Any natural tortoise alternatives?

Just wondering. I just opened up a box with what appears to be tortoise shell scales. I'm skeptical though. they weren't advertised as real either.

I did the rubbing test and then the hot pin test. Nothing at all. Plus their bug eaten. And they don't even look all that nice. Add to that, the scales are very thick and don't have a wedge...I am highly skeptical that these scales are real tortoise shell. Was there/is there a natural substance that looks similar? I'll get pics up at some point.

I have seen a number of old British razors that used clear horn to which they added spots in order to simulate tortoise. Sometimes it looks really, really nice. Sometimes not.

That would explain the bug bites, and the thickness. Since the spots are applied externally, they wouldn't go through the thickness of the scale, as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FatboySlim

I have seen a number of old British razors that used clear horn to which they added spots in order to simulate tortoise. Sometimes it looks really, really nice. Sometimes not.

That would explain the bug bites, and the thickness. Since the spots are applied externally, they wouldn't go through the thickness of the scale, as well.

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Thats it! Thanks!