All About Pocket Knives

I know celluloid when I see it but an acquaintance has been emailing me for answers to test his knives' handle material. I am sure there was a thread here somewhere, but I am not finding it. Any help?

I tried a search too but the information seems to be hidden deep within various threads. I did find several recommendations to rub the material briskly with your thumb and get it hot. Then smell it. If it smells like camphor, it's celluloid.

Thank you, Rick.

You're welcome, Cal.

I can't help thinking that there should be a more conclusive approach but I don't know what that would be. For example, if you rub the material and it doesn't smell like camphor, does that prove it isn't celluloid or could it mean you just didn't get it hot enough?

I'm probably over thinking it because I've never tried it before myself.

I do basically the same thing but I use 3M polishing paper because it is much finer than sandpaper. It doesn't leave the deep scratches that sandpaper leaves. I take about 1200 or 4000 grit 3M polishing paper and rub the handle briskly with a polishing paper. I will get a definite camphor type smell if it is celluloid.

If you don't have 3M polishing paper handy try 00000 steel wool.

I used to use the non-destructive method of testing: Rubbing it lightly with my finger(or a dry cloth) and then laying my tongue against the spot. If it is celluloid you will get a slight burning sensation on the tip of your tongue. Don't laugh;it works!

Dale's method is the one that works best for me.

knife7knut wrote:I used to use the non-destructive method of testing: Rubbing it lightly with my finger(or a dry cloth) and then laying my tongue against the spot. If it is celluloid you will get a slight burning sensation on the tip of your tongue. Don't laugh;it works!

Yes it does work and you don't have to put sandpaper to the knife. Very important if said knife is minty.