I have a nice 0ld Grelot but apparently the scales are causing celluloid rot. I didn't have the blade closed all the way maybe 3/4 open and everything that was in the scales turned orange (rust). Bums me out a bit because on my older razors I'd prefer to keep things original if possible. I'll have to go through some of my older stuff tonight. Still looking good here.
I had a Genco with really cool pearlescent green scales. Those were the whole reason I bought the razor. Had to replace them due to cell rot. You should be able to get the inlay transferred on that one.
Information on celluloid degradation, why it happens, and what can be done to ameliorate it. (not much) http://cool.conservation-us.org/jaic/articles/jaic30-02-003.html
So the way I understand it , there's no cure for cell rot. We want to keep our razors original, but at what point do we just replace the scales? Do we wait till we begin to see damage?
To be quite honest; the original reason celluloid was used was that it was an inexpensive alternative to ivory. But now the realization comes in to play that if the scales are kept original, the razor will suffer. If it was my call, it would come down to this. Am I trying to keep it historically accurate; then let nature take its course. If you want that razor to be used for generations to come then restoration is in order. If your answer is more toward the second; I wouldn't wait for permanent damage to the blade and there are scales that would look beautiful. It's your call.
From the restoration article, it appears that just like wood, celluloid _will rot_. It's not an 'if', but rather 'when'. I _think_ that what is causing the damage is the nitrogen oxides. The oxygen released accelerates... oxidation, in everything around it. The major problem _here_ is that what they determined causes the degradation is moisture, and straight razors are used around moisture. Considering that acrylic is a perfectly adequate substitute for celluloid, I don't see any reason to hang onto the old scales _on the razors_, if they're a risk. (there's also that fire hazard) For historical purposes, the shape of the scales is more important than the material, and the razor is more important than the scales. As already mentioned, celluloid was used because it could be made to resemble ivory, but then it turned out to be easy to mold to the shapes they wanted, and be coloured. So can acrylic
Unlucky Steve, but at least the blade is still ok, I have never had cell rot happen to me yet, I know I will have that problem at some point, but I think most of the vintage ones I have kept tend to have scales that have to be replaced or scales of a natural material.
Personally, I'd replace the scales. IMHO the blade is the important part, and dumping scales with cell rot will protect your other razors.
I agree, when I buy razors I'm much more interested in the blade than the scales but it's still a shame.
I've taken some intricate inlays off of an old Beau Brummel razor with ease. Just saw off the inlay, with the surrounding scale. Drop it in a cup of acetone(fingernail polish remover) overnight, in a covered glass jar.
True story by Dalton Gang. If you polish it up before you remove it, it willl be a lot easier than after you remove it. You can remount it with super clear epoxy or CA. I have both and the CA is easier to work with in small amounts. Start by sticking a pin or a toothpick to the inlay to use as a handle, CA on the back of it and touch to down in position and let it dry. Cut the handle off with a razor blade and polish it or clean any excess off.
I haven't remounted mine yet, but they came off the scales intact. They need have a nickel coating put on them first, but I've been to busy(lazy) to break out the kit.
