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Celluloid Handles Knives

Well this may be a longer post than normal.

I'm in mourning.

The other day I received my September issue of Knives Illustrated and read an article by J. Bruce Voyles about Celluloid handle material. It seems that Celluloid in all its incarnations is very volatile and at some point is likely to outgas and cause our knives to rust. The good thing about Celluloid handled knives is they are beautiful, the bad thing is they eat themselves. Last year while inspecting and cleaning a box of knives I discovered one of my R1615 Fisherman Remingtons was rusting and had discolored bolsters. What could I do? Touched or untouched the knife would never again be mint, so I rinsed it well with water, sprayed it down with Breakfree, and put in several hours with files, fine grit sandpaper, and Flitz to bring it back to its previous glory. After reading the article I retrieved both of my R1615s and to my dismay discovered that both were doing the slow Celluloid burn. It is very sad; in order to save the knives I will need to amputate the handle material.

Take heed brothers and sisters, if you have Celluloid handles remove them from the general population and keep a watch on them, not that there is anything you can do to save them.

1 member likes this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by James Cole on September 17, 2012 at 9:01

Thanks he said as a tear ran down his cheek.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on October 2, 2012 at 18:55

James,

I just was talking about celluloid this morning. One of the most beautiful and versatile handle materials there ever was and yet............

About three years ago we decided to sell what we had, we had them in the safe since the 90's and were fortunate enough not to lose one. We did good on them but it was a hard decision and a hard deal to make. We have 1 left and some razors with the same material. The dont live in the safe any longer and the remaining knife has started to gas. I told Donnie to play with it, take the handles off and handle it however he wants.

I am sorry for your loss, its like finding out a friend is going away

Permalink Reply by James Cole on October 3, 2012 at 8:48

Jan,

Yes, you're right, celluloid is one of the most beautiful handle materials around.

I think I'll try to carefully remove the celluloid and have it encased in lucite, then re-handle the knives. I don't know of anything else I can do.

Jim

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on October 5, 2012 at 5:35

James,

I love the idea of taking those handles off and encasing them in Lucite. What a fantastic way keep the beauties without keeping them on the knives. and wow would collectors love to have that paperweight!

Permalink Reply by James Cole on October 5, 2012 at 7:50

"IF" I can remove them without to much damage. I have two so I can use one to see what works or have one of the makers in my area do it for me.

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