All About Pocket Knives

Is there any way to remove; very fine scratches from celluloid handles? Also is some shrinkage; a sign of out-gassing? Thanks guys.

Luckypaul777

I'd say a buffer might take out the scratches, but with cell, I don't know that I'd do it. to many fireball horror stories for my taste I'm beginning to think that just about all the early plastics and plastic like substances shrink as they age, off-gas or not.
I seriously doubt their manufacturers had 50+ years in mind when they made it. I just disassembled a Kingston jack that had some "unbreakable stagged" covers (according to their old ads) which had shrunk significantly and become a bit brittle, but no real signs of damage to the liners or blades. makes you wonder what today's popular materials will look like in 60 or 70 years

I've had good luck using 600 grit sandpaper, then 800, 1000,etc. clear up to 1500 grit. Then VERY (I can't stress this enough) VERY lightly touch it to the buffer. Try this on a junk knife a few times first, until you're comfortable doing it, as you can ruin a handle very quick.

This is the knife I am interested in; touching up the celluloid on; an older Shapleigh DE. It doesnt look like any shrinkage; but scales are to scuffed up; not trying to make them look new; just a little better. Thanks.

Luckypaul777

careful polishung first by hand then a buffer can make those handles look dang near new.

I agree with MM, just don't let the buffer get the celluloid hot - don't lean into it. I don't like the Dremel tools for this (celluloid), I use my buffer. Dremel tools can make the finish look uneven.