Question about rust

Icarus1 · Post by **Icarus1** » Mon Apr 01, 2013 11:00 am

This morning, while shaving, I noticed a terrible smell coming from the joint of my razor (where the scales connect to the tang). It smelled very carbon-y. I imagine this is from some kind of improper care, although I'm not sure exactly what kind. Also, is there any way to make this smell go away? Anybody else experienced this?

Thinking back on it, I just stropped with abrasives. Would this cause this?

Post by **drmoss_ca** » Tue Apr 02, 2013 1:31 am

Does it have celluloid scales? If so place it in quarantine and start thinking about new scales. When celluloid decomposes it sometimes does so at an accelerated rate, the reasons for this are uncertain. But it seems the vapours given off by rotting celluloid will not only rust and pit a blade, they seem to start the process in nearby celluloid scales.

Chris

brothers · Post by **brothers** » Tue Apr 02, 2013 5:53 am

Coltrane, not having a clue myself, I'd give the advice from Chris great credence.

Icarus1 · Post by **Icarus1** » Tue Apr 02, 2013 9:28 am

drmoss_ca wrote:Does it have celluloid scales? If so place it in quarantine and start thinking about new scales. When celluloid decomposes it sometimes does so at an accelerated rate, the reasons for this are uncertain. But it seems the vapours given off by rotting celluloid will not only rust and pit a blade, they seem to start the process in nearby celluloid scales.

Chris

I don't think it's celluloid. It just looks like plain dark colored plastic. I might be wrong, though it isn't shiny at all. How would I find out?

Post by **drmoss_ca** » Tue Apr 02, 2013 3:15 pm

Show us a pic, or tell us some more about the make of razor? Is the smell like vinegar? (Carbon itself has no scent, so I assume you mean it smells burnt.)

Chris

Icarus1 · Post by **Icarus1** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:21 am

Sorry for the lateness of the reply. Here it is.

It doesn't smell like vinegar. It's disappeared somewhat, but I don't know how to describe it other than "carcinogenic".

Post by **drmoss_ca** » Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:53 am

I think that's a Liberty Bell razor, so it was made just after 1900, and the scales are likely celluloid. Camphor is part of the manufacturing process of celluloid and it may be that which you describe as 'carcinogenic'. Generally, the colour of celluloid affects its stability, and translucent and green scales have been considered by some to be especially prone to rot.

Lacking a sniff of the scales, I can only suggest you quarantine it, and if it is a razor you love, consider a re-scale. If it is your only straight, you can carry on as usual, as it won't matter. (But I never heard of a straight shaver who didn't end up acquiring - very necessary, my dear - many more than one razor!)

Chris

Icarus1 · Post by **Icarus1** » Sat Apr 06, 2013 2:24 pm

drmoss_ca wrote:I think that's a Liberty Bell razor, so it was made just after 1900, and the scales are likely celluloid. Camphor is part of the manufacturing process of celluloid and it may be that which you describe as 'carcinogenic'. Generally, the colour of celluloid affects its stability, and translucent and green scales have been considered by some to be especially prone to rot.

Lacking a sniff of the scales, I can only suggest you quarantine it, and if it is a razor you love, consider a re-scale. If it is your only straight, you can carry on as usual, as it won't matter. (But I never heard of a straight shaver who didn't end up acquiring - very necessary, my dear - many more than one razor!)

Chris

Thanks! I'm sure I will get used to it in any case. It's my only razor right now, so I guess it doesn't matter anyway. My birthday's coming up in a few months, though, so maybe then I'll have the fungible assets to obtain a new facial exfoliation device, and at that point, I'll consider quarantine.