Thread: Celluoid Time Bomb

Here is an informative article on Celluloid, written by a knife collector with good photos.

He does give interesting information and dispels some myths of cures. Apparently the main aggravating catalyst for degradation is heat, storing under glass and in direct sunlight creating a greenhouse effect.

Exactly how many are displayed or have been at flea markets, antique or knife shows.

Still there is no cure.

While not new information still a good read.

I think that article pretty much mirrors everything we have said here over the years. I didn't see anything new.

The problem isn't limited only to razors, Anything made with celluloid has the same problem.

A lot of vintage pens and toys also have the problem. There are also a few different grades of rot, and some are contagious.

The most common type of celluloid degradation is caused by camphor gradually working its way out of the product. Extreme heat will contribute to this process. This causes embrittlement, and in transparent or translucent items deep crazing will be evident. Items affected this way will crumble completely.

More serious degradation occurs when the nitrocellulose degrades, giving off oxides of nitrogen. These combine with water, usually also present when this reaction takes place, forming nitric acid. This is very corrosive to metal, fabric, paper, etc., and often results in substantial destruction of surrounding materials. The effects are worse when the celluloid products are stored in closed containers. The fumes are more concentrated, and the by-products catalyze further reaction, leading to further damage.

People often wonder whether anything can be done to treat celluloid buttons or other products to prevent these types of degradation. Proper storage, in ventilated containers, without excess humidity or high temperatures, will make degradation less likely. Unfortunately, once it has begun it is impossible to reverse. Many celluloid items are stable, but unfortunately it is not possible to know which these will be, although translucent and transparent celluloids are more prone to degradation initiated by ultraviolet light. (Colouring agents which prevent light transmission through celluloid objects appear to give some protection.) Most factors which make degradation likely are present from the time of manufacture, and only proper storage can minimize their effects. Some of these factors include: the purity of ingredient materials; the rinsing and drying processes, which may leave agents catalyzing degradation in the finished materials; the kneading process, which affects the celluloid structure; stability of added materials; and other manufacturing processes.

Celluloid must be stored in ventilated containers, protected from light and humidity. It must be kept separately from other materials, particularly metals, which are attacked by corrosive products of celluloid degradation. Celluloid buttons should be examined periodically and any showing signs of degradation, or affecting surrounding materials, should be discarded. On the bright side, many celluloid buttons have been around for 100 years without showing any signs of degradation, and with proper storage most will stay sound.

The History and Properties of Celluloid > Button Club > Ottawa Valley Button Club Articles

This was a great read,thank you for posting,what I saw new was the refferance to light colored cell possibly being more of a problem than dark colors.
I realize this has been talked about in past SRP posts,just sort of bolsters what we think we know.Any info is good info IMO

I liked it. I think spot-on. I have taken to lightly cleaning and soaking all my cell with 3M wet silicone for a few days a year. It seems to make them happy and gives them some 'pop'.
At least I am trying!

There are some acid resistant coating on the market that may help with razor collections.

I've been doing some digging and "Master bond" do this one. EP21ARHT Product Description | MasterBond.com

Not sure how expensive or available it is but it might be the first start in protecting the metal at least.

I think eventually celluloid razors will only cone in 2 parts, with the scales separate and sealed, and the blades rescaled for use. This is the only way I can see of preventing the total loss of these blades with time.

Covering the steel with epoxy would help prevent the corrosion but it will also stop the blade from cutting. You won't be shaving with any razors so treated.

Originally Posted by Splashone

Covering the steel with epoxy would help prevent the corrosion but it will also stop the blade from cutting. You won't be shaving with any razors so treated.

I think he was referring to coating the scales?

I fixed up some old cell a while back and dusted the scales with clear enamel.
I has not hurt anything that I can see!

No I was actually referring to coating the blades.

There is nothing you can do if the celluloid starts to decay, Coating it will make no difference. Coating the steel on the other hand may buy you some time If the razor is in storage. It will also work for display pieces. For an actual used razor you don't want any decaying celluloid anywhere near it. So it's a rescale.

If you had a large collection of blades that were mostly unused then coating them would ensure you don't loose a blade, If you wanted to have a shave with one then putting it on a hone would clear the epoxy from the cutting edge to allow a shave, then you could re-coat and store.

More science here - JAIC 1991, Volume 30, Number 2, Article 3 (pp. 145 to 162)