Treasures Found!

Wow, that is a great score!

Just a quick word. Keep an eye on those 2 Wabash nudie knives. (not because they're nudie... )

Those knives have a history of outgassing. It almost looks like the top one is outgassing some, if I am seeing that bolster correctly. My advice is not to store those knives with any others, and to let them breathe in the open.

Here is a similar knife, different manufacturer...
NCCO-6.jpg



You may already be aware of all that, I'd just hate to see that great collection get ruined by one potentially unstable knife.

That is a fantastic group of knives, please post close up pics when you have a chance.

Thanks,
Glenn
 
@Duncan: Thanks for those kind words. As I said, it was like the sky opened up and the knife angels came down upon me. It's likely I'll never walk into a deal like that again. But, I sure was happy to have it happen this once!
 
glennbad said:
Just a quick word. Keep an eye on those 2 Wabash nudie knives. Those knives have a history of outgassing. It almost looks like the top one is outgassing some, if I am seeing that bolster correctly. My advice is not to store those knives with any others, and to let them breathe in the open.
Click to expand...

Yes, one of the Wabash knives is so faded you can only tell that it's got an image by close inspection with a looking glass. The other is better but ... not great. Thanks for the advice. Can you share with me what is actually happening in this process of "outgassing"?
 
This article can explain it alot better than I ever could. It's a bit of a read, but I think definitely required reading for anyone in this hobby.

http://www.oregonknifeclub.org/celluloid_02.html

It is an unstable material. The film industry has lost alot of movie history because of deterioration of the celluloid film.

Glenn
 
Thanks for the link Glenn.

I have one old Schrade Walden with celluloid handles that have shrunk a bit over the years.

I have also owned a number of celluloid fountain pens. Most were newer more stable material, but some were decades old and had experienced shrinkage. There are horror stories in the fountain pen restoration world of trying to heat a pen to open a stubborn joint only to have the vintage treasure go up in flames!
 
The thing is, you can never tell which ones will go, and which ones will be fine. In my opinion, some may be affected by different colors used in them. It's almost like the dyes helped to stabilize the product some. But that is purely my opinion. You could have two of the same model and handle color cell knives, made at the same time. One will gas out, and the other will not.

I had also heard a story about one of the old knife factories having a floating roof of some kind on it's handle building. That was so if the celluloid went kaboom, the blast would be able to "get out". At least, that's what I heard.

Glenn
 
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Looks like you had a great dayhave the twin sister of that Imperial easy open. My Grandpa gave it to me when I was about 10.
It was the sharpest knife I'd ever seen at that time.
I think I need to give her some pocket time.
 
glennbad said:
I had also heard a story about one of the old knife factories having a floating roof of some kind on it's handle building. That was so if the celluloid went kaboom, the blast would be able to "get out". At least, that's what I heard.

Glenn
Click to expand...

I've heard the same story about the factory with the roof not fastened to the walls. I disremember which company though.

Celluloid is nitrocellulose combined with a plasticizer. Another form of nitrocellulose is "gun cotton", which was used in place of gunpowder at one time.
 
From the article linked above by Glenn:

"Year's ago I was on tour at Camillus Cutlery, and it was pointed out that one building was used to make their celluloid handle material when it was made years ago. The roof was metal and was hinged. If the celluloid were to catch fire and explode, the roof would release from the force of the explosion, which would save the building and the surrounding area. This action would direct the explosion upward and not outward. At the time I listened, but it was only later that I understood."
 
Campbellclanman said:
2dog, mate, as soon as I saw that middle knife-the Camillus yellow Jumbo Jack, that is one stunning knife, and yes lets learn more about it-if the lads above have provided more info I apologise as I havent yet had time to have a look at the links!, I really like the look of that knife!
Click to expand...

I posted this photo in a new thread today, but I wasn't sure if you would find it, so here is a closer look at the Camillus yellow jumbo and it's partner, both found at the same place:

i-ZtGLXxs-L.jpg
 
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