Fishy Smell on Blade

N

numbersman

Joined
Nov 28, 2010
Messages
596
I took my Camillus Arclite fishing the other day. Used it to open cockles for bait, and cut up a small fish for bait. Unfortunately it now smells quite fishy. I am reluctant to put it away while it smells like this. I have cleaned it a couple of times and it still smells. Can I clean it with vinegar or bleach or something? Or if I just leave it unsheathed for a while will the smell just gradually go?
 
My ArcLite has opened oysters, cleaned razor clams, been mushrooming for days... had a host of aromas.

I've tossed it into the dishwasher a couple of times with nothing worse than a glare from the missus.

But if you want to clean it up, you'll need the following:

Simple Green
Lime Juice
Tonic Water
Ice
Tanqueray Gin

Mix a half cup each of Simple Green, Tonic Water and Lime Juice. Toss the knife into this solution to soak.

Mix 2oz Tanqueray, 4oz tonic water and splash some lime juice. Add ice and drink. Repeat if necessary. (It's necessary)

When beverages are finished, either scrub the knife with solution and sponge, or call some friends and finish the Gin.

Concern over the aroma of the knife will dissipate quickly.
 
Last edited:
Velitrius said:
My ArcLite has opened oysters, cleaned razor clams, been mushrooming for days... had a host of aromas.

I've tossed it into the dishwasher a couple of times with nothing worse than a glare from the missus.

But if you want to clean it up, you'll need the following:

Simple Green
Lime Juice
Tonic Water
Ice
Tanqueray Gin

Mix a half cup each of Simple Green, Tonic Water and Lime Juice. Toss the knife into this solution to soak.

Mix 2oz Tanqueray, 4oz tonic water and splash some lime juice. Add ice and drink. Repeat if necessary.

When beverages are finished, either scrub the knife with solution and sponge, or call some friends and finish the Gin.

Concern over the aroma of the knife will dissipate quickly.
Click to expand...

It's a good recipe, but in the second step I would replace the Tanqueray and tonic water with a high-proof bourbon and a splash of bitters, it seems to get results faster. :D
 
You can get some Dawn dishsoap with Bleach. That's what I use and it seems to work just fine.

It's more difficult cleaning the smell out of the sheath than the knife itself.
 
numbersman said:
I took my Camillus Arclite fishing the other day. Used it to open cockles for bait, and cut up a small fish for bait. Unfortunately it now smells quite fishy. I am reluctant to put it away while it smells like this. I have cleaned it a couple of times and it still smells. Can I clean it with vinegar or bleach or something? Or if I just leave it unsheathed for a while will the smell just gradually go?
Click to expand...

The stinky can be absorbed by some handle materials. Do the Suggested cleanings here, but generally, if I use it for fishing or diving I don't use it as a EDC knife.

I have EDC's and I have fishing knives.
 
Until you get the smell off it don't put it anywhere around your other knives or gear or you'll have everything smelling like fish!!
 
The one thing I've always used to remove fish odors is baking soda !!! Soak it overnight .Yes it may be the handle material.
 
But it in a bowl with baking soda and activated charcoal. Bury the knife. Leave for one day.

Pour vinegar in the solution.

Wash off with purified water.

Coat lightly with mineral oil after dry. Wipe off.

Leave the knife in the sun for 2 days.
 
Maybe rubbing alcohol? I found that helps get certain smells out. My BK4 still smells like a camp fire, but I like it that way.
 
Thanks guys, I think I might try the baking soda! Some of the other recipes might be more for internal use!
 
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