How to remove tap/cutting fluid from knife handle?

[Sanderguy777]

I just finished rehandling my mom's 50yo knife she got for her wedding. I drilled out the wood and through the tang of the blade in one shot so the holes aligned, but now the handle has CRC Tap fluid on it. The knife is used in the kitchen, so I need remove the fluid so it is food safe.

I have CRC Brakleen, but I'm not sure it is any safer. Is there anything non-toxic that would cut the oily film, but not be as bad as the tap fluid?

 

[Prospecter]

I'd clean it with a good solvent. Brakleen would work. Then I'd wash with Dawn.

 

[dffay]

Try soaking it in rubbing alcohol. The 90%+ stuff at CVS.

 

[Sanderguy777]

I'd clean it with a good solvent. Brakleen would work. Then I'd wash with Dawn.

wouldn't brakleen be just as bad or worse than the tap fluid?

 

[Spareparts]

Wet it down with 50/50 water @ Dawn and stick it down in some floor dry overnight

 

[brianh]

Next time on food grade projects use canola oil I use it a lot drilling and tapping, can withstand 400 degrees before breaking down.

Been using it for my bar lube on my saws for 14 years lubes better than bar oil especially on solid tip bars.

 

[Monza Harry]

Wet it down with 50/50 water @ Dawn and stick it down in some floor dry overnight

I'm on the same page here, I would use "Fantastic and (clean) kitty litter" other side of same coin! Harry

 

[Mallen]

Non chlorinated brake cleaner is usually around 50% methanol, 20 percent hydrocarbons such as toluene, methyl hexane and n-hexane.

I'd first clean it in soapy water. Then a mix of half rubbing alcohol and half 100% acetone nail polish remover. I'd use the nail polish remover over the hardware store stuff because it's made to put on your fingers. Both of those are reasonably safe in trace amounts and evaporate easily. Then I'd leave it in a nice warm place for a day or two.

I agree, use canola or peanut oil when food safe cutting fluid is necessary. 50/50 canola oil and lard is also a good combination.

On lab equipment when contamination with most anything is a problem, I just use deionized water for lubricant. It's not a particularly good choice from a lubrication standpoint, but it works better than doing it dry and gets the job done.

 

[mogandave]

Why not just tell your mother not to chew on the handle the first few weeks? (just kidding)

 

[steaks&anvils]

Acetone to clean the metal parts, then wash with dish soap.

I am confused with the suggestion to use cooking oils on the wood when drilling. Won't that keep the final finish from working properly?

Could you use food grade mineral oil (like they recommend for cutting boards) when drilling the holes? The knife handle then can be finished with the same mineral oil.