How do you clean out bidirectional textured FRN

[Netherend]

I bought an FRN Native Salt and regularly use it for all kinds of tasks such as box cutting, wire cutting, fruit cutting and cutting grape vines. I noticed that the bidirectional texturing easily catches dirt or can stain . What is the best method for cleaning the handle out? High pressure water? Soap and water? Soaking?

68D4832E-7CC4-4407-B395-13CF9C2B676E.jpeg (6.93 KiB) Viewed 2203 times

[Albertaboyscott]

I use soap and water w an old tooth brush. Something like comet, since it's abrasive, might work well too if it's stubborn

[kobold]

I use soap and water w an old tooth brush. Something like comet, since it's abrasive, might work well too if it's stubborn

Same.

[dsvirsky]

You can always put it in the dishwasher (top rack).

[Netherend]

I use soap and water w an old tooth brush. Something like comet, since it's abrasive, might work well too if it's stubborn

Ok that worked brilliantly. Thank you!

[Bill1170]

Yes, old toothbrushes are great for so many cleaning tasks in home and workshop.

[The Meat man]

I use dish soap, hot water, and a stiff brush. Works great, especially on the Salt knives.

[jacala]

I use my wife's toothbrush (when she's not home) and toothpaste.

[kennethsime]

I use soap and water w an old tooth brush. Something like comet, since it's abrasive, might work well too if it's stubborn

Same.

Thirds.

[PaloArt]

I bought an FRN Native Salt and regularly use it for all kinds of tasks such as box cutting, wire cutting, fruit cutting and cutting grape vines. I noticed that the bidirectional texturing easily catches dirt or can stain . What is the best method for cleaning the handle out? High pressure water? Soap and water? Soaking? 68D4832E-7CC4-4407-B395-13CF9C2B676E.jpeg

Many great tips here and I would like to as well mention that Spyderco byte newsletter, that you can as well find on homepage https://www.spyderco.com/resources/byte-e-newsletter/ , contains sometimes great tips in different topics. May release was particularly interesting as there is small but quite detailed guide on how to clean up our knives (direct link bellow).

https://mailchi.mp/spyderco/spyderco-byte-may-2021

Enjoy the read

[PaloArt]

I use my wife's toothbrush (when she's not home) and toothpaste.

that is just savage reply let`s hope she does not use your toothbrush for cleaning the sink or worse

[Ramonade]

Nice knife :) Same hear, soap water and toothbrush.
I have a problem with burrs on some models tho, cleaning it is making them worse...
Happens only on my s110v, so I guess I just was unlucky on these scales.
Haven't tried to sand them down or cut them off, by fear of messing up the finish :

[Evil D]

I use dish soap and a nail brush.

[Albertaboyscott]

I use soap and water w an old tooth brush. Something like comet, since it's abrasive, might work well too if it's stubborn

Ok that worked brilliantly. Thank you! F06B66BE-B42E-4FFF-9576-C983ED809DAF.jpeg

Right on. Looks brand new

[Airlsee]

Haven't tried to sand them down or cut them off, by fear of messing up the finish :

Lightly wet sanding them with 800-1200 grit wet/dry autobody sandpaper would be my first try. Disassemble it and just round off the inner edge of the scales. I have a few Native LW's and have never had to do this, but it seems like it would give desirable results.

If you cut it, you're going to have to sand it anyway or it will look like crap...smoothly blending with sandpaper should be easy.

[Mini2white]

Nylon brush on a variable speed dremel.

[JD Spydo]

I don't often ever find it necessary to clean FRN handles very often. But again I really love that newer DAWN dish soap that is called Dawn 4X. If you soak it over night in Dawn 4X and use a soft bristle toothbrush I'm willing to bet you can clean about any grime you would encounter.

With one exception>> I got some tar on an FRN handle once and I had to use Mineral Spirits ( paint thinner) to remove it safely. Then I washed off the excess thinner with Dawn 4X and it looked like brand new.

I clean G-10 handles with Ballistol and I've used Ballistol on FRN handles on a couple of occasions with good success as well.

[JD Spydo]

I use dish soap and a nail brush.

The next time you have to clean anything with dish soap use Dawn 4X. The difference between it and other dish soaps is astounding.

I keep all old toothbrushes and find them great for cleaning all kinds of knife handles. Also there is a USA company known as LIBMAN who makes a lot of kitchen cleaning brushes. And they have an excellent selection of great quality cleaning tools.

[W7H2O]

Nice knife :) Same hear, soap water and toothbrush.
I have a problem with burrs on some models tho, cleaning it is making them worse...
Happens only on my s110v, so I guess I just was unlucky on these scales.
Haven't tried to sand them down or cut them off, by fear of messing up the finish :

I use a small round file to get all the edges that are sharp. Just file real lightly, still looks good afterwards.

[Ramonade]

Haven't tried to sand them down or cut them off, by fear of messing up the finish :

Lightly wet sanding them with 800-1200 grit wet/dry autobody sandpaper would be my first try. Disassemble it and just round off the inner edge of the scales. I have a few Native LW's and have never had to do this, but it seems like it would give desirable results.

If you cut it, you're going to have to sand it anyway or it will look like crap...smoothly blending with sandpaper should be easy.

Nylon brush on a variable speed dremel.

I use a small round file to get all the edges that are sharp. Just file real lightly, still looks good afterwards.

Thanks for the options. That's what I guessed would happen if I try to cleanly cut the FRN @Airlsee. I need to see if I have nylon brushes for my Dremel. I might try the file to hit what's really protruding from the scales, otherwise wet sanding will be my first actual try.

I'll keep people posted if I mess up hard