Thread: Pre-emptive rescaling of celluloid?

I bought that batch of 21 old razors that was on the Classifieds a couple of weeks ago, and got to see my first case of celluloid rot. Wow. I think there are other celluloid scales in the batch, and wonder if, for the long-term good of those razors, I should just re-scale them.

BTW, I took one of the rotted pieces outside and lit it on fire, just out of curiosity. The only thing I've seen burn brighter was magnesium.

Thank you.

I wouldn't worry about it until you see signs of trouble. It would be a shame to change the original setup of the razors without real cause, IMO.

roughkype,

To be on the safe side, store the celluloid scaled razors apart from any others you may have.

For my celluloid scaled razors that are not in my rotation, I apply RIG grease to the blade and keep the razors in any airy place.

This will minimize any possible corrosion from the celluloid decomposition products (either nitric acid or acetic acid depending on whether the scales are cellulose nitrate or cellulose acetate).

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Originally Posted by roughkype

I took one of the rotted pieces outside and lit it on fire, just out of curiosity.

LOL I think I'll have to try this next time

Back in the old days tattoo stencils were made of celluloid. More than one shop burnt down as a result of a bucket of stencils going up in spontaneous combustion. At least I've been told that. Not sure if it is true. I do know that the stuff is highly flammable.

Russ mentioned RIG (rust inhibiting grease) that is the greatest stuff. I've been using that on guns, pocket knives and razors for forty years. Unfortunately I don't think it is made anymore. Glad I bought a large quantity when I could.

Originally Posted by ats200

LOL I think I'll have to try this next time

+1 Sounds like fun!

tim

Originally Posted by ats200

LOL I think I'll have to try this next time

I probably shouldn't recommend it, but it WAS instructive. You definitely don't want to smoke around these scales. Or rub them together fast, or maybe even look at them funny.