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@Euclid,
Thanks for the tip on rounding the edge on the heel. I did not even notice that at first (I am always worried that the toe will cut me, but not the heel). That's a good thing to generally watch out for.
How sure are you that my scales were previously gassing? The rust seems to be almost all on one side of the razor, the spine, and a tiny bit on the tang. If the scales were gassing, wouldn't there by rust on both sides of the blade? I ask because I am not very familiar with the dynamics of gassing scales.
That's a bummer that your tortoise scales are gassing. I was not even aware that tortoise could gas (I thought only plastic scales gassed).
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I'll back Euclid up on the cell rot. If you went from 320 and still have pitting, it was gassing off. The pattern of the pitting looks typical for cell rot. If the black specks show up again ( I am betting they do) take the scales off and at least save the blade. Keep it dry and don't let it get hot, keep an eye on it.
You still got a deal :<0)
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These tortoise scales are celluloid, old Cell Tortoise are notorious for off gassing and will rust in the pattern of the molting.
Once they start to go it spreads, it could be that one side is going now but it will spread and eventually eat the whole razor. I have seen Double Duck blades that look like Swill Cheese, holes clear though.
The rust pattern will probably match up with the cracked ice pattern on your scales, Note the rust on the pivot is just where the blade is between the scales when closed.
Also note on the Tortoise, the scales are shrinking, from off gassing, that is why the inlay in the middle is buckled, often you will see scales where the wedge is sticking out of the scales all the way around, off gas shrinkage.
Another thing to look for is micro chipping on the edge, you may get a few shaves out of it then when you look at the edge it is full of microchips. The gas eats through the thinnest steel first, the edge.
10pups is a Double Duck expert, restored a gang load, and some gorgeous work, look up his work there are a bunch of post and videos on DD restos.
No, the scales can’t be saved, they will just get worst. I plan on putting the inlays on new Masecraft Tortuga so it should look similar, it is a great shaver, the blade is heavier that it looks.
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Another good indication of celluloid gassing is the color of the inlays. They'll be rather dull and tarnished looking.
Good catch on the Duck but the scales are going.
Darn shame on that pretty French razor too.
I quit buying pocket knives with cell scales a lot of years ago due to the same problems. Got a couple of razor's with cell scales, but most of mine are horn, gutta percha, or ivory.
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I wouldn't consider this a steal by any means (heavy hone wear plus messed up geometry - the toe I mean - and suspicious scales), but I'm glad you're enjoying the process of getting it shaving again. Reasonable money for some good restoration practice.
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I would like to second that. Heavy, uneven honewear; ground down well into the ridge (which for a razor as hollow as this one is crucial for stability); and the scales have always been a problem. Would you have invested that much time into a lesser known brand?
Either way, I would keep that razor as far away from any others as possible. Those scales are contagious and have the potential to ruin an entire collection in astonishingly short time. Search this forum for "cell rot" and "anguish".
