Thread: Care of ivory scales

I just picked up an antique razor with ivory handles, a first for me. How durable are ivory scales? Can I (or should I) apply a varnish similar to the way I would for wood? I plan on using the razor not just displaying it!

Thanks for your insight!

Originally Posted by Ernie1980

I just picked up an antique razor with ivory handles, a first for me. How durable are ivory scales? Can I (or should I) apply a varnish similar to the way I would for wood? I plan on using the razor not just displaying it!

Thanks for your insight!

Never put a finish on Ivory,it needs to breath,you seal it it will crack.Clean them in warm water and Dawn detergent.
Dry well and rub with mineral oil several times a year.

Pixelfixed knows, do what he says.

Thank you for the advice, I would never have thought the ivory needed to breathe!

Massive ivory like carvings do better when left alone but the thin stuff like scales, like Pixie said should get some oil on it now and then.

Does anyone have ivory scales, ones that have been treated over years with mineral oil and ones that have not, to compare the difference? Perhaps the mineral oil would affect the color or texture of the ivory?

Ivory is basically tooth, plenty of ancient teeth have been dug up by archeologists. I have many razors with ivory scales which I would bet money have never been treated and they look fine.

I think I would rather leave my ivory untreated though the gentle washing with warm water and a mild detergent like Dawn sounds like a fine suggestion.

Ivory? What’s Ivory?

Obama is watching and he wants your Ivory, me? I have Bone, just Bone.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Ivory? What’s Ivory?

Obama is watching and he wants your Ivory, me? I have Bone, just Bone.

Untrue????????????????

Originally Posted by goldragon

Does anyone have ivory scales, ones that have been treated over years with mineral oil and ones that have not, to compare the difference? Perhaps the mineral oil would affect the color or texture of the ivory?

Ivory is basically tooth, plenty of ancient teeth have been dug up by archeologists. I have many razors with ivory scales which I would bet money have never been treated and they look fine.

I think I would rather leave my ivory untreated though the gentle washing with warm water and a mild detergent like Dawn sounds like a fine suggestion.

The man that answered the question with the mineral oil happens to have great experience working with ivory. If he says it, it is true.

“Untrue????????????????”

No, it’s true, bone, just bone, I just have bone, that’s all just bone.

And Hillary is the same as Obama, just shorter, and… maybe a little wider…