Thread: Green scales turning black after sanding

Hello everyone,

I just wanted your thoughts about this after sanding this scale it turned to black. As seen on the picture.

I am wondering if the scales turned green with age, usage, storage or if it was made at the factory with some process...

I also found a small metallic particle encrusted in the scale which got sanded out eventually...strange

these scale come from some rather very casual razor with Canada stamped on the tang

Those scales are bakelite.
They were originally black - with oxidation and UV exposure they turn brown or green.

When you sand them, you are getting back into the material that is still the original color.

HNSB, that's exactly what I was going to say. As soon as I read the title I thought, "I bet those are Bakelite."

Yep, the two posts above hit the mark. Black was the original color and I always work my scales to get that beautiful black back.

Thanks guys, thats what I was thinking , back to original color ..

Not Bakelite, Vulcanite! Live Long and Perspire! or something like that...

Magpie is right, Its not bakelite but Black Hard Rubber or vulcanized rubber (AKA vulcanite & ebonite). I run into the same thing on vintage pipe stems made of the stuff.

Ray

I agree with Magpie and RayCover. The stuff sounds like Vulcanite.

Here is a link with some descriptive material: Vulcanite | Art of Mourning

Of course I'm right. I have the assimilated a vast font of useless information!
(i've been waiting for a chance to use that borg smiley)