FAQs & Caring Tips

Caring for TRM Knives

To insure the safe operation of your knife, inspect any internal mechanisms for debris, lint or any obstructions.


WASHING
Wash with a mild detergent (DAWN is #1) in warm running water as needed. Be sure to dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and do not let the knife sit in the water. Due to the high carbon steel content in the quality steels we use in our blades, they may corrode without proper care. Wipe a light coat of oil or silicone on the blade for protection.


OILING

Our knives are sent ready to function with only a few drops of Lucas Oil around the pivot. Many of our repairs are due to customer use of excessive oil, which causes debris and lint to be built up inside the knife. This can create sticky action, lock failure and a saturation of scales. 

If you choose to oil, please only use a small amount.


WASHERS

Our phosphor bronze washers may need a break-in period for the smoothest operation. Oil is not needed.


DISASSEMBLY

Our knives do not require disassembly as soon as they are received. 

We do not recommend any disassembly of the Shadow. The handles are a critical part of the construction. Disassembly often creates new issues.


PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO SEND PHOTOS AND EMAILS TO sales@threeriversmfg or assembly@threeriversmfg.com  Many issues can be solved quickly by TRM. If not, we will recommend your returning your knife.

Have a Question?

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What's new?


    NEW ADDITIONS APRIL 28, 2025


    Davis Custom Design NERDS with black cerakoted blades with a gear vine design. You need to get one in hand to see the all the details on every part of the knife.  The clips have a deep lasered gear design, polished then recessed depressions done  in black.


    River's Edge Cutlery's Custom- finished blue titanium ATOMS.


    SURPRISE RELEASE May 8th- NEUTRON 2s with  mirror-polished flat titanium handles. We'll  be shipping them with white cotton gloves!

    3.2 oz. folder that just slips into your pocket. 

    Check out the picture in the slide show with Van Gogh background. 



    April 29, 2025

    Dozen Neutron Framelocks


  • What is a lotto?

    Some TRM models are difficult for us to manufacture in regular production quantities.  If we were to offer small quantities of Titanium Shadows on our website, we would be inundated with hundreds of  frustrated "it was in my cart" emails and phone calls.


    Using Random Picker, we will be having lottos  on our website twice a month for 5-10 titanium Shadows, starting late February.


    Lotto winners have the opportunity to buy the Titanium Shadow (not a free knife).


    Dates will be posted in FAQ #1 and lottos will last at least 24 hours. Once a date is set, simply click on TRM LOTTO tab and fill out the form to enter.


    YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO ENTER OUR WEBSITE LOTTOS.

  • Do you offer a military discount and a discount for first responders?

    Yes, we offer a 10% i discount to the military and first responders, including firefighters, LEOs, paramedics and EMTs. 

    Email hilary@threeriversmfg.com with proof of your military service or your employment  as a first responder and  Hilary will send you a discount code to use at checkout. Your information  will remain on file for future orders.

  • How do I return a knife to TRM?

    Please follow the link to the RETURN Section for instructions on returning knives to TRM.

    Any unused knife can be returned within 30 days.

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  • Do you ship internationally?

    We haven't forgotten our loyal customers around the world.  Please send your order request to hilary@threeriversmfg.com and she will gladly enter your order manually. In the email you will want to have your shipping address and telephone number, also product you would like to purchase.  If it is availble on the site it is availble to purchase internationally.  USPS has been very erratic outside of the United States, so UPS will be our shipper. Although UPS is more expensive, it has proven to be much more reliable for our international shipments. 

  • Can I return scales?

    Any scales received with a cosmetic defect will be replaced immediately. 


    New and unused scales can be returned within 30 days of purchase.  Any scale with marks from  screws or the clip cannot be returned for a refund. 

     


    Please follow the link to the RETURNS Section for instructions on returning products to TRM.

  • Any suggestions for centering my blade?


                             CENTERING BLADES


    •  Remove the clip and scales
    • Tighten the pivot screw until the blade can't  move easily
    • Hold the knife with both hands- pivot screw in one hand ad blade end in the other hand.
    • Put both thubs on the liner and push the thums into the liner as if you were breaking a twig.
    • Once the blade is centered, set the pivot to the correct tension and add just a dab of Loctite INSIDE the pivot, NOT on the screw.
    • Tighten the assembly screws
    • Attach the scales and clip

    NOTE:  You may need to repeat these steps a couple of times before achiving .



    If this technique doesn't work, please use the return form and we will have a look!


  • Does the TRM warranty apply only to the original owner?

    In the current world of knife collecting and trading, we decided not to limit our warranty to the original owner.  If you are not the original owner, please  be sure to note that on the Return Form. TRM will determine if the knife meets our warranty guidelines.

    Our knives are designed as cutting tools-misuse (including prying or pounding) or improper maintenance voids the warranty. 

    Some modifications or attemped repairs (bending the lock, modifying the lock face, changing the ball bearings etc.) will void the warranty. 

    Bent clips, missing screws, scratches, chipped wooden scales etc. are not considered a defect in workmanship for a knife not purchased from TRM or one of our "Brick and Mortar" dealers.

  • Do after-market modifications affect the warranty?

    Many of our customers enjoy making modifications to TRM knives. Cosmetic alterations will not affect the warranty- most anodizing, dyeing scales etc.   Any mechanical alterations that affect the functioning of the knife WILL void the warranty (ie. replacing the detent ball, altering hardware, grinding lockbar) Please email mh@threeriversmfg.com before making a modification if you have any questions. 

  • What is the sharpening angle on your blades?

    We recommend stropping your knife frequently whenever it starts to drag while cutting.  

    The sharpening angle is 17-18 degrees. 





  • What screws do you use to assemble your knives?

    Many of you love to disassenble our knives, so we thought we'd make it easy for you!  All scale, clip and assembly screws are T6 6 lobe (Torx is a trademarked name and our screws are NOT the official "torx" screws).

    Our pivots are T10.


    We recommend using Wiha bits. Our IFIxit Wiha BIT Kits include bits needed for any of our models and an aluminum IFixit handle. Our original assembly screws (used in Viator) were Phillips head, so we even include that bit.