Thread: Case red imp 133

Originally Posted by WetShaveObsession

I do know that the scales are notorious for what you mentioned. So much so that even an old rescale is totally realistic. As I said you may very well be correct. Everything you are saying makes sense. More sense than what I an contending in fact. It is not a matter of being right or wrong but at this point I am curious to know. I am sure there are people here that know for certain. Heck perhaps maybe you are one of them and I am simply off base from jump!
I also have a DD dwarf where the scales are simply a mess - looking much like many of the imps you see as far as uneven shrinkage and severe warping. It has been mentioned to me by someone else that does numerous restorations that the DD Stainedges are known for this as well. You are probably correct. Either way I love the discussion as anything I can learn about razors and their history I pretty much eat up at this point. The knowledge of so many people here is simply amazing. I thank you for your posts and sharing of your knowledge.

+1 on the did scales. I have a satin wedge that had the translucent yellow celluloid scales. Let me tell you about sketchy and messy. It was my first razor and I knew little more than that dd razors are popular on this forum. So I bough it. I honed it myself. Stropped it. And was on my 4th shave when one of the scales literally popped in my hand with blade on face.

I rescaled my duck. Now fast forward to when someone told me on this very thread that the scales on my imp were celluloid showing signs of decomposition. Now we can all understand why I'm rescaling my imp

Well, if your Imp was like this, You would HAVE to do SOMETHING!



On the positive side, the shrinking bakelite does not seem to gas, as in the DD's. It does not seem to cause the same pitting and corrosion on the blade.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Well, if your Imp was like this, You would HAVE to do SOMETHING!



On the positive side, the shrinking bakelite does not seem to gas, as in the DD's. It does not seem to cause the same pitting and corrosion on the blade.

That's a 132 isn't it? Anyways. Mine are not shrunken quite that bad.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Case Red Imps were and are notorious for shrinkage and warpage. As many of them out there rescaled with whatever was available as are DD Satinedges, which suffer from the same malady. Neither of your yellow examples are in the original scales, JMO. 'Factory' pins with no washer on one side? No need to take my word as such, however. The second example is obviously from Manah. Perhaps he could weigh in on whether it was rescaled or not.

I'd bet that it is rescaled. One of the old barbers, 70 years old and 50 years barbering in NY/NJ, told me that they used to have a panel truck come around to the many barber shops. The truck was full of barber supplies, razors, stones, hair tonic, strops and what have you. The vendor did rescales on the spot and frequently the replacement scales were solid at the 'wedge end'. IOW, no pin at the bottom to fool with. So whenever I see a razor with scales without a pin on the end opposite the pivot I assume a rescale.

Originally Posted by ncraigtrn

Now fast forward to when someone told me on this very thread that the scales on my imp were celluloid showing signs of decomposition. Now we can all understand why I'm rescaling my imp

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Well, if your Imp was like this, You would HAVE to do SOMETHING!
On the positive side, the shrinking bakelite does not seem to gas, as in the DD's. It does not seem to cause the same pitting and corrosion on the blade.

The Monkey Wrench:


Just double checked because I hate to give wrong info...

I have only restored maybe 20 Red Imps over the last 7 years, the set of scales that I happen to have from some of those Restores in the shop still, are without a doubt Celluloid,,, NO question..

Were some Red Bakelite, perhaps they were, was there distinct evidence of Off gassing on some of the restores ??? Yes without a doubt..


Are there any Absolutes in this hobby ??? Very few


Take the scales and rub them with a cotton rag and a bit of polish then rub again if the smell is slightly acrid then they are Bakelite it there is a distinct Camphor smell they are Celluloid.. You could also light them off (Safely) if you don't need them any longer, Celluloid is near explosive when it burns...


Your tests, on your razor will determine what your scales are made of...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

The Monkey Wrench:


Just double checked because I hate to give wrong info...

I have only restored maybe 20 Red Imps over the last 7 years, the set of scales that I happen to have from some of those Restores in the shop still, are without a doubt Celluloid,,, NO question..

Were some Red Bakelite, perhaps they were, was there distinct evidence of Off gassing on some of the restores ??? Yes without a doubt..


Are there any Absolutes in this hobby ??? Very few


Take the scales and rub them with a cotton rag and a bit of polish then rub again if the smell is slightly acrid then they are Bakelite it there is a distinct Camphor smell they are Celluloid.. You could also light them off (Safely) if you don't need them any longer, Celluloid is near explosive when it burns...


Your tests, on your razor will determine what your scales are made of...

Well I'm gonna go ahead and 86 the factory scales. Salvage them and do custom. Keep the originals in one piece if I can and include them in any sales I do. If I so choose to sell it. Thanks gssixgun.

To add to Glenn's list of notorious cell rot scales from earlier in the post....
'Case Temperite's' Let me repeat.....'Case Temperite's'

I really expected to see the scale logo on the yellow imps if they were factory supplied so I'll remain skeptical for now..