The grip on a Santoku 10 years old has begun to develop a sticky film uncomfortable to the hand wielding the knife. A tiny cut an inch back from the blade exudes a liquid, probably water. The upper edge of the handle touching the blade looks melted. The knife has always been used gently in the kitchen, is washed and dried by hand immediately after use, and has never been in a dishwasher.
Can anything be done to restore the handle?
Have you seen anything like this on one of these soft grips?
Aloha, Pablo