Celluloid Repair - Newbie needs help

[IainG]

I just acquired a pre WWII 7 day set Soligen with very nice gold etching. The blades are pristine - clearly never been used. But, someone must have stored these in a hot attic. All the scales are warped outwards.
So how can you straighten these? Other than the warpage, everything is pristeen. Not a mark, scratch pit or even fingerprint.
thanks
Iain

[Thebigspendur]

Celluloid is pretty delicate stuff. personally as long as the razor closes properly and if its more cosmetic I would leave them be. However if it really bothers you, you can try some steam to GENTLY soften them and put something hard and plastic or metal between the scales to reform them. Some have suggested hot water also. You have to be really careful because too much heat and you'll have a pile of goo.

[IainG]

Thanks very much. I will very carefully try.
I have been thinking my way through bracing and clamping to control the area. Will let you know how it turns out.

[kenrup]

Sometimes this cupping is a result of gassing. See if you can smell the celliould. If it has a sweet smell, or if you have a cloudy spots in the scales.

In straightening scales I have had more success with controlling the temperature with a heat gun. I will place popcicle sticks between the scales and on the areas I want to modify. I take it slow and steady as an oops can be perminent.

[farace]

Please be careful. Celluloid is extremely flammable.

[joke1176]

Then again, that would take care of the warped scales, wouldn't it?

p.s. always wear safety glasses :cool:

[kenrup]

Please be careful. Celluloid is extremely flammable.

When I use the heat gun I use a bare hand to hold the scales. This way I am able to quickly judge just how warm things become.:eek: I have not had any problems using the heat gun whereas I have had a number of problems with the oven method and the water method. This is not for the faint of heart and for those who do not have a fire extinguisher handy. :spockflam