Thread: Poor old razor.

Start wiping those horn scales down in neetsfoot oil daily and use a q-tip to get the inside of the scales until they won't absorb any more of it. Most likely that will tighten the pins up a bit too. After they are good and oiled, they won't be as brittle and there will be a lesser chance of breaking the scales if you have to repin.
If you do have to repin, as long as you have the scales off, soak them in neetsfoot oil in a zip lock bag for a few days or a week.

Originally Posted by criswilson10

Start wiping those horn scales down in neetsfoot oil daily and use a q-tip to get the inside of the scales until they won't absorb any more of it. Most likely that will tighten the pins up a bit too. After they are good and oiled, they won't be as brittle and there will be a lesser chance of breaking the scales if you have to repin.
If you do have to repin, as long as you have the scales off, soak them in neetsfoot oil in a zip lock bag for a few days or a week.

Thanks,

A friend of mine is giving me a little neetsfoot tomorrow but I might just go get some at Tractor supply today. I am just going to assume I should not soak the blade in neatsfoot. I am just going to wipe it down for a few days a get inside the scales as well. If I don't have to unpin it I am not going to, but if it needs it I am just going to send it off and have someone that knows exactly what they are doing do that for me.

Can I soak the blade and all in neetsfoot? I don't know enough about that oil.

Originally Posted by jwy77

Thanks,
Can I soak the blade and all in neetsfoot? I don't know enough about that oil.

I have several times, I've never experienced a problem. I do 'hang' the razors on a string after I take them out of soaking and let them drip, then use some old cloths to get as much of the oil off as possible. Paper towels work also on the inside.

Just take your time. Patience is KEY with Everything about Using, Maintaining and Working on Straight Razors.

Enjoy the Ride! It's a long strange trip but well worth the journey

Originally Posted by cudarunner

I have several times, I've never experienced a problem. I do 'hang' the razors on a string after I take them out of soaking and let them drip, then use some old cloths to get as much of the oil off as possible. Paper towels work also on the inside.

Just take your time. Patience is KEY with Everything about Using, Maintaining and Working on Straight Razors.

Enjoy the Ride! It's a long strange trip but well worth the journey

I am enjoying every part of this journey. I plan to be patient with this razor. If it can shave sometime this year that will be fine. If not next year works too.

Neatsfoot soak has begun. Is it possible to over-saturate the scales and cause damage? I am going to leave it soaking tonight then pull it and and let it drip dry and rub it down with a cloth then use a Q-tip to clean between the scales. I am only going to soak it about 18-24 hours at a time unless someone knows a better way.

I've usually left a razor 'in it's horn scales' in the Neatsfoot Oil about 24 hours. As I've said I've never had a problem.

I think that after you allow it to soak, then 'drip dry' and finally wipe it dry as 'best you can' inside and out, I'd let it set at room temperature for at least a day then re-wipe the scales down and again let them set for a day and then see what you have.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

I've usually left a razor 'in it's horn scales' in the Neatsfoot Oil about 24 hours. As I've said I've never had a problem.

I think that after you allow it to soak, then 'drip dry' and finally wipe it dry as 'best you can' inside and out, I'd let it set at room temperature for at least a day then re-wipe the scales down and again let them set for a day and then see what you have.

I will repost in a few days . Thanks for all the help!
John

You wouldn't believe how well the Neatsfoot Oil does it! That stuff works wonders. Glad you did it. You are at the right forum & have a lot of good information. You'll find out, you did't go wrong!

Originally Posted by engine46

You wouldn't believe how well the Neatsfoot Oil does it! That stuff works wonders. Glad you did it. You are at the right forum & have a lot of good information. You'll find out, you did't go wrong!

This is the most helpful place. Everyone has given me great info and has been very willing to share. Sure am glad I have made this jump. I will never go back.

Originally Posted by jwy77

This is the most helpful place. Everyone has given me great info and has been very willing to share. Sure am glad I have made this jump. I will never go back.

I have a good friend that does great work on anything he works on but he will not join this forum. I have not really asked him why but he's a member of the other one. I like this one much better! Everyone is very helpful & knowledgable here!