KEEP YOUR QSP KNIFE AT ITS BEST
A good knife is built to last—but proper care makes all the difference.
Regular cleaning, lubrication, sharpening, and proper storage will help keep your QSP knife performing smoothly and looking its best for years to come.
Follow these simple care guidelines to get the most from your knife.
1. KEEP YOUR KNIFE CLEAN
Dirt, dust, pocket lint, moisture, food residue, and other debris can accumulate on the blade, pivot, and locking mechanism over time.
After use:
· Wipe the blade clean with a soft, dry cloth.
· Remove dirt or debris from the handle and locking mechanism.
· If necessary, use a soft brush or compressed air to clean hard-to-reach areas.
· Make sure the knife is completely dry before storage.
For folding knives, pay particular attention to the pivot, lock, liners, and internal areas of the handle, where debris can accumulate.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that may damage blade finishes, coatings, handle materials, or other components.
2. KEEP THE BLADE DRY
Even stainless steel can corrode under certain conditions.
Moisture, sweat, saltwater, humidity, acids, and chemicals can increase the risk of staining or corrosion.
After exposure to moisture:
Clean → Dry → Lightly Oil
If your knife has been exposed to saltwater, sweat, food acids, or other corrosive substances, clean and dry it as soon as possible.
For long-term storage, applying a very light coat of suitable knife or mineral oil to the blade can provide additional protection.
A NOTE ABOUT STAINLESS STEEL
“Stainless” does not mean completely rust-proof.
Different blade steels offer different levels of corrosion resistance. High-performance steels may still develop staining or corrosion if exposed to moisture or corrosive environments without proper care.
Regular maintenance is the best protection.
3. LUBRICATE THE PIVOT
For folding knives, occasional lubrication helps keep the opening and closing action smooth.
Apply a small amount of quality knife lubricant to the pivot area when needed.
A little goes a long way.
Too much lubricant can attract dust and pocket debris, which may eventually affect the action of the knife.
After applying lubricant:
1. Open and close the knife several times.
2. Allow the lubricant to work into the pivot.
3. Wipe away any excess.
For knives with bearings or washers, keeping the pivot clean is just as important as lubrication.
4. CHECK THE HARDWARE
With regular use and carrying, screws may gradually loosen over time.
Periodically check:
· Pivot screw
· Handle screws
· Pocket clip screws
· Backspacer or standoff screws
· Other external hardware
If a screw becomes loose, tighten it carefully using the correct size and type of tool.
Do not overtighten screws, as excessive force may damage the screw, threads, bearings, washers, or other components.
If you are unsure which tool or replacement part is required, please contact QSP Knife for assistance.
5. KEEP YOUR EDGE SHARP
A sharp knife is more effective and requires less force during cutting.
Sharpen your knife when you notice a noticeable decline in cutting performance rather than waiting until the edge becomes extremely dull.
Use a sharpening system appropriate for your blade steel and edge geometry.
When sharpening:
· Maintain a consistent sharpening angle.
· Use light, controlled pressure.
· Avoid removing more steel than necessary.
· Take extra care near the blade tip.
· Clean the blade after sharpening.
Improper sharpening may alter the blade geometry or damage the edge.
If you are unfamiliar with sharpening, we recommend practicing on a less valuable knife or using a professional sharpening service.
6. USE YOUR KNIFE AS A KNIFE
QSP knives are designed primarily as cutting tools.
To help prevent damage, do not use your knife as a:
· Pry bar
· Screwdriver
· Chisel
· Hammer
· Punch
· Can opener or other improvised tool
Avoid excessive twisting, prying, lateral force, or impact on the blade.
Using the knife for tasks it was not designed for may damage the blade, tip, pivot, lock, or other components and may not be covered by warranty.
7. CARE FOR YOUR HANDLE
Different handle materials require slightly different care.
G10 & FRN
G10 and FRN are durable and relatively low-maintenance.
Clean with a damp cloth or mild soap and water when necessary, then dry thoroughly.
Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals or excessive heat.
MICARTA
Micarta may naturally darken over time as it absorbs oils from your hands. This is normal and often gives the material a unique patina.
For cleaning, use mild soap, water, and a soft brush or cloth. Dry thoroughly afterward.
TITANIUM & ALUMINUM
Wipe with a clean, soft cloth.
Anodized or coated surfaces may develop scratches or wear from normal carrying and use. This is generally cosmetic and does not affect performance.
Avoid abrasive cleaners if you want to preserve the original finish.
CARBON FIBER
Clean carbon fiber with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry afterward.
Avoid aggressive abrasives or harsh chemicals that could affect the surface finish.
WOOD & NATURAL MATERIALS
Wood, mother of pearl, and other natural materials may be sensitive to moisture, extreme temperatures, chemicals, and prolonged sunlight.
Avoid soaking these materials in water.
Natural variations in grain, color, and pattern are part of their character and are not defects.
8. CARE FOR COATED & FINISHED BLADES
Stonewashed, satin, black-coated, bead-blasted, and other blade finishes may require slightly different care.
Coated blades still need to be kept clean and dry, particularly along the cutting edge and any exposed steel.
Normal scratches, fading, rubbing, and coating wear may occur through regular use and carrying.
These changes are generally cosmetic and can become part of the character of a well-used knife.
9. STORE YOUR KNIFE PROPERLY
If your knife will not be used for an extended period:
· Clean and dry it thoroughly.
· Apply a light protective oil to the blade when appropriate.
· Store it in a cool, dry environment.
· Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity.
· Avoid storing the knife while wet or dirty.
For long-term storage, avoid leaving the knife in a damp sheath or other material that may retain moisture.
Always store knives safely and securely away from children and unauthorized users.
10. DISASSEMBLY & MAINTENANCE
Some knife owners choose to disassemble their folding knives for deeper cleaning and maintenance.
If you choose to do so:
· Use the correct tools.
· Keep track of all screws and components.
· Pay attention to the original position of washers, bearings, spacers, and hardware.
· Do not force components during removal or reassembly.
· Avoid overtightening screws.
As stated in our Warranty Policy, disassembly alone does not automatically void your warranty. However, damage resulting from improper disassembly, reassembly, modification, or installation of incompatible components may not be covered.
If you are unsure, please contact QSP Knife before disassembling your knife.
11. KNIVES USED AROUND FOOD
If you use your knife for food preparation, clean the blade promptly after use.
Food acids, salt, and moisture may affect some blade steels.
Use only cleaning products and lubricants appropriate for the intended use of the knife. If the blade may come into contact with food, choose a suitable food-safe lubricant where appropriate.
12. REGULAR MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
A little routine maintenance goes a long way.
AFTER USE
✓ Wipe the blade clean
✓ Keep the knife dry
✓ Remove visible dirt or debris
PERIODICALLY
✓ Check pivot action
✓ Check screws and pocket clip
✓ Lubricate the pivot when needed
✓ Inspect the cutting edge
✓ Check the locking mechanism
FOR LONG-TERM STORAGE
✓ Clean thoroughly
✓ Dry completely
✓ Lightly protect the blade
✓ Store in a dry environment
NEED HELP?
If you have questions about caring for your QSP knife, replacement parts, maintenance, or a potential product issue, our customer service team is here to help.
QSP Knife
Better Knife, Better Life.
Email: help@qspknife.com
For manufacturing defects or other qualifying product issues, please refer to our Warranty Policy.