Thread: Issues with natural materials

I noticed and brought it to his attention when I received the brush there were some hairline cracks but he said there shouldn't be any issues with it as it is 150 years old already.

Yes, I would think that ivory and horn, being natural material, are susceptible to changes in humidity. I imagine that with a coal stove in use you are getting a very dry heat. That may might cause the shrinkage. You might want to find out if the humidity level in your house is below average.

Bob

The OP mentioned soaking a brush. Certainly the wood would expand and crack the ivory. I would never recommend soaking any brush handle. If any minute cracks exist or not, as they naturally might, the pressure from slightly swollen wood would certainly be the culprit. Possibly CA the crack and put in a dry place to keep. As to the razor, it looks to have shrunk considerably. Talk to Robert about removing and modifying the wedge and then possibly oiling the scales and keeping it in a very dry spot. JMO

These things happen. With the ivory the crack was probably already there but so small it couldn't be seen unless inspected under high magnification. Horn is known to change. I had a horn handled razor the twisted enough so you had to be really careful parking the blade. The thing to do is talk to the maker and see what can be done. Maybe a replacement is in order especially if the items are within a year or so.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

The OP mentioned soaking a brush. Certainly the wood would expand and crack the ivory. I would never recommend soaking any brush handle. If any minute cracks exist or not, as they naturally might, the pressure from slightly swollen wood would certainly be the culprit. Possibly CA the crack and put in a dry place to keep. As to the razor, it looks to have shrunk considerably. Talk to Robert about removing and modifying the wedge and then possibly oiling the scales and keeping it in a very dry spot. JMO

As I stated I only soak the knot. I try my best to keep the wood and ivory as dry as possible. When I do soak it its only in about an inch of water in a mug. So the brush cannot fall over and the water doesn't reach high enough to soak the wood.

As for the razor, the wedge is bone and rather small to begin with, so it may be hard to modify enough to keep clearance and still function properly.


On another note after the 2 issues I am starting to migrate all of my gear to a new location, in my bedroom. The temp is more stable in there.

Sorry! I see that now! I would also recommend to take a q-tip (smash it with a hammer!) and dip in neetsfoot oil. saturate the scales inside and out and see if you can close it within several days.
On the brush, filling the crack with CA on the end of a straight pin now, while the crack is spread, will keep gunk and dust out of the crack and hopefully keep things stable. The wood on the lower part of the handle appears dry in the photos. If the wood is not sealed, nor oiled, the dry wood can absorb moisture readily, I think. Might be way too dry in there? Wet? Temp/humidity? I think you have it right!
Best of luck!

Originally Posted by BobH

Yes, I would think that ivory and horn, being natural material, are susceptible to changes in humidity. I imagine that with a coal stove in use you are getting a very dry heat. That may might cause the shrinkage. You might want to find out if the humidity level in your house is below average.

Bob

On the contrary, combustion releases moisture and warm air is more humid than cold air.

Originally Posted by Splashone

On the contrary, combustion releases moisture and warm air is more humid than cold air.

Esp in the bathroom, Or any room. Until the moisture is burned-out. Then things tend to dry out, dependent upon humidity, of course! So I figure the wood has swollen in the brush, causing the ivory to crack. It seems excessive humidity would not make horn shrink? I must admit I have not experimented with any of this!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Esp in the bathroom, Or any room. Until the moisture is burned-out. Then things tend to dry out, dependent upon humidity, of course! So I figure the wood has swollen in the brush, causing the ivory to crack. It seems excessive humidity would not make horn shrink? I must admit I have not experimented with any of this!

I must side with BobH on this one. My home which is well sealed and insulated,has a atmospheric combustion furnace (the air needed for combustion is drawn directly from outside the house),is completely different than my old leaky hunting cabin that is heated by a woodstove which pulls the air from inside the cabin. That air that goes up the chimney must be replaced from outside air which in winter holds little humidity. On the same day I will be totally comfortable at home but at the cabin I will need lip balm a lotion and will deliver a nasty static surprise if I were to touch you.

Well then, what's going on? Is the wood swelling and the ivory shrinking and the horn diminishing all at once?
Reminds of 'Close Encounters'! ... Sorry! In my humid environment, it don't happen!