FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Tools and Adjustments
Each knife comes with an L-shaped Torx tool. It is stored in the box, but it may shift during shipping. If you can’t locate yours, check under the foam packing material.
The shorter end (T8) fits the pivot screw, which can only be adjusted from one side. The longer end (T6) fits the other screws. While each knife is pre-adjusted at the factory, you can slightly loosen the pivot screw if opening the knife feels difficult. After extended use, it’s a good idea to check the grip and clip screws to ensure they remain tight. Disassembling the knife is not recommended.
- Body screws: T6, diameter M2.5, length 3.4mm (longer screws).
- Clip screws: 1.3mm and 2.8mm in length (the shorter clip screw is the lower one furthest from the back spacer).
Knife Performance and Maintenance
Knives are factory-adjusted to function perfectly, but in rare cases, adjustments may help:
- Pivot screw: Slightly loosen the pivot screw if it feels too tight.
- Detent ball: This small ball on the locking plate rests in a blade indent to keep it closed. Over time, it wears in and becomes easier to open. If grit is causing difficulty:
- Open the knife fully.
- Press the locking plate against the handle to create a small gap.
- Use lint-free cloth to clean the area, then add a tiny drop of oil to the detent ball and remove excess oil.
There are two sets of bearings that the knife runs between. It’s best to keep these clean and dry. Since it’s an EDC pocket knife, it can collect a lot of pocket lint—which will stick to any oil that’s present.
That said, occasional oiling can help if the action feels sluggish. See the section above, “How do I make my knife easier to open/close”, for more info on oiling the detent ball.
We recommend using Badger Oil — a lightweight, purpose-made lubricant designed specifically for Honey Badger knives.
Knives may be stiff to unlock when new but will ease with use. To accelerate this:
- Open the knife.
- Simulate unlocking without closing the blade.
- Repeat this 5–10 times to smooth the lock interface.
Using the supplied T6 Torx Key (the long side of the Key) remove the two screws as hold the clip in place, noting which screw came from which hole. The screws are different lengths and need to be refitted to the same position. On the opposite side of the knife remove the matching two screws as secure the filler piece, and remove the stainless-steel filler piece refitting it on the opposite side. Then also replace the clip on the opposite side. In other words, simply swap the contents of each side with the other, while noting which screws fit in which threaded hole. For reference the longer screw fits in the hole closest to the back edge of the handle.
Sharpening and Blade Details
The blade steel is easy to sharpen with proper technique. Factory edges are set at:
- Standard models: ~23° sharpening angle.
- Claw models: ~30° sharpening angle.
For guidance, see our article “Sharpening the Honey Badger Knife
8CR13MOV is comparable to AUS-8 but containing slightly higher carbon content. Working closely with our factory the heat treating of this steel has been perfected resulting in excellent performance for the price. This steel is quite corrosion resistant and sharpens easily.
D2 steel is a tool steel often referred to as “semi-stainless” as it falls just short of the required amount of chromium (13%) to qualify as full stainless yet it still provides a good amount of resistance to corrosion. On the flip side D2 steel is much harder and as a result holds its edge a little better. That said, it’s not as tough as many other steels and is tougher to sharpen.
14C28N is generally considered to be significantly tougher than D2. This means that it is less prone to chipping and can withstand more impact due to its better balance of hardness and toughness. While D2 prioritizes high edge retention at the cost of some toughness it makes 14C28N a better choice for applications where resilience is important.
Which should you choose? It comes down to personal preference. We have very large numbers of very happy owners across both steel types. If you’re a first time buyer on a budget get your self one of the 8CR13MOV models and then if you like the look and feel of the knife make your next purchase one in D2. The choice between D2 and 14C28N steel depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize extreme hardness and wear resistance and edge retention then D2 might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you value a good all around steel with great corrosion resistance and easier sharpening then 14C28N could be a more suitable option.
The D2 blades hardness is approximately HRC 59-60.
The 8Cr13MoV blades hardness is approximately HRC 56-58.
The 14C28N blades are hardened to approximately HRC 58-60.
DLC coating, short for Diamond-Like Carbon coating, is a thin-film surface treatment known for its exceptional hardness, low friction, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance making it suitable for various applications, but especially applicable for protective coating of knives, other cutting tools, automotive components, and biomedical implants.
- Standard models: ~23°.
- Claw models: ~30°
Handles and Customization
All small models use the same handles, all medium models use the same handles and all large models use the same handles.
The only thing you need to be aware of is that all the handles on our website are designed to only fit the new model Honey Badger knives that we have been selling since 2019.
Yes, other than the blade itself all knife components are available individually, including replacement black screws, pivots, clips etc.
FRN handles and backspacers are available in 6 colours, Machined G10 handles and backspacers are available in 8 colours including pink and digi-camo. White handles are perfect for Rit dyeing into any custom colour or colours. See these links for some great ideas : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OWLA3LuAxA and https://za.pinterest.com/blocklite1113/honey-badger-knives/
Refer to our guide here to determine your model.
We don’t offer individual customizations. However, for bulk orders meeting minimum quantities, we can discuss special combinations.
Warranty and Repairs
Honey Badger knives Warrants, all products for a period of 10 years, are free from any defects in material and workmanship. Knives are designed for cutting, any abuse or misuse, such as lack of maintenance, improper sharpening, using a knife as a pry bar etc. will specifically invalidate this warrantee. With reasonable care and maintenance your Honey Badger knife will long outlast the warranty.
Replacement clips are available on our website.
- Warranty: Clips broken due to manufacturing defects are covered.
- Non-Warranty: Clips damaged from external forces (e.g., snagging) can be purchased separately.
broke due to a manufacturing defect then it will be replaced under warranty.
Ordering and Delivery
We offer the following payment options for your convenience:
- Online Card Payments: Securely pay using your Visa or Mastercard at checkout.
- Payflex: Split your payment into 3 or 4 interest-free installments. Simply select Payflex at checkout and follow the prompts. Learn more about Payflex here.
We accept Payflex as a payment method, offering you the flexibility to pay in either 3 or 4 interest-free installments. Simply select Payflex at checkout and follow the prompts to complete your payment.
- Delivery Times: Orders are processed and delivered within 7 working days. Orders requiring engraving may take longer, which is why we provide a 7 day timeline.
- Delivery Costs: Orders over R300 qualify for free shipping. For orders under R300, a delivery fee will apply and will be calculated at checkout.
Yes, we provide special pricing for bulk orders. Contact us with your requirements.
We are the Southern African distributors of Honey Badger Knives and as a result we do not ship outside of the Southern Africa area from here. For details of International Distributors please contact us or visit Stockists/ International Distributors on this website’s homepage.
