Thread: tortoise scales

How does one test for real tortoise scales? I have no doubt that the ones on my new razor are foux, but how do you tell when looking at older razors that may have real stuff?

They are horn substance. So you'd smell it if you burn them. If you dare.

Doin the turtle dance !! (no I don't have to poop) - Straight Razor Place Forums

Plastic tortoise feels and looks like plastic.

The fake horn stuff can look convincing, but the blotches will not bleed all the way through. It can look very bad. Just like ivory, you'll know it when you have the real stuff. But don't be tricked by the horn crap. It will pass the hot pin test, but it'll still feel like horn, might smell like horn too.

Also, the older stuff gets real dark. I have a W & B wedge with tortoise scales. I owned it for 2 years before I discovered they were real tortoise as they look like dark horn only smoother. By accident I shined a flashlight through the scales and could clearly see the tortoise pattern.
So for those that have old dark horn scales it may be that they are tortoise that has darkened over the years.


Get your flashlights guys!!

Here is an explanation on how tortoise shell is made into various shapes. My one genuine tortoise is delaminating in a few spots along the edges. The thin sheets pressed together are slightly coming apart.

That flashlight test was really revealing Mark. I see what you mean as mine is darkened and when I held the light underneath the scales and let it shine through I could see so much more of the pattern.