Tortoise

Rocinante

Rocinante

Banned
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Jul 30, 2005
Messages
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I bought a Boker Tortoise shell trapper. Beautiful knife.

But I now wonder is this celluloid is likely to develop the rusting problems of past celluloid?

Can you inform me?
 
It would depend on how the knife is cared for, but I think this one
would hold up better than previous formulas.
Thanks,TJT
 
TJT......ummmm, now that I think about it--WHY do you think this celluloid would do better than other previous celluloids?

I'm starting to detect non-answers posing as answers here at Boker.
 
Because different chemicals are used to make things now than in the past.
Where have I not answered a question for you, or where can I clear things up better. I gave the best answer I have with the info I get.
 
What is the difference in the chemicals and how does that impact the old rusting problem? Have tests been done? Are there records of improved results?
 
Sir, I gave you the answer I have.
I will not post the list of ingredients, as that is in Germany but the chemicals used do
not put off as much fumes as the old celluloid did.
We are the import/export arm of Boker, we do not do the manufacturing.
All the tech info is in Germany.
Thanks, TJT
 
So you can't get any information from Germany?

Why?

I'd just like to know what kind of testing was done to lead us to believe that the new celluloid is better.

I never asked for a list of ingredients.......just what is new and different about the new chemicals used and how this has changed things.

Are you saying Boker is HOPING things might be better?

That seems a bit weak.
 
First, the rusting of celluloid is caused by the fumes from the break down
of the celluloid material in an enclosed, sealed area, such as a plastic bag,
etc.
We changed the formula, to a less reactive chemical formula.
Thank you, and as before, I think we are done.
TJT
 
That's pretty major news......might influence a lot of people to start buying celluloid again.

I don't suppose you have any tests that showed that the rusting problem is history?
 
celluloid, is still celluloid! It still can rust the knives!! I have some SJ's that I bought about 6 years ago, they have started to rust the knives in the case that they were with! They are not bokers, but they are some of the "newer" celluloid being used. Its been said that some of the darker celluloid handles take longer to break down and decompose and cause rust, but theres no solid proof of this also (because of the added bonding materials). On some this may be true, but its all relative. The ones I had were all dark handles!! Some have had better luck. Me? ............I stay away from celluloid now.

Closed ares such as knife case, display cases, etc. can "accelerate" break down.

I will be interesting in seeing how this different celluloid fares?
 
rev_jch said:
celluloid, is still celluloid! It still can rust the knives!! I have some SJ's that I bought about 6 years ago, they have started to rust the knives in the case that they were with!
Click to expand...

Are you sure it's the celluloid and not something else? Especially if they're carbon steel...
 
Ryan,
absolutely positive. I have a large knife collection that has its own room, humidity and temp. are both controlled. I have been collecting and making knives for over 23 years. This is nothing new to me (not to seem arrogant).

Carbon steel knives will rust much more quickly when they are handled in celluloid. Stainless will also rust, but it takes much longer. If you keep them in a case it "accelerates" the decomposition and rust process. You can slow it down by not keeping them in a box, or a case. However, they will still decompose over time. Also handle "shrinkage" will happen regardless. Some of the newer celluloids may not decompose as fast (due to different solvents being used in the manufacter process), but they are still celluloid basically, hence "no guarantee".

This is just experience talking. I do not invest in celluloid handled knives anymore, not unless someone can produce celluloid that will not decompose. Im still waiting.
 
I just remembered this thread.

Sorry to hear about your celluloid troubles. I guess nobody can really "fix" the celluloid issue because it seems like there is so little information on the problem of celluloid decomposition. I don't think it has been thoroughly studied. It need not be because the material isn't used much any more.

Although personally I like the look natural materials, I also like the colors of celluloid. I happen to own just 1 knife with this material. It's ~60 years old and still stable but I don't see myself buying any more celluloid, either old or new.
 
I prefer natural material also, but the celluloids are beautiful!!! A definite exception to the "ugly" man made handle materials. Im sure that there is something better that can be produced, but I havent seen it yet.
 
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