Thread: whats cell rot?

Ive seen it mentioned but and searched for it but only came up with 4 post that didnt contain what it is.

Celluloid is made from nitrocellusose, and decomposition would result in nitric acid formation, which certainly would be corrosive. As the celluloid breaks down it releases gas, rusting the razor and any that are in the same container.
Hope this helps
Tim

You probably mean celluloid rot. Celluloid is used in scales and is notoriously unstable stuff. Some of the really old stuff from the 1800s can self destruct if you look at it too long. The more recent stuff is more stable however exposure to sunlight, heat, chemicals will start the process. It gives off fumes which in turn corrode the steel in the blade and if stored near other razors will start good celluloid also roting and can corrode other blades nearby.

Telltale signs are the blade of the razor rusting where it folds into the scales while the top part is usually clean. Sometimes it starts slowly and affects the blade in limited areas but once it starts it's relentless. Often times as the celluloid deteriorates it gives off a odor kind of like vinegar or at least that's how it smells to me.

I see. So i would assume you remove and discard the scales to get rid of the problem.

If it is cell rot that is the best and safest thing to do.
I have lost some razors just because of one with cell rot.
If you suspect cell rot get rid of the scales or at least isolate them.
Tim

Cell rot can't be stabilized or stopped. It progresses. Trashing the scales is mandatory.

I have a Gong Special with this problem that I made a post about a few weeks ago. Some information:

1. Oiling the blade slows rusting, but doesn't stop it.

2. The scales were confirmed as the problem. I stuck a piece of pHydrion paper between blade and scales in the area where the rusting kept appearing. The paper in the area changed to cherry pink (acid) after a week or two, confirming celluloid degradation as the culprit (nitric acid).

3. I soaked the razor in 1% bicarbonate of soda to remove acid traces. I doubt it will stabilize the situation, but it has worked in the short run.

I'm not sure if I'm going to try to salvage the blade by attaching new scales, or sacrifice it in experimentation.