Thread: How to protect celluloid?

I've recently purchased a pair of J.A. Henckels razors that I am going to try and restore and get shave ready (will post pics when they are here, hopefully early this week). I was wondering if there is anything that may be done to the celluloid handles to help preserve them once they have been polished. I thought maybe someone here has tried it. Is there any coatings that you guys may have used during any of your restorations?

Celluloid is not affected by water. You might want to apply some Renaissance Wax or something similar. Then just wipe it with a cotton cloth after every shave to maintain the polish on the scales. If they should ever become dull, just briskly wipe them with a cloth with a dab of polish such as Maas or Wenol and they will quickly regain their luster.

Regards - Walt

Originally Posted by Walt

Celluloid is not affected by water. You might want to apply some Renaissance Wax or something similar. Then just wipe it with a cotton cloth after every shave to maintain the polish on the scales. If they should ever become dull, just briskly wipe them with a cloth with a dab of polish such as Maas or Wenol and they will quickly regain their luster.

Regards - Walt

Thanks for the advice Walt. I will take a further look into renaissance wax and see if I can source some out locally. I'm really looking forward to doing my first restore and want to do everything as best as possible so I can give these blades life for a few more generations.

Renaissance wax is great for celluloid. UV rays are not. Make sure that you keep your razor out of the sun (through windows etc) to keep it from degrading. I have seen many many celluloid pens which were damaged by sunlight and it takes a pile of work to get them back.
Celluloid will also degrade when it comes in contact with certain gasses, ammonia gas as I recall was the worst. It de-plasticizes the celluloid and it begins to crumble. If you have any celluloid which is already starting to crumble, keep it away from the good razors as it is contagious.

You basically have to be careful with anything that comes into contact with the stuff. Even real hot tap water will damage it. Chemicals of any kind would be a danger sign. I don't know what is in Renaissance Wax but I would be careful. Sometimes over time the Celluloid can degrade slowly if there is a reaction. My feeling about the stuff is just leave it alone and keep it in a benevolent environment.

Celluloid and Renaissance wax get along just fine. We have been using RW on celluloid for years in the fountain pen business, and there are no problems.

Yes, heat will damage celluloid, but your hot water would have to be scalding hot to damage it. Hot air, and open flame are deathly to celluloid.

Strong oxidizers are a no no with celluloid, but lighter fluid will clean it up nicely. Just to not use acetone or anything of that ilk, it will eat it.

BTW celluloid has similar properties to gunpowder, DO NOT expose it to an open flame. I have done it, its not pretty.