FAQ: My brand-new folding knife doesn't open and close easily -- the joint is really stiff. What should I do?

This may be the most common question we get here at KnivesShipFree.

It's not unusual for the pivots on a new knife -- whether it's a slipjoint pocketknife or a one-blade folder -- to be a bit stiff. Sometimes that's because it's poorly made (and we don't sell poorly made knives). Most often, however, it's just a sign that the knife needs some break-in time.

The simple solution? Use your knife.

On knives, like most mechanical devices, surfaces that come into contact take time to polish each other or "mate." This normal break-in usually doesn't take too long, and you help by opening and closing the blade (or blades) repeatedly -- or just use your knife and it'll happen naturally.

Now here's another tip: During the break-in period, don't lubricate your new knife.

The pivots of folding knives are lubricated when they're assembled, either with oil, light grease or graphite powder. The maker applies only a small amount of lubricant, though, to avoid interfering with normal break-in.

It can be tempting, we know, when confronted with a new knife that's sticky, to glop some oil on the pivot right away -- and although that may soften the action, it'll also delay (or even prevent) the break-in process.

Be patient. Let the surfaces mate naturally. When you notice your knife begin to become smoother, then you can add a drop or two of light oil.