Celluloid rot pictures?

[danjared]

Does anyone have pictures of celluloid rot on black scales? I just received a razor that I think may have such an ailment but am unsure. I tried taking pictures but couldn't get any good shots. It looks as if the top layer of the scales is separating, sort of like a cracked ice look.

Speaking of the razor, it's labeled as "DAME STODDARD COMPANY / BOSTON MASS. / SOLINGEN-GERMANY" on the display side (as well as "50" sideways near the heel) and "TRADE / 'HUB" / MARK" on the back. Anyone familiar with this razor?

[danjared]

Alright, I have a picture now of the scales (and the rest of the razor).

[Scissors]

Here is a blog post by the custom razor maker Bill Ellis that shows photos of celluloid rot affecting a razor with multicolored scales:

http://razortips.blogspot.com/2007/05/celluloid-rot.html

However, he writes:

I have noticed a couple of things. Black scales don't seem to ever get celluloid rot, and the ones that get it the most are the semi-transparent amber and orange colors. If any of you have had different experiences, please share them.

[mdunn]

what makes you think it has rot?

[danjared]

The discoloration, which is admittedly difficult to see in the picture, is why I think there is some sort of rot or other damage. I'm pretty sure that the scales are either generic plastic or celluloid since they have embossed numbering on the inside of the scales. There is some pitting on the blade, but it is difficult for me to tell if that's from celluloid rot.

[danjared]

Actually, I just noticed that pressing firmly on the scales causes the pressed area to acquire the same strange coloration. So it seems like the surface is cracking off.

[leighton]

I'm 90% sure those are horn scales, horn scales can't have celluloid rot. Its probably the horn delaminating.

[UbuRoy]

I fear, this scales are not from Celluloid but guttapercha (or - maybe horn, but I don't think so).

It's a fully other material than the later used celluloid. It can change characteristics and color under special circumstances. Perhaps in very hot water for example.
It's also very brittle and the state of surface can be delicate in different environmental situations like heat, etc.

[mdunn]

a trick to tell what your scales are made from:

sand the scales with the 1200 & water - if the slurry is brown it's bakelite if it smells like a wet dog, eeeeew, its horn, if it smells like camphor its celluloid. if its horn your black scales will likely turn blonde.. unless its asiatic buffalo (which it shouldnt be).

[leighton]

a trick to tell what your scales are made from:

sand the scales with the 1200 & water - if the slurry is brown it's bakelite if it smells like a wet dog, eeeeew, its horn, if it smells like camphor its celluloid. if its horn your black scales will likely turn blonde.. unless its asiatic buffalo (which it shouldnt be).

You can rub the scales with your thumb. Works the same and does less damage. May take longer though. :tongue_sm

bakelite smells...like bakelite. Horn smells like burnt hair IMO. Ivory, tortoise shell, and bone do not give off an odor. Modern plastic may not smell like anything either, now that I think about it....

[danjared]

Smells like plastic, although I make a point not to sniff plastic so can't be 100% sure. ;)

[leighton]

Smells like plastic, although I make a point not to sniff plastic so can't be 100% sure. ;)

Modern plastic doesn't smell like anything... just feels plasticy. IIRC, AFAIK.

[Cedrck]

Those scales are most likely Bakelite.

Sometimes, depending on the storage conditions may have brown or green coloring (usually one of the scales), but most (if not all) Bakelite scales start out black from factory. The odd coloring is just an oxide coat that can be polished or sanded off.

If you rub or sand the scales it will have a pungent “formaldehyde” odor and stain the cleaning cloth or sandpaper brown.

Hope this helps.