Thread: Heljestrand mk32 ivory?

Is there a decent way to tell if scales are Ivory or not? I received this today from ebay, it was sold as being Ivory scales but I don't really know how to verify that. Razor is in very nice shape, it doesn't look like it was ever honed (no wear that I can see) though it is already popping hairs. I am just going to give it a few light passes on a 12k and see where it is. If it needs more honing beyond that I'll probably send it out to a honemeister as I'm just learning to hone and don't want to learn on this one.

Thanks,

Shawn

You can test for ivory by touching it with a hot needle. If it's french ivory it'll melt, if it's real it won't react. Do this somewhere where it won't show....

That said, I've got several ivory scaled helje's and those look like real ivory scales to me.

If you take a sharp blade (like a straight) you can try and shave a sliver of scale off in an inconspicuous place! if you get dust or crumbles it's most likely ivory, but if you get a curley cue its likely a plastic or celluloid type material!

From the pictures the material of the scales and the pattern look like something that occurs naturally and not man made, I think it might be ivory, but I am certainly no expert. That is a super blade blade and if it is ivory then you my friend have found a gem.

Thanks everyone. I tried the hot pin test on the scales and it didn't leave a mark. I did the same thing on another razor and it sizzled and smelled lousy. So it appears these are the real deal!

I'll see if it is shave ready tomorrow morning....

Thanks again,

Shawn

That's a REAL nice razor...congrats

My Helji 32 has ivory scales very similar to that. I know this doesn't really answer your question, but I think a few of them come that way.

James.

yep, sounds like ivory to me. once you get several ivory razors you'll know right when you see it.
which reminds me that i've gotta take a picture of one of mine and ask for ideas - it certainly doesn't look like elephant ivory, perhaps somebody has better idea of the beast that grew it....

Those Helje thumbnotches make me crazy!

I WANT ONE!!!!

*WANT*

Now that I've got the MK31 with real tortoise, I think a MK32 with real ivory would be just the thing...