I have 8 English razors all with scales made of a black plastic type material. They are all post 1890. Maybe Bakelite. They all after about 5 or 6 months develop a brownish haze. It takes cutting with 600 grit through the oxidation to bring them back to a black color and then polishing. What is happening to the scales? They are all original. It would be a shame to replace them. I've waxed them after polishing but the haze returns. The blades are not effected by this and are still bright and shiny. Most of the razors are stored in pen boxes that hold about 25 razors. Only the English razors are effected. The side of the razor facing up oxidizes and the down side look nice and shiny. 7 are W&B's and 1 is a Wosty.