Celluloid

[CarMan]

I have searched this sight but can’t find the answer to this question (I’m not saying I didn’t overlook it). Can anyone tell me how to identify celluloid handles? I’d like to know how to distinguish between celluloid and other composite/plastic like handles on the market from that era (1900’s-1940’s I believe). I have 2 knives that I know are celluloid, both Schrade honey and molasses that haven’t outgassed & no rusting. Thank you

Jeremiah 29:11-13

[rea1eye]

I have looked several times to see if there is a list that shows
manufacturers and dates for celluloid use.

I don’t think looking at an age of a knife will definitely tell you
If it is celluloid. It can outgas on it’s own whim when you least
expect it!

I have read some people can define celluloid just by tapping or
scratching it. ??

[tvic]

I just assume if it’s pre-Delrin period, it’s celluloid. Not that celluloid wasn’t made after that. Ken (mumbleypeg) knows all about this stuff. Hopefully he’ll chime in.

[Mumbleypeg]

Thanks Tim, but I don’t claim to know “all about” anything! What I can tell anyone about celluloid is that like many things knife related, there is no substitute for examining and handling hundreds of knives. Thus my first recommendation would be to do a search here for celluloid knives. There are hundreds of pictures of them. You will notice that many (by no means all) of them have multicolored covers - until the relatively recent advent of acrylics like Corelon and Kirinite there was nothing like celluloid for multi colors. Even then, celluloid often tends to have a translucent “depth” look to it - I don’t know how else to describe it but when you see it you know - even acrylic can’t duplicate.

When celluloid began to be replaced by other synthetics they were predominantly plain single color materials like Bakelite, Fiberloid, hard rubber, Fosterene, gutta percha, etc. Some were capable of being dyed yellow, red, black, etc, but seldom multicolored. The big reason celluloid continued to be used is its unique ability to mix so many colors into one handle cover. One other thing - I’ve never seen celluloid handles that were jigged - they’re smooth. Celluloid is highly flammable and if it gets too hot (friction from jigging) it can burst into flames.

If you have a pre-1990s knife having multicolored covers (swirls, flecks, etc) chances are very good it is celluloid. Solid colors are more difficult to identify and require very good knowledge of the maker’s history in handle cover materials, or the “rub and smell” (camphor odor) or “hot pin” tests - look those up here via search if you want, but I don’t recommend the test. If you can get to where you can usually distinguish celluloid from other materials by appearance you don’t need to smell it or burn it anyway. Until then if it’s an older knife and you can’t tell, just assume it is celluloid and treat it accordingly.

Ken

[CarMan]

Thanks Tim, but I don’t claim to know “all about” anything! What I can tell anyone about celluloid is that like many things knife related, there is no substitute for examining and handling hundreds of knives. Thus my first recommendation would be to do a search here for celluloid knives. There are hundreds of pictures of them. You will notice that many (by no means all) of them have multicolored covers - until the relatively recent advent of acrylics like Corelon and Kirinite there was nothing like celluloid for multi colors. Even then, celluloid often tends to have a translucent “depth” look to it - I don’t know how else to describe it but when you see it you know - even acrylic can’t duplicate.

When celluloid began to be replaced by other synthetics they were predominantly plain single color materials like Bakelite, Fiberloid, hard rubber, Fosterene, gutta percha, etc. Some were capable of being dyed yellow, red, black, etc, but seldom multicolored. The big reason celluloid continued to be used is its unique ability to mix so many colors into one handle cover. One other thing - I’ve never seen celluloid handles that were jigged - they’re smooth. Celluloid is highly flammable and if it gets too hot (friction from jigging) it can burst into flames.

If you have a pre-1990s knife having multicolored covers (swirls, flecks, etc) chances are very good it is celluloid. Solid colors are more difficult to identify and require very good knowledge of the maker’s history in handle cover materials, or the “rub and smell” (camphor odor) or “hot pin” tests - look those up here via search if you want, but I don’t recommend the test. If you can get to where you can usually distinguish celluloid from other materials by appearance you don’t need to smell it or burn it anyway. Until then if it’s an older knife and you can’t tell, just assume it is celluloid and treat it accordingly.

Ken

Thank you for the in depth answer. If I may ask-does the newer celluloid out gas like the older stuff did? Thanks again

[CarMan]

Thank you all for the helpful feedback, it is much appreciated.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

[wlf]

The later knives , that used celluloid in 80s or 90s , (Case classics, Buck Creeks, Fight'n Roosters, etc.) seemed worse than the earlier celluloid to gas.

[Mumbleypeg]

Thank you for the in depth answer. If I may ask-does the newer celluloid out gas like the older stuff did? Thanks again

At least as bad, probably worse. Like the older stuff it’s unpredictable and seems dependent somewhat on color and the maker, at least anecdotally. I don’t know of any scientific studies that define which are better than others. Some say the German-made Bulldog brand are worse but I’m not sure that isn’t because they are more recently made/sold so there’s more of them around to watch it happen. I’ve also seen a few celluloid Case Classics that have outgassed. Many of the older pre-1960s celluloids have already “gone off” so are no longer with us, or have had their covers replaced. JMO.

Ken

[CarMan]

Thank you for the in depth answer. If I may ask-does the newer celluloid out gas like the older stuff did? Thanks again

At least as bad, probably worse. Like the older stuff it’s unpredictable and seems dependent somewhat on color and the maker, at least anecdotally. I don’t know of any scientific studies that define which are better than others. Some say the German-made Bulldog brand are worse but I’m not sure that isn’t because they are more recently made/sold so there’s more of them around to watch it happen. I’ve also seen a few celluloid Case Classics that have outgassed. Many of the older pre-1960s celluloids have already “gone off” so are no longer with us, or have had their covers replaced. JMO.

Ken

Once again, thank you my friend. I always appreciate someone willing to share their knowledge.