Is this celluloid out gassing?

[Will Power]

Clearly, Cell is a potentially unstable material. As has been posted by mckgreg , the manufacturing of it was in itself extremely dangerous due to explosions, inflammable gasses and likely noxious vapours. Another aspect here is that the manufacture of Cell was arguably a secretive process with 'ingredients' being jealously guarded as in cooking...This may account for the stability of older Cells as they had ratios or mixtures differing from more modern concoctions ?

I've heard it said that lighter colours are more prone to Cell rot/gassing but I see no particular evidence on older knives. Indeed, French Ivory seems to be a very stable medium much used on tableware and still in use today. Here is a contemporary knife clad in it on the right from Au Sabot France. Finish on the knife is a bit crude-the bolster stamping- I was told it was because of worn out machinery. The fit and action, blade stamping & sharpness of the knife is superb. You can see the distinctive lines of French Ivory on the handle slabs .

 

[Primble]

Another aspect here is that the manufacture of Cell was likely a secretive process with 'ingredients' being jealously guarded as in cooking...This may account for the stability of older Cells as they had ratios or mixtures differing from more modern concoctions ?

Kind of like using horn as a cover material. Some knowed the secret recipe to keep it from curling and others .......... not so much !
I think the New York Knife Company knowed the secret recipe. Even though I think that .......... this knife lives alone.

 

[sceva]

I read here that GEC used celluloid on a run a couple years back.
I don't remember the pattern or year.
I remember that GEC's celluloid outgassed inside a year or so after the release. Those that had the knoves were NOT "happy campers" about that.

Did GEC see the outgassing covers as a warranty issue?
I don't know.

I have not seen anything about GEC using Celluloid, Acrylics yes but not celluloid.

Perhaps I missed something?

 

[r8shell]

I have not seen anything about GEC using Celluloid, Acrylics yes but not celluloid.

Perhaps I missed something?

I vaguely remember reports of flaws appearing in the clear acrylic covers on the #94 Liberty knives.

 

[lambertiana]

Kind of like using horn as a cover material. Some knowed the secret recipe to keep it from curling and others .......... not so much !
I think the New York Knife Company knowed the secret recipe. Even though I think that .......... this knife lives alone.

View attachment 2805564

That is my favorite cell handle.

I have a modest collection of older celluloid and none appear to be outgassing.

 

[Will Power]

Kind of like using horn as a cover material. Some knowed the secret recipe to keep it from curling and others .......... not so much !
I think the New York Knife Company knowed the secret recipe. Even though I think that .......... this knife lives alone.

View attachment 2805564

Astounding example, really beautiful Doesn't look of this earth....alien Well it could have come from some sea-bed Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea Joking apart, it is a wonderful piece of top grade Cell, but right you are to keep it sectioned.

 

[lithicus]

An excellent job and the Giraffebone really suits the frame. Gimp shield and Rat-Tails add to it, you are clearly pleased with the result, rightly so

Thank you! I thought it all came together really well.

Kind of like using horn as a cover material. Some knowed the secret recipe to keep it from curling and others .......... not so much !
I think the New York Knife Company knowed the secret recipe. Even though I think that .......... this knife lives alone.

View attachment 2805564

That is my favorite cell handle.

I have a modest collection of older celluloid and none appear to be outgassing.
View attachment 2806194

Very nice knives guys!!

 

[sceva]

That is my favorite cell handle.

I have a modest collection of older celluloid and none appear to be outgassing.
View attachment 2806194

They are pretty.

Early signs are kind of subtle so watch for darkening pins and edges of the bolsters where they meet the cell followed by corrosion starting on the blades where they are exposed and the back springs.