Thread: Is this a tortoise shell scale?

"Vaporizes" is exactly the term I'd use for pin testing celluloid. In that vein, I'd also caution any would be pin testers that you can easily damage celluloid scales beyond practical repair even if you're testing in an inconspicuous spot. Do not thrust the red/white hot pin into the scale. You can get the desired response by BARELY touching the very tip of the pin to the area you don't mind marring.

Chris L

Do be aware, as above, that if these are celluloid, they are made of nitrocellulose plastinated with camphor....

Hot pin at your own risk.

And only if you don't mind sacrificing the scales to know for certain what they are.

One last note about antique genuine tortoise shell scales; they get very dark with age, and it can be hard to see the remains of the striations. But with cleaning and a good light, they fairly glow and have a unique feeling when you run your finger along them; one that does not occur with bone, ivory or any plastic. Very rare to see genuine tortoise shell on a razor.

Well, considering what I've learned and the tests I've done I think I'll call these genuine?

You have to really examine it in person and try polishing it up and see if it changes appearance. Many of the older razors used a different celluloid. I have a Torry that is celluloid however it looks totally different from the stuff later made.

The surface structure is a perfect match.
I've posted pictures of a tortoise shell item in Gratewhitehuntr's tortoise shell thread. There you can see.

I'd say this is one.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...ve-poop-3.html