I have a problem with the Respirene-C on my SOD's handle. It is soft and sticky in the region near the blade. It is viscid and it remains on my finger when using the knife if I press my finger there. See this picture.


Did anybody else ever have this problem with a Res-C handle?
Is it normal? What should I do?
On the end or middle of the handle it doesn't have any problem at all. This weak behaviour of the rubber is only in the area of the handle near the blade.

I am quite sure the yard will take care of it. I just checked mine and they are not like that ? Maybe it needs heat or ?

I just checked mine and it appears fine. There doesn't seem to be any
abnormalities in the handle of my SOD that I can see.
Maybe you should let Dan know about it and see what he says.

Keep us posted on what happens.
Thanks

Send Renee a PM, I'm sure she'll help you get it figured out. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Im sure they will take care of it.

Contact them. I'm sure they will make good on it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Very strange. I've never seen that happen before. I'm surprised they didn't catch it before it was sent to you. They'll take care of it though, no worries. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

+1 on that

I did as you adviced me (contacted Renee regarding this).
She told me they never encountered this problem ever before. They invited me to send the knife back to be inspected (and fixed). I was (and still am) very surprised they also offered to support the shipping costs. This is what I didn't expect, especially that I live overseas.

However, the problem is only in a small area of the handle that is near the choil and it is only a bit disconfortant to see the rubber remain on the fingers. But it seem not to affect the handle resistence. So I will not send the knife back only for that. I hope after taking more of the rubber on the hand during the time it will stop at some point. When I asked you (and Renee on your advice), I thought there is something simple that I can do to stimulate the rubber solidify, that's why I asked.

Anyway, the warranty is not limited in time, so I have no worries. If the handle will prove to have a more deeper problem I can send it anothertime.

Thank you all for responses on this topic and
Best Regards!

I had this problem happen because of Jungle Formula insect repellant. It is very corrosive stuff...it took all the markings off my Silva compass and also melted the plastic a bit...the knife I had at the time was a Blackjack Maurader which came with a Res-C grip...here is a pic...



I sorted it out by rubbing the handle in washing up liquid and giving it a good wash/soak in warm water then rinsing it for a good bit. The rubber that had soaked the stuff into it came away in small bits like dried skin and what was not touched under it was then OK...

Whichever way I cannot see washing it would cause any problems and would remove the chemicals if that is what might have caused the problem. It should'nt invalidate the warranty either. My best guess is that somehow this is chemical induced...super glue remover and some other chemicals like that can also have a bad effect on rubber...

I did'nt have much to work with at the time but there was some white staining on the rubber after this...I then got some black Kiwi Parade Gloss boot polish and gave the handle a good brushing with this...then polished it off with a rag...it was "perfect" after that...but maybe I just got lucky with the "weird" mix of soap and wax...

From the tech page:

Resiprene C Handle

(Think of it as an all-terrain truck tire with better chemical resistance)

Resiprene C was made famous as a handle material when it was used on the Busse Combat Basics. Respirene C, these handles have all the advantages of rubber handles without any of the disadvantages. They are comfortable, shock absorbing, slip resistant when wet, and provide insulation from the cold. Unlike Kraton, Resiprene C is a Non-hygroscopic material which means that it will neither "take on" or "emit" fluids. This quality not only gives them unparalleled durability but makes them extremely easy to keep clean as dirt will simply not stick to them. It is impervious to salt water, petroleum based chemicals and is much more resistant to higher and colder temps than is Kraton. Resiprene C is likewise impervious to the powerful insect repellant, DEET. It is so amazingly tough and durable that Busse stands as the only company to have ever put a Lifetime Guarantee on a rubber handle. All Scrap Yard handles are fully textured to supply a slip-resistant purchase in any grip configuration. So, whether you hold the blade in a saber grip, reverse grip, upside down grip, side grip, or whatever which way you are required to hold it for your particular application, you will be assured of having a secure hold.