This really fits comfortably in no subforum. So I'll rely on general and universal expertise.

I have a pocket knife whose frame is Zytel®. Its blade has become very "stickie" and requires substantial force to open. I've thoroughly cleaned the knife and applied with a needle a droplet of Extreme Duty CLP at joint. Now the blade is still stickie and the knife smells.

Please identify a lubricant that will actually reduce friction between blade steel and plastic frame.

Corrosion Block, a penetrate lubricant by Lear Chemical Research. A small bottle will last you 'til the cows come home.

Tri-Flow


https://www.triflowlubricants....bricant-drip-bottle/

graphite

Krytox.

I'd be tempted to first put the knife in the silverware bin of the dishwasher and run it through a cycle to see if there is some sort of coating in the handle causing excess friction. I'd probably keep an eye on the dishwasher and pull the knife out before it starts the drying cycle.