Thread: Celluloid outgassing? When in doubt, take it out?

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Are these scales Celluloid outgassing? They appear to be made from plastic with some mottling to resemble Tortise shell. When I examined them closely they look like they are "coming apart".
Not horn.
When in doubt, take it out?

All this talk about gassing. Im going to have to go look losely at all of mine. I havent noticed an issue as i rotate through them as much as possible but one could be in there without me knowing it.

The best article I found on celluloid come from the Oregon Knife Club: https://www.oregonknifeclub.org/celluloid_02.html

Other than watching it burn or seeing advanced deterioration, the author did not find a test to identify celluloid that was about to start off gassing.

Summary of tests for celluloid: https://theloveofvintage.wordpress.c...onincelluloid/
Nothing that hasn’t been suggested elsewhere on SRP.

I have a somewhat of a large group of razors, I do my best of looking them over every month or two, ever since running into cell rot. In just the last two years I've had to ditch all my faux tortoise scales, and a couple of the transparent, colored scales.

Typically I see what looks like a thin film of frost, on the scales, or a foggy spot on the blade in conjunction with the spot on the scales.

It will easily wipe off, but returns shortly.
But eventually its going to go nuts and start doing incredible damage.

If in doubt....throw them out.

Cell rot attacks razors most vigorously when the razor is shut up in a coffin or wrapped up in plastic to "protect" it from humidity. Just sayin.

Part of me is saying you can keep that one oiled if it is in rotation, and keep it coated with petroleum jelly if it is not active. and keep it in a sock instead of a coffin, and it should be okay. But part of me agrees with "if in doubt", too. The scales look nice in the pic but they are not super special, either. If you have some horn or bone on hand, maybe that would be a good rescale candidate. or some nice wood, or G10. Micarta. Whatever.

You probably just need to drink a few beers and think about it.

I took some time today and looked at each and every razor. All is well in my razor cabinet. For now!

IME, if the razor shows any sign of corrosion from the gas even oiling it will not prevent further rusting. It's essentially nitric acid after all.

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The razor has been separated from all others. When I get my drill press, files, vice etc in my basement and start getting the workshop setup then I will remove the scales and toss them.

Thanks guys,

Originally Posted by onimaru55

IME, if the razor shows any sign of corrosion from the gas even oiling it will not prevent further rusting. It's essentially nitric acid after all.

Good point.

Didn't really know this was a thing. Checked all my straight razors, and I'm good