Thread: Question's concening 'cell rot'

I'm sure like a lot of you, I have a few razors that have that so-called dreaded 'cell rot'. I took one apart today, the blade just had one dark stained spot, so I tried sanding it, and using a dremel with maas's polish it lightened up a little. The celluloid scales were red, but have turned brownish with some faded spots, and the faded spots are right where they 'gassed' the blemish onto the blade.

Here's are the questions:


1. Are the scales a loss cause, now that they've gassed and gotten spotty? Or can celluloid be polished clean, and re-dyed?

2. Will a buffer take that stain off the blade?

Thanks
Aaron

P.S. the razor is a Kings Liberty Bell, made in Indiana, PA.
My pic's aren't the best but I agree with the consensus so far, ditch the scales, try to save the blade...

Once cell rot has started it is irreversible the celluloid is out gassing and changing chemically.

A buffer might or might not take off the damage. I am more of an advocate for sanding away damage. Buffing pits gives you shiny pits, sanding removes the pits and gives a flat surface to then buff.

Charlie

Charlie forgot more about buffing than I will ever know but I just want to point out that if it is a full hollow razor you can only go so far. Been there and went too far on an Otto Deutsch one time. Blade and scales in the trash bin.

I'll probaby trace my scales for a pattern and pitch them. The blade I'm thinking I'll keep.
Thanks
Aaron

I've been cursed a few times with the rot. It kills the blade & every blade around it. No matter how cool or bolstered the scales are, they have to go.
Broke my heart it did.
Darl (Tarkus)

Before you try and clean up the blade take it to some stones and see how bad the pitting is. Looks like it might have turned that spot on the blade to swiss cheese and depending on how far up you have to go to get to good metal it might not be worth it. I made the mistake of spending alot of time cleaning up a blade come to find out that I would have had to hone half the blade off before I would be able to shave with it.