Multi-tools & knifes: How to clean, sharpen and oil your favourite outdoor tool

Compact, agile and ready to take with your next adventure, multi-tools are an outdoor enthusiast's best friend. These hardy and versatile tools are as useful indoors or at home as they are while you are backpacking or camping in the middle of nowhere.

At their heart, pocket-friendly multi-tools and knives are a survival essential: and offer multiple tools and gadgets which can be used to solve numerous problems or tasks you may encounter. For most multi-tools, their most basic component is often a versatile knife or precision cutting tool. We’ve put together a short guide on the best way to use your multi-tool and care for it correctly, as well as some safety tips and top product picks.

1. How to clean & care for your multi-tool or knife.

Important: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or product information regarding the correct way to clean your gadget. Generally, do not put your multi-tool or knife in a dishwasher when cleaning it.

Although this is a common mistake, it is advised to avoid any types of dishwashing for your knives and multi-tools, as the detergents used can cause your knife to cease up. It is also not great for the casing around many multi-tool products.

Likewise, bleach is also not recommended, as it is too harsh and may cause scratches to the blade and hinges which will eventually make them more prone to jamming.

Avoid sandpaper or rust remover. Similar to using bleach, these products can always cause more damage to your product in the long run and it is recommended to avoid these rough, harsh materials on the small and intricate designs used with multi-tools.

Before you start cleaning your multi-tool

First, make sure it does not have any electronic, battery, or USB components on it. If it does, first remove them before you begin cleaning it.

Then, start by removing any free-standing parts of your multi-tool, such as the toothpick, pens, and needles. You can give these separate components a quick rinse under hot water to remove any excess dirt.

You now use your toothpick tool, or a similar small tool you have lying around, to scrape off as much of the grime or mess that will usually accumulate around the joins and hinges of your tool.

You do not have to clean all the grime away - just try to clean as much of the surface dirt or material as you can.

How to clean the rest of your multi-tool

You will most likely only need to use a small amount of hot water and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid - however, it is always recommended to check the product information regarding the correct cleaning detergents to be used.

Submerge your tool in the warm water and then open and close the blades or different tools several times until they can move freely.

If you used any soap or detergent, run it under the warm water sufficiently until you are confident you have removed any excess soap or grime from the tool.

Once the cleaning is done, dry them off with a soft rag and let them dry off fully in a warm, dry place, out of direct sunlight. You are then ready to sharpen your knife and apply oil if necessary.

2. Sharpening your knife or multi-tool

It is recommended that you always sharpen your knife or tools before applying any oil.

There are plenty of different techniques, tools, and materials that are used for knife sharpening - and finding the best one to use will be a matter of personal preference, what you have access to, and what is suggested to use with your specific multi-tool product

Unsure about the right sharpening tools or techniques? Visit our team of in-store experts who can assist with all your knife sharpening needs.

For most common multi-tools it is recommended that you resharpen your blade using a whetstone at an angle of 15°- 20°. This will result in a cutting angle of 30°- 40°. If resharpening on a grinding wheel, always cool with plenty of water to avoid excessive temperatures.

You can also use these same angles with portable knife-sharpening tools - which can be very handy when you are outdoors, or mid-adventure, and need to quickly sharpen your knife.

Here are some of our top multi-tool and knife sharpening products to help keep your tools perfectly sharp when you need them.

WARTHOG A4 VSHARP CLASSIC BLADE SHARPENER

The V-SHARP® CLASSIC II uses two high quality, 325 grit diamond hones that sharpen the blade on both sides simultaneously using calibrated Spring Tension. Ideal for Kitchen, Fillet, Hunting and most other flat-blade knives. This high-quality model has a hand-crafted Steel Frame, Solid Rubber Base and durable Black Powder-coat finish.

The V-SHARP® CLASSIC II can also use ceramic hones to sharpen serrated knives and give a superior edge to smooth blade knives.

Why Buy?

325 grit diamond rod
3 Adjustable Angles (20, 25 & 30)
Steel Frame Construction
Durable Powder coat Finish
Solid Rubber Base
Finishing steels included

WARTHOG A4 VSHARP CLASSIC BLADE SHARPENER

LANSKY KNIFE SHARPENER 5 STONE

The ultimate knife sharpening systems technology safe, easy, and convenient to use. The Lansky Sharpening System is designed to give your blade a professional, razor-sharp edge every time.

