Another type of epoxy problem

[TorzJohnson]

The epoxy problem thread got me thinking about a problem I have with a knife, but I didn't want to hijack his thread with my problem, so here it is...

I have a knife with micarta slabs and every few weeks I notice a buildup of tiny beads of what I assume is epoxy (?) bleeding out on the edge of the tang. This has been going on for the year or so that I've had the knife. These tiny beads can easily be scraped off with a thumbnail and seem fairly soft. When scraped off, they roll together kind of like rubber cement. It is a very tiny amount however, you can see the stuff if you squint but it's more like you just feel it. The slabs seem to be just as tight as always and there are also rivets and lanyard tube holding it all together.

I don't know if this is uncured epoxy, or some byproduct of a reaction between the epoxy and the micarta or what. Anyway, to cut to the chase, do I have anything to worry about?

 

[howiesatwork]

I'd say old, or improperly mixed epoxy.
Contrary to what the manufacturers claim, I think most epoxies have about a one year shelf-life...
I could be wrong,, though...

 

[Shing]

It sounds like uncured epoxy, probably incorrectly mixed. I have used epoxy "Aradite" made by Ciba-Geigy that I estimated is at least 25 years old without any problems so I don't think its a shelf life issue.

 

[Dan Gray]

I'd say uncured also,
and make sure you are not using a cleaner that has acetone in it.
it will soften the epoxy too..

 

[TorzJohnson]

Thanks for the replies, guys. It doesn't seem to be loosening up any so I'll just keep using it. I have no doubt the maker will take care of it if anything happens down the line.

 

[Tom Militano]

I use Devcon 2 ton epoxy and I've never had a problem with it. I use Corby type handle rivets, so the epoxy doesn't really do anything but seal the handle/blade area.