Thread: Gassing Scales

Do you know the item number on Ebay?

How does gassing happen then? I don't understand the concept, but from the one post it seems to come from the celluloid and it being left int he sun can create the reaction?

The molecules start breaking down and releasing a gas vapor - I thought it was ammonia but I could be wrong, it hasn't happened to me yet. The gas acts as a catalys for the other celluloid molecules to start breaking down, and you get a chain reaction. I don't know that it's ever been proven that light encourages this process, but its prevalence in the translucent celluloids would seem indicative, I would think that the dark celluloids are protected partly because the dye tends to absorb the light instead of the celluloid material. Celluloid rot can happen even without the stimulus of light, it's just not a very stable plastic. Lots of the old hollywood movies have disappeared because of this as well, rotting away in their canisters.

Here's what can happen. The offending razor is the one in the upper right - the gunstock marble colored celluloid. This particular celluloid has a high incidence of celluloid rot. I've encountered it before with this pattern.

Originally Posted by PapaBull

Here's what can happen. The offending razor is the one in the upper right - the gunstock marble colored celluloid. This particular celluloid has a high incidence of celluloid rot. I've encountered it before with this pattern.

Is there a general rule of thumb of how many years minimum (under the worst conditions) it would take for this chemical breakdown to start?

Regularly disinfection and coating the scales in protective oils won't avoid/delay this process?

I know some of the razors I've seen in this kind of condition were probably made in the 40's. I don't think there's an absolute life expectancy for this stuff. I'm guessing but I think razors that are enclosed and subject to high heat (like in an attick) and worse, direct sunlight or UV exposure simply start breaking down and once the process starts it's irreversible as far as I know.

For those that don't know, celluloid is properly called "cellulose nitrate". ABOUT CELLULOID

It's chemical composition isn't far removed from gunpowder and it's extremely volatile stuff. It can go up in flames with just a spark or any agressive grinding, such as on a belt sander. Trying to melt it with a match or lighter will result in it immediately bursting into searing flames and generating quite acrid smoke. It is, however, a good product with characteristics that make it ideal for razor handles and is still being used today for a number of applications, including handles for both knives and razors.

Originally Posted by PapaBull

I know some of the razors I've seen in this kind of condition were probably made in the 40's. I don't think there's an absolute life expectancy for this stuff. I'm guessing but I think razors that are enclosed and subject to high heat (like in an attick) and worse, direct sunlight or UV exposure simply start breaking down and once the process starts it's irreversible as far as I know.

For those that don't know, celluloid is properly called "cellulose nitrate". ABOUT CELLULOID

It's chemical composition isn't far removed from gunpowder and it's extremely volatile stuff. It can go up in flames with just a spark or any agressive grinding, such as on a belt sander. Trying to melt it with a match or lighter will result in it immediately bursting into searing flames and generating quite acrid smoke. It is, however, a good product with characteristics that make it ideal for razor handles and is still being used today for a number of applications, including handles for both knives and razors.

Wow...that is really interesting...I would have NEVER guessed that.


how does one shape, grind, and sand celluloid without destroying it then? Or is it simply poured and molded?