Thread: Ivory scales test?

Hi,

I just got a nice razor with genuine ivory scales from the 1800s. How do I test to make sure? I like the razor a lot but need to clean and hone it. Scales are perfect (very thin, no liners)

Thanks
Ivo

As I understand it, a hot pin inserted into an unseen (inside?) part of the scales will melt plastics of all kinds. if it doesn't melt, it's bone or ivory. The amount of grain is the determining factor between those two. Never done it myself, but I hear tell that's how it's done.

X

Originally Posted by xman

As I understand it, a hot pin inserted into an unseen (inside?) part of the scales will melt plastics of all kinds. if it doesn't melt, it's bone or ivory. The amount of grain is the determining factor between those two. Never done it myself, but I hear tell that's how it's done.

X

Why am I worried? Oh, yeah, you didn't say how pretty she is I guess she's not your type

Seriously though, how hot should the pin be? Heat it with a lighter?

Thanks
Ivo

Can't stay...bye bye, now...

Are they really thin? Is the grain somewhat irregular? If so it's probably either bone or ivory. If there are pinholes at the ends of the scales where the grain exits then it's bone, if not then it's ivory.

I've got several faux-ivory razors, and one genuine one. The genuine ivory scales are quite different than the fake ones.

Originally Posted by urleebird

Great razor, by the way. How much??

Bill, thank you for the tips!

And, honestly, my heart was sinking as I thought to myself 'OK, fist X, now Bill don't like this one, and I though it's so nice!'

It cost me all of $60. I think I could have gotten it cheaper if I wanted to bargain, but decided that 7/8 nice wedge grind with ivory scales in this overall good condition is worth it.

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by mparker762

Are they really thin? Is the grain somewhat irregular? If so it's probably either bone or ivory. If there are pinholes at the ends of the scales where the grain exits then it's bone, if not then it's ivory.

I've got several faux-ivory razors, and one genuine one. The genuine ivory scales are quite different than the fake ones.

Michael,

yes, really thin, with irregular grain, and no holes like bone tissue. I didn't think it might be bone, I was worried about celluloid. I have never had another razor with ivory so I cannot compare. By the way, scales have good flex, for some reason I thought ivory is stiff and hard

Cheers
Ivo

Great looking razor.



Terry

Ivory is stiff, but the scales are cut so thin, usually less than half the thickness of a celluoid version, that they will flex.

Looking at the photo I think it is ivory. I've got a few dozen to compare to and the shape of the blade and the shape of the scales are from the right time period.

Another less destructive test (though I favor the hot pin test) is to closely inspect the insides of the scales. Look for any surface changes or markings that would indicate that the piece had been cut with a saw. Ivory scales will be cut by hand or machine and many show signs of the blade markings on the unpolished sides of the scales. Celluloid won't show ay signs of being cut.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if it looks PERFECT it's probably celluloid or another type of copy. Nature always has flaws and many man made materials tend to look too nice and too uniform.

All in all, a very nice looking razor. Congrats on the decent buy.

Originally Posted by izlat

yes, really thin, with irregular grain, and no holes like bone tissue. I didn't think it might be bone, I was worried about celluloid. I have never had another razor with ivory so I cannot compare. By the way, scales have good flex, for some reason I thought ivory is stiff and hard

So's steel, but not when it's thin.

That sounds like the real stuff to me.