I only have a few production knives with micarta scales and they soak up water like a sponge. One is a Becker BK4, I have a El cheapo condor and a ESEE Izula2. I think that is what makes them so good for a woods blade, they are very grippy when wet. I would think blood would make the scales stink and deteriorate. I'd say y'all are right with the customs, they probably are sealed. I don't own one so I wouldn't know. Po boy...

Eating fried chicken and watermelon since 1972.

You tell me how I ought to be, yet you don't even know your own sexuality,, the philosopher,,, you know so much about nothing at all. Chuck Schuldiner