outgassing

[Bryan76]

How do you repair this problem?

[philco]

Outgassing is a term used to describe a chemical breakdown of the material used to make the celluloid knife handle. Once it starts, there is really no way to stop the process. About the only practical solution is to remove the degenerating handle slabs and replace them with some more stable material like bone, stag, wood etc.

There are several skilled knife mechanics here on AAPK who would be capable of performing that for you. If it's for that Buck Creek trapper you were discussing earlier on another thread, the biggest obsticle may be that the repair would very likely cost more than the knife did. On the up side, you would end up with a customized knife that is well made and has good German steel in it.

Phil

[muskrat man]

philco x2 I also sent you a PM Bryan

[Bryan76]

Could I replace the handles maybe?

[philco]

Maybe.

[Elvis]

If you're looking for a restoration, I have a few varities of celluloid. Unless it's a valuable antique, I'd go with a repair like suggested above and use a more stable material.