Vintage Celluloid Handles

Markesharp

Markesharp

Joined
Mar 8, 2014
Messages
4,146
I recently purchased two old Keen Kutters with celluloid handles that where cracked and or broken so it was a no-brainer to remove them as I will be replacing them. I have just purchased a pristine one that still has original etching on the blade. Do I wait for the handles to "gas-out" or leave it alone and keep it separate from my other knives?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
If they look that bad, replace them. Dint wait for them to gas out who knows how ling that could take
 
I would replace the scales on the "minty" one as well...no telling what damage may occur to the metal due to "gassing".
 
Thank all of you for your suggestions. I am scared of the scales "gassing" out after seeing how they burn when I removed the two sets with a small dremel tool.
I am taking them right off when I receive the knife Thursday and I will post pics before I do. I have Ebony and bone (undyed yet) to replace them with. Again thanks. This forum rocks!
 
I have just purchased a pristine one that still has original etching on the blade. Do I wait for the handles to "gas-out" or leave it alone and keep it separate from my other knives?
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The 'good' celluloid seems become useless due to shrinkage and cracking before the chemical breakdown ever begins. If it looks good, just keep an eye on it. Could last for another generation of collectors.

If the knife was made with 'bad' celluloid, and it's an older knife, the handles would already be gone. Makes me think you don't have to panic.
 
Is there any guarantee that will gas out? I've got a Schrade butter and molasses that is as good as the day it was made 40 odd years ago.You could therefore be waiting a long time for them to gas out.
As for mintiness that will be gone as soon as you remove the handles so why even mention it? If the handles are knackered fair enough but if not ...buy a rough rider and rehandle it rather than destroy a venerable old keen kutters originality. Don't mean to appear narky just don't understand why.:confused:
 
I agree with others regarding not removing the covers on the good one. Enjoy the knife as it is, but keep an eye on it.
 
The knife is an inverted Peanut like a Case peanut that I want to carry and use as I am not a collector. I buy knives to use and enjoy rather than for an investment. With that said, I will just use it in my EDC rotation until it becomes problematic.
Great advice and thank you all.
 
The knife is an inverted Peanut like a Case peanut that I want to carry and use as I am not a collector. I buy knives to use and enjoy rather than for an investment. With that said, I will just use it in my EDC rotation until it becomes problematic.
Great advice and thank you all.
 
I never thought about this before, but I wonder if renaissance wax will prevent damage from celluloid "out gassing"?
 
clutchcarter said:
I never thought about this before, but I wonder if renaissance wax will prevent damage from celluloid "out gassing"?
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I don't have an actual answer. Could work either way. Maybe protecting the celluloid from air might make it last longer... or it might trap in the gasses, speeding up the process. :confused:
 
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