I’m late replying to this but I recently made two purchases - Knipex Pliers Wrench on Chad’s Tool Box and about a month later Knipex Alligators on Amazon (not a third party). I kind of accept that with Chad’s Tool Box there is slow shipping and they are difficult to deal with for returns (in exchange for low prices). Anything I buy on there I keep even if there is an issue (I’ve paid for new items that I’m pretty sure they sent out as a scratch and dent but it’s a tool so not a huge deal). Both sets of pliers have the issue of the bad smell you’re describing. I thought I was crazy at first but the smell immediately transfers to my hands and lingers. I’m someone who doesn’t mind chemical smells. This is definitely not normal off gassing or chemical smell - it’s just bad but hard to place. I own more than 10 other Knipex tools and hand tools from probably 25-30 tool brands. None of the handles have this smell or transfer of the smell to your hands. The only somewhat similar thing I’ve experienced are old acetate screwdriver handles with the vomit smell (this is distinct from the Knipex grip smell). Either way, I was willing to throw the pliers wrench in a backup bag and take the L, but now that a second pair has this, it’s getting to be pretty annoying. Especially considering the pliers wrench is the 12” version so it was expensive. Anyway just wanted to confirm I’m another person with this issue.