come with what you need!