Why Buy?

Precision-engineered, multi-angle, flip-over knife clamp.
Sharpening hones on color-coated, finger-grooved safety holders
One guide rod for each honing stone
Specially formulated honing oil
Extra-long knife clamp screws
Custom molded storage/carrying case to hold all system components
Complete easy-to-follow multi-lingual instructions

WORK SHARP KNIFE & TOOL SHARPENER MK.2

The Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener Mk.2 sharpens every knife and tool you own. The flexible belts, sharpening guides, and a two-speed motor makes sharpening faster, easier, and more versatile than before. Used by the pros

Why Buy?

The angle guide adjusts between 20 degrees and 25 degrees to create precise, repeatable bevels on any knife.
Switch between high and low sharpening speeds for more control or more power when you need it.
Flexible abrasive belts conform to any blade shape, meaning you can sharpen all your knives, scissors, axes, mower blades, garden shears, shovels etc

3. How to oil your multi-tool or knife

After drying and sharpening your knife, you may want to also add some oil to ensure that all the parts are operating as smoothly as possible.

Oiling a knife can be messy, so make sure that you lay down newspaper before you begin and have a couple of spare rags or clothes available to help keep everything clean while working on your multi-tool.

Start with the blades all shut and put a few small drops of oil directly onto where each tool connects to the body or housing of the knife.

Next, place a small drop of oil between the blades and the casing - or where there are springs or other friction or contact points on the tool.

Once this is complete you can open all tools on your knife and place a tiny bit of oil directly into the space inside the tool where the separate components are housed.

Now open and close each individual tool and blade repeatedly to help let the oil reach inside the hinges.

If you feel and stiff or crunchy movements after opening and closing the tool about a dozen or more times, then you can apply a tiny bit more oil to the areas that are giving you resistance. Repeat the process of opening and closing the tool and applying small amounts of oil until it is moving freely once again.

If the tool continues to feel tight or seized up, you may need to go back to cleaning it again and use potentially using rubbing alcohol to remove the dirt or grime causing the friction.

Do not worry about getting oil over the knife, as you cannot damage most products by using too much oil.

Once you have oiled your multi-tool to a smooth and satisfactory state leave it to sit for at least half an hour before cleaning it with a clean, dry cloth.

LEATHERMAN MULTITOOL MAINTENANCE KIT

The maintenance kit has been carefully curated with the discerning Leatherman fan in mind and includes essential maintenance products and tips to service your Multi-tool. This is a perfect gift for a Leatherman owner or nice to have when your Leatherman needs a little TLC. The cleaning solution is supplied by Original WD-40 South Africa.

Why Buy?

Leatherman License Disc Sticker
Leatherman Carabiner
WD-40
Scouring Sponge
Smith's Sharpener
Soft Cleaning Cloth
Home Maintenance Tips Flyer
3 x Cleaning Brushes
Lubricating Oil

MECCANICA KNIFE & TOOL LUBE 40ML

A high performance non-aqueous polysiloxane compound with waxes and additives,specialized as an effective multi-purpose cleaner,lubricant and protection for all moving parts on knives and multitools.

Why Buy?

Excellent heat protection due to high-molecular silicones
Long lasting corrosion resistant
Penetrates low tolerance interfaces/Inhibitors protect knife blades
Keep dirt,metal particles and grit suspended
Compatible with ball bearings, bronze washers, teflon washers,IKBS,G10,micarta,titanium and metals
Non-Toxic
Non-Gumming
Ultra High Lubricity
Application: All Moving Parts on Knives and Multitools

LANKSY HONING OIL 120ML

This highly refined oil is essential to keep your hones lubricated for peak performance. Just a few drops will give you the sharpening surface you need

Why Buy?

A specially formulated lubricant for use with all Sharpeners and Benchstones.

9 simple safety tips for carving or whittling with a multi-tool or knife.

One of the best hobbies to take up while outdoors or camping is the art of whittling - which is to carve sculpture or tools out of natural wooden materials you can easily find on your adventures. Most multi-tool knives are perfectly designed for whittling small objects by hand, however, it is important to first know some general safety rules to do so without harming anyone.

