Thread: Reshaping old celluoid scales

G'day folks,

I recently aquired a nice razor with a "carved" or more correctly an ornate celluloid handle. the problem is that over time that the scales have deformed so that they are pinched together in the middle (touching at the back)

What I would like to know is if it is possible to reshape them to restore the gap between the scales.

My first thought is to soak them in boiling water, insert a wedge and allow to cool.

The second and more drastic option is to remove the scales fit them to a ridgid backing material and repin. (this I'd rather avoid).

Thanks in advance

Lancer (Andrew)

Originally Posted by Lancer

G'day folks,

I recently aquired a nice razor with a "carved" or more correctly an ornate celluloid handle. the problem is that over time that the scales have deformed so that they are pinched together in the middle (touching at the back)

What I would like to know is if it is possible to reshape them to restore the gap between the scales.

My first thought is to soak them in boiling water, insert a wedge and allow to cool.

The second and more drastic option is to remove the scales fit them to a ridgid backing material and repin. (this I'd rather avoid).

Thanks in advance

Lancer (Andrew)

Those are pretty much your two options.

If you've been searching and reading previous posts about scales and straightening, you'll have run across the point that celluloid eventually starts to disintegrate with age. Once that begins I know of nothing that will stop the decay. So before you invest a lot of effort, check if the scales have an odd smell... maybe a little like vinegar? If so, then I will tell you that even if you're successful in straightening them you are living on borrowed time.

If they are palstic, you can reshape them with heat (hair dryer, and using a stabilizer inbetween them such as a wooden popsicle stick). However, Exposing celluloid to extreme conditions (heat or chemical) will cause them to start to degrade. If they are black, they will start to turn brown and have a distinct smell...almost like hair burning (that's the celluloid). Also, if the scales are degrading, but you do not detect a scent, you might see either a color change in the scales (you'll be lucky if that is all), and eventually the metal that is between the scales will be exposed to the gases that are released from the degradation...this causes the scales to pit and rust in a spotted manner. You might have seen this on razors on eBay (only 1/2 the blade is rusted out, along the length of the blade, only on the bottom half - near the cutting edge).

I'm not experience with restoring celluloid scales, only ruining them.....

Sorry, but do keep us posted! Especially if you figure out a way.....

C utz

I'm also pretty good at destroying them.

If you go down the path of using boiling water, use warm water and see how you go, then bring the temperature up slowly.

I put a set in boiling water and they warped even worse than before.