Cell rot or not? That's my question!

[jbradley]

One of the fine members here recently honed my Dad's strait for me. He pointed out that he thinks it has cell rot, but suggested I post some pictures and get a second opinion. So that's what I'm doing. Here are some pictures, is it or isn't it? Thanks guys!

So is it cell rot or was it just stored incorrectly?

 

[global_dev]

to me, this picture was what i was looking at when i suggested rot

when the scale closes it lines up well with this corrosion, granted there are some other blobs of corrosion that are likely due to something else..

 

[Doc226]

I would have to agree, the last pic certainly looks like it lines up well with the worst corrosion.

 

[global_dev]

it's hard to tell from this picture but there was similar light corrosion in the same area covered by the scales IIRC. i think johnnie, may have caught it in time

 

[Mike H]

I give it a definite maybe.

When I think of cell rot, this comes to mind...

 

[global_dev]

I think Johnny's razor is in the early stages cause I agree with you.

 

[jbradley]

So new scales are in order. I had looked at the ghost jade or alternate ivory scales at usaknifemaker.com, but they are 5" long. That's not enough, but I don't want a 5'x10' sheet either!

 

[life2short1971]

I keep junk blades I can lay in scales and then seal the container I put them in. If no oxidation after after 2 weeks the scales are usually still good. With a very clean piece of metal you can tell in as little as 15 minutes in some cases if they are degassing..

 

[Legion]

Looks like it could be gassing, there is a pretty hard line on the corrosion. I'd err on the side of caution. Keep the blade and metal parts off the scales, but I think the cellulose is done.