Rust & Corrosion

All Leatherman Tool products are manufactured from 100% high-grade stainless steel. (Exception: Screw bits for the tool adapter are made of tool steel.) But stainless steel is not rust proof; it is corrosion resistant. Depending on the mix of metal alloys, stainless steels may be highly corrosion resistant and relatively soft (like kitchen flatware), or they may be somewhat corrosion resistant and quite hard. Our tools are fabricated from the latter type, so your tool components are strong and the knives retain a sharp cutting edge. Consequently, corrosion can occur in the absence of proper maintenance. Your Leatherman tool should be cleaned, dried and re-oiled periodically to inhibit rust and corrosion. This is especially true if you use your tool in a damp or marine  environment.   After  cleaning,  re-oil  pivoting  areas  with  a light machine or penetrating type oil (such as WD-40). Buff stained surfaces  with a   polishing  cloth  or  non-metallic abrasive (e.g., Scotchbrite pad or soft bristle brush).

Blade Sharpening

Leatherman tools feature knife blades that may be straight-edged, serrated or both. Sharpening methods vary depending on the type of knife in your Leatherman tool. Note that serrated edges should not be sharpened in the same manner as straight edges. Straight-edged blades can be sharpened using any standard equipment, including whetstones, rods and various kits. To sharpen a serrated blade, be sure to use a sharpening system specifically designed to accommodate serrated edges. A proper sharpening method will maintain the curvature of the serrations. Sharpen serrated blades only on the edged side; sharpening the flat (back) side of the knife will cause the serrations to wear away, reducing the knife’s effectiveness.

Cleaning Methods

Depending on what your Leatherman tool has been exposed to, there are several cleaning methods to consider.

If your tool has been exposed to salt water or marine environments, it should be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water, dried, and lubricated with a water-displacing product. If stains or rust spots appear, refer to the "Rust and Corrosion" section above for removal tips.

If debris or sticky substances have accumulated between the blades, your Leatherman tool may also be cleaned in a mild solution of detergent and water.

To remove tar and similar substances, clean your Leatherman tool with turpentine or other mineral spirits. Do not use chlorine products.

After cleaning, dry the tool and apply a light machine oil or a water-displacing product (WD-40) to force out moisture trapped in the joints. This also helps protect the tool from further corrosion and sticking.