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I just scored this beautiful Boker 2646 with a silver butterfly inlaid on it for $31. The scales appear to be ivory due to the grain, but they give somewhat almost like a very stiff plasitc. Can you folks give me your opinion on whether it is real ivory or not or how I can tell it is?
Either way it is a very handsome blade but I am just trying to figure out if I've got an heirloom, or just a good looking antique. Thanks for your help!
Jared
Attachment 72531
I would bet my bottom dollar those are celluloid. Still a real good deal and a first class razor brand that appears to be in good shape.
Indeed.
No ivory. Jimmy's right.
I have one that looks similar.
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I agree with Jimmy all the way. Think about how natural things hardly never have straight lines, then look at the faux lines in the scales. Secondly, all of my ivory scaled razors have quite thin scales, just a little over 1/16" except for a set that I made. Once you ever get a set of ivory scales, you will always know just as soon as you hold it. Yes, Bokers are fine shavers...you did just fine.
Here is a post with photos and text that will help you to recognize the genuine article. Speaking of vintage ivory. Current production customs may have threaded or pinned fasteners and the ivory is generally thicker IME. The whole thread has some good info on the topic.
Going with the general consensus, the blade would certainly turn out to still be a beautiful shaver, making it quite worth the $31 you spent thus far. My Boker is one of my favorite blades and gives the finest shave, by far.
I would have to agree with Jimmy and Max. I have a Heljestrand with ivory scales. They are quite thin and have no uniform lines in them that are that distinct.
Don't worry, though. That Boker is an excellent shaver. Congrats on snagging it.
You won't find Ivory with inlays on it. Or at least I have never seen any.
Well let me restate that cause I have a Dorko with some Mammoth Ivory Scales and the maker inlayed the Dorko Logo into them but that was a custom job and I haven't seen it done with Elephant anyway.
The scales are made from what was called French ivory. It was supposed to look like ivory although when you get a set of real ivory scales, you will know the difference. It is still a good deal, and those are nice shaving razors once you get it properly honed.
Jared, fellow denizen of the Pacific North Wet, greetings.
I had a Henckels I thought was ivory also, but Glen said otherwise. It was still the best shaving Henckels I've ever touched. Enjoy it!
Also, I'm a short hop away, should you ever care to try any of my gear - see what you like without having to buy and sell it all to determine your preferences. 'Blades, stones. My strops or brushes wouldn't impress anyone, but some other stuff might put a smile on your face.
Hollar if I can be helpful.
I know that if you heat up a needle and try to push it into Ivory it wont go in but celluloid and Bakelite will let the needle in like a hot knife in butter! Please know this is a bad test on these scales as it will either prove that you have more than you bargained for or it will put a hole in an otherwise beautiful blade!
+1 that and the thickness of the material are always the first clues to real Vintage Ivory Note: I said Vintage :)Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
ps: there are exceptions in almost everything in this sport, so assume we are talking in generalities...
Would be far easyer to enlay in elephant than mammoth.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
Its faux bone actually. You can tell the difference because the celluloid bone has lines that are very very uniform. Natural material is easy to spot under a loop if you have one.
+1 on that. Celluloid or I'll eat my shorts.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
I'll +1 that +1, looks like celluloid to me as well.
