Thread: Robeson Cutlery Co razor

I believe those scales are hard rubber also known as ebonite and vulcanite. A very common scale material during the early 20th and late 19th centuries. I doubt they are bakelite but if they are be careful if you take them apart. Bakelite is very brittle. Gutta Percha was used during an earlier time frame than your razor say mid to the end of the 19th century. In my experience with antique firearms, where it was commonly used make hand gun grips among other things, it does not deteriorate like hard rubber.
As the hard rubber deteriorates it takes on that green brown color you see. Once the process starts it will continue. Steel wool and MAAS will probably not be aggressive enough to bring the scales back to their original black color but it will polish them up.
Interesting blade. Nice find.