Thread: Damage to scales from isopropyl?

I had another of my bright ideas...

I filled a container with 70% isopropyl alcohol, figuring that dropping my straight in there while taking time to do other post-shave cleanup would prevent water spots, micro-rust, etc., until I could get to it.

Tried it today. Had three razors I'm trying to get exactly the right edge on, and wanted to try all three for cutiing ability.

They were in the alcohol maybe 30 minutes. The plastic scales on two of them now look as if they were somewhat damaged. Kind of rough, "blistered" look. The third, with buffalo horn scales, is fine.

First, does isopropyl do this? I searched the forum with no results addressing this. Anyone out there with experience being as (possibly) stupid as I am?

Assuming the scales did get compromised, what is the solution? I understand MAAS polishes plastic scales pretty well. Other suggestions?

Haven't heard of isopropyl damaging plastics from that short of an exposure. Maybe it is how the scales were manufactured or some kind of treatment over the plastic that is pitting.

Are you sure the scales are plastic and not celluloid. Plastic should not be affected by alcohol even the early types. Celluloid on the other hand would be damaged.

Sorry, I don't have any real good advice to help you. You opened my eyes to something, I usually clean my razors with isopropyl. I never thought about that solvent breaking down Celluliod.
Keep us posted, hopefully they will buff out.
One the other hand it give you a great excuse to make some custom scales.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Are you sure the scales are plastic and not celluloid. Plastic should not be affected by alcohol even the early types. Celluloid on the other hand would be damaged.

A black-scaled BEST and a red Bismarck. Do you know if this means celluloid?

Originally Posted by pcb01

A black-scaled BEST and a red Bismarck. Do you know if this means celluloid?

Just did a search and answered my question. Of course, they are celluloid. So now, are there any suggestions as to how to buff them, or if it's possible? Thanks.

You want to make sure the celluloid doesn't start to breakdown so keep it away from other razors and keep that blade in the open position. After a couple months if things seem OK then you can buff it but once damaged I don't know if you can really fix it unless it just lost its luster and that's it. Celluloid is mighty delicate stuff so watch heat if you buff.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You want to make sure the celluloid doesn't start to breakdown so keep it away from other razors and keep that blade in the open position. After a couple months if things seem OK then you can buff it but once damaged I don't know if you can really fix it unless it just lost its luster and that's it. Celluloid is mighty delicate stuff so watch heat if you buff.

Thanks for the advice. I just read this; last night I took some MAAS and a cotton cloth to the Dovo Best. Took about 30', but it did buff out. I plan to do the same with the Bismarck. If anything untoward develops, I'll put that here.