I think it's the same problem that I had with the handle of a staff. Maybe try turning off "smooth polygons" for the areas of the item that are blowing up.

"It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never
able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us.
This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good
heart whatever they might have to say." - Ghandi