Cleaning and Oiling

Always keep your knife clean. Wipe away debris and, if needed, wash
with a mild detergent. Due to the high-carbon content of the quality steel in our blades, the blade may corrode if not properly cared for. To protect your knife, simply wipe a light coating of oil on the blade, pivot points, and lock (if applicable) before storing.

Removing light rust

If your knife does develop rust spots, you can remove them by using a light abrasive, such as Flitz metal polish or Bon Ami cleanser made into a paste with a little water. If the rust is more than just surface, try naval jelly or WD-40 and brass wool.

About blade coatings

The technologically advanced coatings on the blades of many ZT knives are designed to enhance specific performance features and make the blades non-reflective. Although ZT coatings are designed to stand up to continual knife use, in time, all coatings will show some wear. Scratches and other signs of wear should be expected and considered normal.

Storage

After applying a light coating of oil to blade and pivot, store folding knives closed and fixed blades in their sheaths or blade guards.

Sharpening

Your knife comes with free lifetime sharpening. Just send the knife to our Tualatin, Oregon facility. We’ll sharpen it for free and return it to you. (If you live in the area, you may drop by our Warranty Department and we'll sharpen up to two knives for you while you wait. More than that and we'll get them to you the next day.)

You can also sharpen your knife with the Ultra-Tek sharpener:

• Hold the blade against the Ultra-Tek at the original sharpened angle of 18° to 22°.

• Beginning at the base of the blade and tip of the sharpener, pull the blade down and toward you across the top of the sharpener in a slight arc as shown in the illustration.

Do the same thing across the bottom of the sharpener as shown. This sharpens the top of your blade.

• Repeat this “over and under” motion approximately three to five times to fully sharpen your knife.

It is critical to maintain the correct blade angle of 18° to 22° while sharpening the blade.