Great grandpa's knife

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knifeaholic1488

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Feb 9, 2015
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So i just received my great grandpas knife and its a camco which i known was made by camillus and i know how the plastic they used for their handles shrink is there some way or something i can put on them to keep that from happening?
 
Has it shrunk? A picture would help. Some of the early "plastics" don't shrink.

Regards Robin
 
No it hasn't shrunk but i don't know how to insert a picture. If it helps its a fishing knife and say camco curved over usa, and says hook remover on the bottom bolster.
 
knifeaholic1488 said:
So i just received my great grandpas knife and its a camco which i known was made by camillus and i know how the plastic they used for their handles shrink is there some way or something i can put on them to keep that from happening?
Click to expand...

Depends on which plastic you are talking about.

Some knives had with celluloid handles. Celluloid does shrink and decompose over time. Handles made of celluloid tend to have a translucent appearance. There is no proven method for extending the life of celluloid. It has been said that keeping it in a cool, humidity controlled environment can help. If the knife has celluloid handles, it would be best to store it away from other knives. When celluloid decomposes it releases nitric acid. Quite nasty.

Another plastic commonly used is Delrin. This material is dimensionally stable and does not decompose.

To post pictures as a registered user, you must upload them to a web hosting site, such as Photobucket. Once uploaded, copy the direct web address and paste it into your post, wrapped in BBS code like this:
 
Jigged black composition scales, I think Camillus called it rough black. Its more stable than celluloid but can decompose and shrink. Keep it dry and out of the sun and heat, and away from any sort of oils. There is little you can do to prevent or stop that shrinkage or decomposition once it starts.
 
All of the cautions regarding celluloid are certainly true, but it is also true that some knives made before World War One are still absolutely stable. I have two of them. And I have many more made in the 1920s, and 1930s which are also just fine. This is one of those "yes, but...." subjects. Heat. UV light and moisture are catalysts for change in any reputedly unstable material like celluloid. Even the virtually indestructible plastic Dupont Delrin will develop a white decomposed skin if left in ultraviolet light long enough. Recently, reports are heard on some of the forums that damage to Delrin beyond what I just mentioned may be starting to occur. In my experience, yellow and "cracked-ice" celluloid may be among the most unstable examples that I see for sale. Smooth black celluloid has a reputation for stability.
 
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