Thread: Celluloid scales and durability...

Celluloid is still made in sheet and block form today. American Art Plastic supply it in sheet form, there is a definitely a company in Italy that make it for high-end fountain pen manufacturers, and Germany still makes it.

The German stuff is meant to be just like the old stuff - a bit unstable and prone to shrinkage. One guy bought a box of knives from Germany, celluloid handles - he found that the celluloid had shrunk on all of them.

The old stuff was prone to exploding - lots of cutlery factories went up in smoke. One factory had a hinged roof - the idea being that the if an explosion occurred the roof would lift and dissipate the force of the blast and the building would survive. Don't know about the workforce, though...

However, not everything these days that is called celluloid is actually celluloid. In many ways it has become a blanket term, like calling all vacuum cleaners 'Hoovers' so the seller may not know what he is selling - could well be a modern acrylic which, these days, can mimic celluloid very well. I ordered some sheets of so-called celluloid from a knife-making supply company in the US once - it stank of fibreglass resin and was clearly some sort of acrylic. They took it back and refunded me in full, including the big customs fees and all the postage.

Regards,
Neil

Neil Thats interesting about the potential explosions,Have read the same about old movie films kept in locked vaults.
Is celulloid the same as nitro celluloid?

It seems I read of a company (WR Case?) whose celluloid operation was in a building with a hinged roof.
If it blew, they just simply closed the roof again.

I have many old razors with Cell scales. If it is stable, nothing finer, IMO.

I'm honored that so many moderators and others have responded to my question.

I have contacted Boker US and have asked about the scale material and its stability/durability. I'm really trying not to make a big deal about this since this will be my first razor. It's just that the disclaimer that came along with razor's description is interesting to say the least.

I'll let you all know what I find out.

Thanks,

Rob

Originally Posted by rosborn

I'm honored that so many moderators and others have responded to my question.

I have contacted Boker US and have asked about the scale material and its stability/durability. I'm really trying not to make a big deal about this since this will be my first razor. It's just that the disclaimer that came along with razor's description is interesting to say the least.

I'll let you all know what I find out.

Thanks,

Rob

It is always great to arm yourself with knowledge. When you find something out....please post it......

TBH, the OP did not disclose whether the King Cutter in question is new-production or vintage.
I think new production would have modern plastic scales. Old one could certainly be scaled with anything?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

TBH, the OP did not disclose whether the King Cutter in question is new-production or vintage.
I think new production would have modern plastic scales. Old one could certainly be scaled with anything?

Yes, this is a brand new King Cutter.

I don't think the statement is about the material in question. TSS is warning you not to fold the razor back on itself a lot. This can cause cracking of the scales at the hinge or the scales to become loose. That is what I get from the statement. Many people refer to razor scales as celluloid even though they are just plastic.

Originally Posted by CrownCork

I don't think the statement is about the material in question. TSS is warning you not to fold the razor back on itself a lot. This can cause cracking of the scales at the hinge or the scales to become loose. That is what I get from the statement. Many people refer to razor scales as celluloid even though they are just plastic.

Once again with pictures

Different ways to hold a straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library

Please look at the grips used for shaving all but 2 go past the 240° opening stage...

Please explain how you shave without opening the razor "Too" far

So the spine is not resting on the backside of the scales. I have seen people do it and post in their SOTD. My father taught me the same thing and to never hold a razor by it's scales unless it is closed. I am not trying to debate. Just clarify the statement the OP made. The discussion seemed to be wandering into celluloid etc