Thread: Cell rot

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

I was looking for the research paper I found and I don't think this is it but it does at least have some real data about celluloid plastics. I think this was something else I found while looking and saved also.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RDc...w?usp=drivesdk

I'll keep looking.

If you search Film (Movies) and Antiques you will find quite a bit of info

One of the biggest reasons for so much different info, is that there are so many different recipes

It really isn't that any of it is "Wrong" it just might not apply to the scales you have in hand

Yeah, I think it was something related to film that I found where there was some real research. Some material you find will say there isn't much data because there is no money for the research. I don't buy that with as much film as there was on celluloid reel. There may not be new research but at one time there was. The big question, as Glen brings up is whether the information is pertinent to the kind used for scales, and there were probably several for that use.

I for one believe that water is a.large contributer so I try to be very thorough with drying blades AND scales and keep silica packets in the drawers with the razors.

These tools were made to be used.
They were not made to last 200 years............

That's true.

I had a cell rot situation that people might be advised to know about. Maybe it wasn’t technically cell rot but it was a similar reaction. I bought a razor storage case from a well known seller in Japan. I have about five of them. No problem. But one of them was. Every razor in it started to get a light coating of rust. None of the razors in it had celluloid scales. I cleaned them all up, rehoned them. Put them back in the box and it happened again. Cleaned them up again, redone d them and kept them out of the box. No trouble. I ordered another box ant everything was fine. It was the box. Something in it was breaking down and causing a fuss. It’s gone now and the issue has never come back. But it was clearly the box itself. So if you have an old one, keep an eye on them.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

That's one problem with having a large collection. It's hard to keep a close eye on all of them. One would be well advised to check them all on a schedule like programmed maintenance.

I have about 25 razors so i use them all at least once a month.

I think if any of my razors got the creeping death i would see pretty quick.

As far as i know the DubleDuck Satinedge you sent is the biggest risk, i keep all my razors next to each other in a couple of drawers in my jewellery box, I have heard i should keep the DD separate. I don't but I will keep a close eye on it.

I really hope it doesn't get it because it's my best razor and I would be heartbroken if I had to take those scales off.

Are there any preventative measures?

Originally Posted by STF

I have about 25 razors so i use them all at least once a month.

I think if any of my razors got the creeping death i would see pretty quick.

As far as i know the DubleDuck Satinedge you sent is the biggest risk, i keep all my razors next to each other in a couple of drawers in my jewellery box, I have heard i should keep the DD separate. I don't but I will keep a close eye on it.

I really hope it doesn't get it because it's my best razor and I would be heartbroken if I had to take those scales off.

Are there any preventative measures?

Steve, I know you aren't going to like this but, the only preventative measure would be to replace the scales. It's kind of like the old saying goes, "pay me now or pay me later". Wish there was another way!

I wouldn't go the hysteria route. It has made it this far. Some women cut off both healthy breasts for fear of breast cancer. I find that a little overkill. Keep an eye on it and if anything starts to go south then have some made.out of acrylic. Someone here was.doing that with a wonderedge a while back with pretty good results.

You could do the same thing with your prostate...............

If the DD is your favorite use it every day or every other and it will last longer than you will.

Unless you see issues let the next generation worry about it.

Originally Posted by STF

As far as i know the DubleDuck Satinedge you sent is the biggest risk, i keep all my razors next to each other in a couple of drawers in my jewellery box, I have heard i should keep the DD separate. I don't but I will keep a close eye on it.

I really hope it doesn't get it because it's my best razor and I would be heartbroken if I had to take those scales off.

Are there any preventative measures?

Have you actually tested the scales to see if they are celluloid ie smells of camphor when abraded.
I had a duck that was Catalin or Galalith or some other type of vintage plastic.

As Glen said "One of the biggest reasons for so much different info, is that there are so many different recipes ".