Thread: Problems with celluloid scales?

Hi,
I'm considering purchasing a NOS razor with celluloid scales. I've read a few threads on celluloid rot, and I was wondering how much of a concern it is. Is the degradation of celluloid inevitable, or would a well cared for set of scales last indefinately?

Thanks,
Chief

I don't think you have to worry about celluloid rot, Chief. It is a relatively rare disease among razors, but it can be very contagious if it is exposed to other celluloid scales. I have handled hundreds of razors and have only come across it one time. Others may have different experiences, but it seems that it most often occurs in multicolored or patterned designs. Since there are so many 100 year and older razors around, it shows that celluloid is a pretty stable material and not easily degraded under normal circumstances.

Regards - Walt

As Walt already pointed out a rather rare occurance.... Just look over every new razor you add to your collection with a critical eye...

I agree its a rare thing however you never know when it will happen and there aren't any warning signs all the time. Sometimes it will just start in a tiny spot and quickly worsen. Also many times its not the old beat up scales that start to degrade its the nice pristine mint looking ones.

However its not a reason to avoid celluloid. Just be aware and inspect your razors on a regular basis and you will be fine. If it happens just quarantine the razor and trash the scales.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I agree its a rare thing however you never know when it will happen and there aren't any warning signs all the time. Sometimes it will just start in a tiny spot and quickly worsen. Also many times its not the old beat up scales that start to degrade its the nice pristine mint looking ones.

However its not a reason to avoid celluloid. Just be aware and inspect your razors on a regular basis and you will be fine. If it happens just quarantine the razor and trash the scales.

I guess my question is what is the typical lifespan of celluoid scales-- and what is it that sets off the rot? I have not heard about this problem in old celluoid fountain pens...

Chief

I don't think there is any real lifespan. I've seen em going back to the late 19th century and early 20th and they are fine. As far as what sets them off thats a harder question. I know heat and direct sunlight can do it.Also they can be very finicky and if damaged by solvents or chemicals or even rinsed with very hot tap water that can damage them too. A certain amount of damage will set them off also the question is what is the tipping point.

Even kept in the dark in a cool environment they can begin to go. I guess its one of those mysteries of life.

Originally Posted by BHChieftain

I have not heard about this problem in old celluoid fountain pens...

Chief

I used to collect fountain pens before I switched to razors and although it never happened to any of mine, I did hear anecdotal evidence of it happening to other people's pens.
Maybe it happens less with pens due to some unknown factor such as differing storage conditions/use, or maybe if it's just more noticeable on razors because of the way it corrodes the blade?

I've often wondered if rotting celluloid could be somehow stabilised, maybe using a similar technique to that used to stabilise wood? Obviously it doesn't have pores like wood does, but if it was all sealed up under an airtight layer of a modern resin maybe that would stop the rot or at least stop it being contagious?