1. Whenever you carve, make sure you are sitting down.

2. Always carve away from the body.

3. Make sure you are at least 1 arm's length away from anyone else when you are carving.

4. Only carve with a sharp and sturdy blade.

5. Only open one tool on your multi-tool at a time while carving.

6. Stow your knife away safely and securely when you are not using it.

7. Always close your knife or multi-tools before handing or passing it to someone else.

8. Don’t carve directly onto a living tree, branch, or other material.

9. A multi-tool knife is not a weapon, always use it cautiously.

5 Multi-Tool Product Picks that are ideal gifts for anyone

VICTORINOX SUPER TINKER

The Iconic Swiss Officer's knife forms the basis for the modern Super Tinker, an EDC pocket knife or ideal tool to throw in a survival or hiking backpack. A medium, compact Officer's Knife with fourteen functions, including useful scissors and a Phillips screwdriver.

Stainless Steel Blade
Cellidor Handle
Length: 91mm
Weight: 84g
15 Functions Include:
1. Large Blade
2. Small Blade
3. Can Opener
4. Screwdriver 3 mm
5. Bottle Opener
6. Wire Stripper
7. Screwdriver 6 mm
8. Reamer/ Punch/Sewing Awl
9. Phillips Screwdriver 1/2
10. Scissors
11. Multipurpose Hook
12. Toothpick
13. Tweezers
14. Key Ring

LEATHERMAN SIGNAL MULTITOOL

Leatherman has designed a tool for those who participate in activities away from civilization. The new Signal multi-tool comes equipped with vital survival tools like a ferrocerium fire starter and whistle. The Signal also comes complete with traditional In the all-new Signal, Leatherman's traditional functional tools pair with new preparedness features like a shaped diamond coated sharpener for maintaining your straight and serrated blade, fire-starting ferro rod, and an emergency whistle. Weather have you socked in at basecamp? Lightening your load on that day hike? No problem. Stay ready for the expected (and unexpected) no matter where you are with everything you need to stay Leatherman features like pliers, can opener, saw, awl, and removable pocket clip. In addition, it includes popular features like a hammer, replaceable wire cutters, diamond-coated file, and bit driver. From natural disasters to the unpredicted during outdoor events, Leatherman hopes to help people to feel prepared for the unexpected.

19 in 1 Multitool Includes:
1. Needlenose Pliers
2. Regular Pliers
3. Premium Replacement Wire Cutters
4. Premium Replacement Hard-wire Cutters
5, Wire Stripper
6. 420HC Combo Knife
7. Saw
8. Hammer
9. Awl with Thread Loop
10. Can Opener
11. Bottle Opener
12. 1/4" Hex Driver Bit
13. Bit Driver
14. 1/4"Box Wrench
15. Carabiner
16. 3/16" Box Wrench
17. Safety Whistle
18. Ferrocerium Rod
19. Diamond-coated Sharpener
Weight 212.6g
Closed Lenth 11.43cm
Blade Lenth 6.93cm
25-year warranty

VICTORINOX CLASSIC

It all started with the Swiss Officer's Knife and more than a century later, the Swiss Army Knife is still an icon of sleek functionality. Each one is built to last a lifetime and in the Classic you'll find all the functionality you need for your everyday adventures in a package you'll want to keep with you always. It's the easiest lifetime commitment you'll ever make.

Height: 9mm
Weight: 21g
7 Tools:
1. Small Blade
2. Scissors
3. Nail File
4. Nail Cleaner
5. Key Ring
6. Toothpick
7. Tweezers

LEATHERMAN WAVE+ BUNDLE (SH5 SOLIDLINE)

An international best-seller, the Wave + has all the essential tools of the original with the addition of replaceable, durable wire cutters. All 18 tools can be opened and locked quickly, conveniently to tackle any task. Many of these tools are outside-accessible, so you can use them when the multi-tool is folded and closed.

18 in 1 Multitool
- 18 in 1 Multitool
- 1. Needlenose Pliers
- 2. Regular Pliers
- 3. Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters
- 4. Premium Replaceable Hardwire Cutters
- 5. Electrical Crimper
- 6. Wire Stripper
- 7. 420HC Knife
- 8. 420HC Serrated Knife
- 9. Saw
- 10. Spring-action Scissors
- 11. Ruler (19cm)
- 12. Can Opener
- 13. Bottle Opener
- 14. Wood/Metal File
- 15. Diamond-coated File
- 16. Large Bit Driver
- 17. Small Bit Driver
- 18. Medium Screwdriver
Includes free Leatherman Pouch
Includes free Ledlenser Solidline SH5 headlamp