My new TOPS knife micarta handles stink of formaldehyde!

retzius

retzius

Joined
Sep 17, 2009
Messages
1,102
I received my new TOPS Dragonfly 4.5 in the mail today and as soon as I opened the sealed plastic bag I got a big whiff of formaldehyde!

:barf::barf::barf::barf::barf:

I scrubbed the knife and handles down with hot soap and water and it still stinks!

When I was a graduate student I worked in a lab sorting preserved samples so I have a real sensitization to formaldehyde. I really like this knife but this smell is killing me!

:barf::barf::barf::barf:

Suggestions on how to get this out?

I realize now (thanks to wikipedia) that the phenolic resin they use to make micarta has formaldehyde base. I have micarta handles on my Becker BK12 and no smell from those. What gives TOPS?
 
Ive never had that problem with any tops blades.
maybe try a really good scrubbing with alcohol...? but I have no ideal.
yeah, I can already smell the cat dissection lab in physiology...
 
Since Micarta isn't really chemically reactive, you could look at soaking it in strong scented soapy water overnight. Best I can suggest. Or you could learn to love the smell of formaldehyde.
 
If I had that problem with my Tops BOB, which I don't, I might try treating the scales with rubbing alcohol or a good soaking in Simple Green.
 
I suggest letting it sit in a bucket of cracked corn.that removes most odors.or maybe try scrubbing it with baking soad and a small bit of water.
best of luck and I hope you let us know how it works out.
 
I got a Survive Knives 4.1 about a year ago and had a similar problem. I thought of having someone make me wood scales but instead I hung them up outside exposed to all weather ! After about 5 months I remembered them - there was no smell. This stuff is old , been around before my time and they still use it . Circuit boards back in the old radio days used it and I can always recognize the smell. Yes I recently got to use the knife and blade and handles worked fine on a deer ! Can you spare some months of wait ?
http://noodor.com/p/formaldehyde-free-vapor-fumes-fume-vapors-remove.html
There's actually a product for that.
 
Quick update here for anyone else who has had this problem.

I scrubbed the knife and handles in very hot soapy water (the hottest I could handle) and then let the knife air out over night. The smell is gone now.

My theory was that any residual formaldehyde is water soluble but has a low vapor pressure. If you wash it in very hot water that evaporates quickly after drying than it will also evaporate the formaldehyde quickly because it will be bonded to the water. It seems to have worked.
 
If it comes back stick it in a dishwasher cycle. Put it in the silverware cage/holder and it should come out fine.
 
I'd suggest burying it in baking soda, after you've dried it out thoroughly with a hair dryer. The soda should wick any residual chemicals.
 
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