Best way to clean stag?

[Tony_A]

I noticed that one of my knives, a Buck 110 custom, with stag handles has some kind of green gunk lodged in a "pithy" portion of the scales. (see pic)

I'm not positive, but think it's some kind of polishing/buffing compound, as it came that way from the mfr.

What can I use to clean it out or dissolve it, that won't harm either the stag, or whatever adhesive is holding the scales on?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Make a thick paste of dish soap, baking soda, and a little water.
Scrub it on with your fingers, then use an old toothbrush. Rinse well with very hot water, and dry thoroughly.
Even if you get it out, it will come back unless you fill the pith with super glue, sand flush, and polish.

 

[Tony_A]

^ Thanks, made the paste and tried scrubbing it with an old toothbrush but it didn't remove the gunk.

It did clean the stag quite well otherwise, but the green stuff is still there.

I'm kind of wondering if Buck's warranty would cover this issue as a manufacturing defect?

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Verdigris from the brass liners and nickel silver bolsters has a way of migrating into stag.
I doubt Buck would cover it.
If it were mine, I would soak it in Tarnex (ask your wife or mother) and then blast it with brake parts cleaner. This might loosen the glue, though.
If you know a jeweler with a steam cleaner, that might take most of it out-but I doubt you will ever get it all out. And it will come back. It's the nature of the beast.