Collection: Bakelite

A hard, infusible, and chemically resistant plastic. Bakelite was based on a chemical combination of phenol and formaldehyde (phenol-formaldehyde resin), two compounds that were derived from coal tar and wood alcohol (methanol), respectively, at that time. Bakelite has no substrate (canvas/linen/paper/fiberglass/rag) making it one of the best vintage materials to obtain a polished luster.

Bakelite

HNC

We are your premier purveyor of heirloom quality vintage materials for all your custom craftsman needs. HNC specializes in handle materials for the knife and gun industries as well as materials for the jewelry trade. Our materials date from all the way back to the early 1900's through the late 1900's with a focus around mid-century to late mid-century materials.