One fascinating feature in this issue is "Reel grasp material detection," by Paul Manuel. Given the limited options for using color photos in the magazine, I ran just one photo in color (on the back cover), but will display all of Paul's photos here. You'll need to read his article when the magazine arrives to fully understand these, but I've included captions which should help.
Three types of lamps used, from left: Portable long wave and short wave UV lamp (expensive, unnecessary); Long wave compact fluorescent (best performance, low cost); Black light bulb (useless).
A group of old reels under normal light. Can you tell which grasps are ivory?
The same group of old reels under Long Wave UV, revealing whiter ivory.
A variety of grasp materials on old reels
That variety of grasp materials under Long Wave UV
Initial comparison of 3 old grasps under UV
Initial hot needle test
