Need input on some "gassers"

[Toejammer]

Snagged two nice celluloid handle knives, and was wondering what you all might think of re-handling, or rolling the dice and keeping them original. Not big $$ knives for sure. Hammer Brand 3 blade 1936-37, and a Boker #9885 Stockman. The Boker is still snappy, the Hammer snaps weak. Neither look to have gassing out damage, but I might be wrong.

Thanks !

[OLDE CUTLER]

If neither show signs of outgassing, I would leave them as is but keep in quarantine away from other knives.

[Toejammer]

If neither show signs of outgassing, I would leave them as is but keep in quarantine away from other knives.

The Boker is just stained and dirty, no real rust problem that I can see on the inside of the liners. But the Hammer has some mild rust on the inside. Neither has damage to the liners inside, so thats a big thing, considering they tend to be the first victims when the scales gas. Both will clean up nice too, and all I have to do is find a Boker shield.

But honestly, these celluloid knives scare the crap out of me

[edge213]

Neither one appears to be outgassing at this time.
Keep a close eye on the Boker.
The type of celluloid on the Hammer usually doesn't outgas. At least that has been my experience.

[1967redrider]

If neither show signs of outgassing, I would leave them as is but keep in quarantine away from other knives.

I Second that motion.

[OLDE CUTLER]

If neither show signs of outgassing, I would leave them as is but keep in quarantine away from other knives.

I Second that motion.

Oh, I should have added that while the potential gassers are in quarantine, make them wear masks also. lol

[Toejammer]

If neither show signs of outgassing, I would leave them as is but keep in quarantine away from other knives.

I Second that motion.

Oh, I should have added that while the potential gassers are in quarantine, make them wear masks also. lol

So six feet of distance and wear masks, got it !
In reality though, are we talking separate drawers (I keep all my collection in an old machinists chest) or different zip code ? And, should I separate these two from each other ?
Thanks !

[Froe]

I would store them well away. Send them to me. That should be far enough.
Froe

[herbva]

If neither show signs of outgassing, I would leave them as is but keep in quarantine away from other knives.

I Second that motion.

If you call Boker USA, and give them the exact measurements of the inlay, they will send you a new shield. I haven't done this for a while, but they have sent me new shields at no charge many times. As far as the celluloid outgassing goes, keep an eye on the area where the scales meets the bolsters. In my experience, this where I have noticed the first signs of celluoid outgassing as a brownish discoloration on the edge of the bolster. It can happen at any time, without any warning, and can proceed to destroy any other knives stored in the vicinity. Sometimes it proceeds very slowly, and other times it quickly consumes all knives, even cats, dogs and even small children in the household. I even heard a story from 1967redrider that it tried once tried to consume him, but fortunately, superman conveniently happened to be in the neighborhood at the time, and ..............

[cody6268]

Hammer Brand--shouldn't be an issue.

Boker--where should I start? That looks exactly like the one my Granddad had, completely unused since the mid '70s, that imploded last summer and made one heckuva mess that I had to clean up--and I wish I'd really understood the issues of celluloid MUCH earlier. I suggest you get that thing rescaled before it goes bad. That was the knife that put me off anything cell-handled unless it was a shell handle like an Imperial.

[Toejammer]

If neither show signs of outgassing, I would leave them as is but keep in quarantine away from other knives.

I Second that motion.

If you call Boker USA, and give them the exact measurements of the inlay, they will send you a new shield. I haven't done this for a while, but they have sent me new shields at no charge many times. As far as the celluloid outgassing goes, keep an eye on the area where the scales meets the bolsters. In my experience, this where I have noticed the first signs of celluoid outgassing as a brownish discoloration on the edge of the bolster. It can happen at any time, without any warning, and can proceed to destroy any other knives stored in the vicinity. Sometimes it proceeds very slowly, and other times it quickly consumes all knives, even cats, dogs and even small children in the household. I even heard a story from 1967redrider that it tried once tried to consume him, but fortunately, superman conveniently happened to be in the neighborhood at the time, and ..............

I'll give Boker a call, would be great if they replaced the shield. But I have two cats, neither of which are smart enough to escape the evil knives clutches ! Might have to go for the re-handle. As I said, these aren't huge $$ knives, so I'm not desecrating anything sacred. I'll probably leave the Hammer as is though.

[Toejammer]

Hammer Brand--shouldn't be an issue.

Boker--where should I start? That looks exactly like the one my Granddad had, completely unused since the mid '70s, that imploded last summer and made one heckuva mess that I had to clean up--and I wish I'd really understood the issues of celluloid MUCH earlier. I suggest you get that thing rescaled before it goes bad. That was the knife that put me off anything cell-handled unless it was a shell handle like an Imperial.

I might just re-handle the Boker anyways. I figure it's a pre-emptive strike. Not a big $$ knife, and I really would sleep better knowing the knife grenade explosion was avoided.

Glad to hear the consensus on the Hammer is positive too, thanks !