Thread: Is this scale rot?

I got this razor because I kinda liked the scales and was hoping to clean them up a bit, but when I pulled them apart I think they may have some scale rot. The wedge is simple an extension of one of the scales. I don't doubt they haven't been messed with (taken apart an maybe glued?) before, as the wedge end was pinned with a nail that had the pointy end simply bent over. Maybe it's just glue residue?
Any suggestions or comments would be much appreciated.
(apologies for the quality of the pics, I'm still tinkering with the best way to photograph razors. )

-axxter

I think that is just grunge. If you have Scrubbing Bubbles try soaking for five minutes and than a soft tooth brush. That does look like a pin folded over the blade has a lot of hone wear. I guess you know that. If there isn't a pattern of corrosion where the blade sat inside the scales it is doubtful that the scales are rotting IMO.

+1 on what Jimmy said. My guess would be that the glue that was used corroded the scales or just caught lots of junky stuff that got gummed up on there. Whatever it is, I don't think it's rot.

I'm no expert but it looks like maybe someone used acetone to try to glue the scales together.The cell rot cases I've seen were hard to see except that they all rusted out the blade along the whole length but only on the part that sits between the scales.

Originally Posted by aroliver59

I'm no expert but it looks like maybe someone used acetone to try to glue the scales together.The cell rot cases I've seen were hard to see except that they all rusted out the blade along the whole length but only on the part that sits between the scales.

Exactly my thought...or perhaps some sort of glue that contained a chemical (like acetone) that degraded the wedge area.

axxter,

Have a sniff; if the scales are celluloid, and have rot there will be an acidic odour (nitric acid for cellulose nitrate, and acetic acid for cellulose acetate).

Looking at your pictures, I have to agree with the other posters that this looks like solvent from a glue that has caused the scabbiness !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Its just where the glue dissolved the plastic together, I see this all the time.

+1 on the advice given. Cell rot has a strong vinegary/chemical smell, and its pretty strong. As Dylan says, theres also the tell tale corrosion on the blade which isnt showing here.

Thanks for all of the advice.
I don't smell anything odd, and the rest of inner surface of both scales doesn't look like the wedge end. Also, the surface of the blade didn't show any of the the usual pitting that's been associated with cell rot on other posts.
I was just kind of wondering because it is a place where two pieces of celluloid meet without some third material in between, and if that would make it a likely spot of rot.
I think I'll just go with some sort of glue that partially dissolved the scales as the diagnosis, clean the gunk off, see what I can do when my Micromesh arrives.
Man, this place is a wealth of knowledge! Thanks once again.