Hard Cappings?

[brooksbeefarm]

I took off 4 med. supers of honey yesterday and extracted them, about 4 outside frames (in different supers) had cappings that my elec. knife wouldn't cut? Those frames also had capped pollen in them, the comb was dark and probably needed replaced, but you would think the capes (this years) would be soft enough to cut? Even laying the elec. knife on top of the capes didn't help? i finally scraped the cappings off. I've had many of these frames over the years, but don't remember anyone post or ask what makes them that way ( i know the bees ) , but it's almost like the comb was made from propolis? I'm sure most of you know what i'm talking about. Anyone know why they get that way??? Jack

[LazyBkpr]

YES!
   I have often wondered if they didnt somehow pull some of the old wax into the cap? I have two hot knives, one of them gets SMOKING hot, and even it will not cut that wax.

[iddee]

I don't know what it is, but always guessed it was propolis. It seems to always be on the outer frames.

[riverbee]

always thought it was propolis/wax too, like scott makes you think they have used old wax. the dark color could be from the source of the resin the bees collected?

[brooksbeefarm]

I also have noticed that after i scratch the cappings and extract, the frames still feel a little heavy like it still had honey in it? I really don't think there is much honey in them to start with? Jack

[barry42001]

I use cold blade but have container of hot water to keep blade clean never noticed rigid cappings.

[brooksbeefarm]

My light bulb just lite up, Bees store pollen and honey,could these frames be stored propolis? and the bees put honey in the cells to keep it moist and flexible to have it on hand to seal up holes  and pest that appear in times they can't forage to get it?? Some of the frames i've took over the years, i think a hammer and chisel would work better to uncap them. Jack