Help with handle material

[CarMan]

Is anyone able to help me with what this handle material might be &/or a possible date of manufacture for this knife. Appears Utica is almost impossible to date going by research. The knife has steel liners and what appears to be nickel silver bolsters, but I could be completely wrong about the bolsters as I am still learning this stuff. I did try rubbing the scales for 1 minute with my thumb and I don’t smell any distinct smell, I also tried putting my tongue on it for 1 minute and didn’t notice anything (other than I looked like an idiot licking his knife). Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to make sure I keep any celluloid away from my other knives.
Thank you,
John

[CarMan]

Is anyone able to help me with what this handle material might be &/or a possible date of manufacture for this knife. Appears Utica is almost impossible to date going by research. The knife has steel liners and what appears to be nickel silver bolsters, but I could be completely wrong about the bolsters as I am still learning this stuff. I did try rubbing the scales for 1 minute with my thumb and I don’t smell any distinct smell, I also tried putting my tongue on it for 1 minute and didn’t notice anything (other than I looked like an idiot licking his knife). Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to make sure I keep any celluloid away from my other knives.
Thank you,
John

[Mumbleypeg]

Looks like celluloid to me.

Ken

[btrwtr]

The patent is for bolster and’s handle construction from 1942. Note the missing handle end pins. Not sure what the handle material is but don’t think it’s celluloid. Some gummy type stuff?

[1967redrider]

Looking through Voyles Antique Knives, I see a lot of pearl, bone, wood and celluloid.

[Froe]

If the bolsters are solid nickel silver, then it’s probably celluloid. And if it is celluloid, it still looks really good. Although I’ve seen celluloid outgas with little warning, usually better quality U.S.A. knives like Utica, Remington, Challenge, etc… have held up well in my collection. German celluloid, not so so much.
Nice knife. I’d be tempted to sharpen and carry that some.
Froe

[btrwtr]

Not many US cutleries were using celluloid handles after the 1942 patent date. The bolsters on these knives are normally steel caps, not NSL. I've had a few Utica knives like this and I don't believe any had celluloid handles but rather some type of plastic.

[ThatWeirdKnifeGuy]

It looks like celluloid to me, and it looks like it's in nice shape. I've definitely been wrong before though, and all the old synthetics are tough to differentiate. Best practice is just to let it breathe. Don't keep it boxed up, and let it see the light of day. I'd put it in my pocket and carry it.

Also, please post pictures of you licking the knife. We'd definitely all like too see that. For research purposes.

[CarMan]

Looks like celluloid to me.

Ken

That’s what I’m afraid of. I’m to ignorant to identify celluloid despite lots of research. Thank you

[CarMan]

The patent is for bolster and’s handle construction from 1942. Note the missing handle end pins. Not sure what the handle material is but don’t think it’s celluloid. Some gummy type stuff?

I appreciate the help. I didn’t even think to look up the patent.

[CarMan]

Looking through Voyles Antique Knives, I see a lot of pearl, bone, wood and celluloid.

Thank you for the help

[CarMan]

If the bolsters are solid nickel silver, then it’s probably celluloid. And if it is celluloid, it still looks really good. Although I’ve seen celluloid outgas with little warning, usually better quality U.S.A. knives like Utica, Remington, Challenge, etc… have held up well in my collection. German celluloid, not so so much.
Nice knife. I’d be tempted to sharpen and carry that some.
Froe

It definitely looks & feels good still. I like the knife a lot either way just want to know how to store it. I think I will just be cautious with it.

[CarMan]

Not many US cutleries were using celluloid handles after the 1942 patent date. The bolsters on these knives are normally steel caps, not NSL. I've had a few Utica knives like this and I don't believe any had celluloid handles but rather some type of plastic.

Thank you for the help. I’m still trying to figure out how to tell nickel silver from steel.

[CarMan]

It looks like celluloid to me, and it looks like it's in nice shape. I've definitely been wrong before though, and all the old synthetics are tough to differentiate. Best practice is just to let it breathe. Don't keep it boxed up, and let it see the light of day. I'd put it in my pocket and carry it.

Also, please post pictures of you licking the knife. We'd definitely all like too see that. For research purposes.

Appreciate the help. I think I will air on the side of caution and treat it like celluloid.

I figure at this point I have it licked