I'm curious what folks think about true celluloid (i.e., cellulose nitrate) as a material for pens. Is the hype real, or is it more marketing/myth than anything else? I've never handled a celluloid pen (the nicest pens I own are the ones I turn myself), and I'm curious if they are really as good as folks say. I'll admit that many celluloids that I've seen in pictures can be quite beautiful. But so are many cellulose acetates, alumilites, and other resins. (And I've seen celluloids that I find to be quite ugly, too.)
I can feel a difference between cellulose acetate blanks and things like polyresins and acrylic acetates, and I do prefer acetate to those other materials, so I'm open to the idea that celluloid can impart some more luxurious/pleasing feel than other materials. But I'm curious if celluloid is really THAT much better than acetate, or if it's more the fact that it's rare, difficult to make, and heavily marketed as superior.
I ask because I came across someone selling some celluloid rods and asking nearly $1,000 for an 8-inch rod! It's hard for me to see how that can be worth it, but curious what others think.
I can feel a difference between cellulose acetate blanks and things like polyresins and acrylic acetates, and I do prefer acetate to those other materials, so I'm open to the idea that celluloid can impart some more luxurious/pleasing feel than other materials. But I'm curious if celluloid is really THAT much better than acetate, or if it's more the fact that it's rare, difficult to make, and heavily marketed as superior.
I ask because I came across someone selling some celluloid rods and asking nearly $1,000 for an 8-inch rod! It's hard for me to see how that can be worth it, but curious what others think.