Thread: Genco Gold Seal Restore

Originally Posted by Ecl

I have two Gold Seals which came with identical celluloid scales. One showed obvious signs of cell rot and the other didn't. I've seen several in antique stores and on eBay with anywhere from mild pitting to complete blade-rusted-through rot. The question on this material is not if it will deteriorate, it's when.

Good ventilation is alleged to retard the process a bit. Using the razor regularly (thus cleaning off the decay products) should keep the blade in good order for many years. Rot's a thing to be aware of but not obsess over.

I wonder if maybe it is just the opposite...that open air would promote oxidation and breakdown...versus keeping it in its case...away from open air (other than normal use). The one I purchased, I believe, sat in its case for most of its many years. And these scales are in very good condition. I don't know the biochemistry of celluloid scales...I am just guessing. I really don't know. It may be that celluloid is just an unstable product. Maybe there is a biochemist on the forum who can weigh in on the discussion.

That turned out well, especially without having to unpin those scales!

Originally Posted by Whizbang

I wonder if maybe it is just the opposite...that open air would promote oxidation and breakdown...versus keeping it in its case...away from open air (other than normal use). The one I purchased, I believe, sat in its case for most of its many years. And these scales are in very good condition. I don't know the biochemistry of celluloid scales...I am just guessing. I really don't know. It may be that celluloid is just an unstable product. Maybe there is a biochemist on the forum who can weigh in on the discussion.

Lots of discussions can be found in a forum search, including some interesting things on makeup of the stuff. Look particularly for posts by the late Neil Miller, quite the expert!
Certainly a lot of it, and certain colors, are rot-prone. Some, not so much at all.

Something I have learned is some celluloid is infected by it's rot-prone neighbors in collections with little or no air circulation where they might not have otherwise come down with it.
A razor such as yours may be quite a stable formula. Unless it hangs out with the wrong crowd.
Being isolated has proven such. Still, air exchanges for celluloid is something which seems to help on those prone to the affliction.

Indeed, I have seen rot-prone wedges infect their own scales.


One bad apple can spoil the whole barrel!

Heat and moisture are the kickers. Problem is, you don’t know how they have lived their lives.

I just keep an eye, on my Celluloid scaled razors.