Replacement blades can add versatility and extend the life of your knife. Whether you’re putting your knife to use on tough jobs or need to switch things up for a variety of tasks, a pack of different replacement blades is a great investment.
When it’s time to swap out your blade, follow these tips to ensure safety and performance.
Use the Right Tools
Knives often feature tiny screws of varying sizes that can make disassembly challenging. Determine if you’re dealing with imperial or metric sizes. When you think you’ve found a bit that fits, try one size larger to see if it fits to ensure you get the best, tightest fit possible. You should be able to remove the screw by gently applying pressure and turning. Alternatively, some knives, like the Switch Folder, allow for replacing blades without any tools required.
Stay Organized
Changing out blades requires patience and excellent organization. It’s easy to lose a screw or forget how to reassemble your knife if you rush the job or don’t stick to an organization method. Draw an outline of your knife on paper before you disassemble, then as you remove screws, place them precisely where they belong on the drawing.
Don’t Skip Cleaning
When your knife is disassembled for a blade replacement, take advantage of the opportunity to give it a good cleaning. Carefully remove buildup, dirt, and debris with a paper towel then conservatively lubricate components.
Check Your Work
After you swap out blades and reassemble, confirm everything is in place and functioning properly. Make sure the knife still opens smoothly, locks into place, and closes again without any issues. Ensure all screws are sufficiently tightened so your knife is just as reliable as it was before you started.