Thread: Heljestrand- Ivory Scales?

Hope everyone's having a relaxing holiday season.

While I was in the UK recently I picked up 3 old razors from an antique shop in Oxford. One, which is rapidly becomming my favourite shaver, is a Heljestrand No. 32. I did a quick forum search but nothing came up specifically regarding my question, which is.... Are the original scales of these razors ivory?

I've very little experience with ivory, bar my grandmother's old piano. The scales are a little yellowed and there's a visible grain. I did a hot paper clip test in a discrete location and nothing melted.

It's not a major issue because, as I said, it shaves beautifully regardless of the scale's material. But it would be nice to know for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to determine whether I got a bargain or not (paid 8 pounds for it - really good condition - the guy thought it was French...)

Cheers for any info.

James.

Heljestrand did make ivory-scaled razors, I've got a #31 in real ivory and another #31 in french ivory. My #32 just has the standard white MK scales, and it's one of my favorite razors as well. I'm planning to rescale it using a chipped set of ivory scales from a full-size razor.

I've got at least 10 razors of the same make and all are scaled in Ivory. Just guessing from your description? I'd say there is a very good chance the piece is ivory, but without closeup pics, I can't tell.

I would suggest trying the pin or paperclip test again. Get the pin red hot, touch it to the inside of a scale and then immediately touch it to a piece of known plastic. If the razor resists the pin, but the pin melts the known sample of plastic, you know that the test is accurate. The material could be bone though.

Also remember that the more erratic the grain, the more chance it is ivory. Celluloid makers did their best to fake "perfect" ivory, so the grain in celluloid rarely has any flaws.

Regardless, a great shaver for $25ish? Sounds like you got a deal to me!

Thanks for the replies guys. I'll take a couple of photos and see how they turn out. If they show the grain I'll post them, otherwise it's probably just a waste of time.

Yep, did the red-hot paper clip test on this razor followed by known celluloid scales - nothing on the former and melting on the latter.

I suppose you're right - about $25 is pretty good for the Heljestrand regardless of the scale material- it really does shave well, and I love the little thumb groove.

James.