Thread: Wade & Butcher FBU interesting prior scale restoration

This beauty arrived today and spent about an hour cleaning it up. It has a prior scale restoration that is interesting. I would have just replaced the damaged scale or made new horn scales. Horn may have not been available, so a canabilization of scale parts was his solution. Parts were joined using a thin steel strip and six pins to join the two scale pieces together. Not pretty, but appears to still be very functional. Two cracks are now apparent but still working well. I plan on keeping this as found but may try to fill in the cracks, possibly with CA. Probably not a good idea to take the pivot end apart as a steel nail was probably used vice brass or nickel silver round rod. Any suggestions on how to proceed is appreciated. Thanks, Austin

I get your sentiment Austin but I'm going to have to suggest a new pair of scales. That razor deserves it. Maybe add some fancy collars. I know a guy that makes them.

Steel pins are tough to drill. If you have a carbide drill bit it should be able to eat up the steel pin without slipping off, using super light pressure. I have a couple that were gifted to me by a great member here. Mounted in a drill press, low speed and low pressure they are pretty slick. The other option could be a Center finding bit.

I think even I, would look for another set in this case. At least a donor scale to replace it with, if possible.

Last resort....T-88 structural epoxy adhesive, and powdered, lump charcoal, or bog oak.

I've used this to replace missing pieces, from broken horn, scales.

Mike, I wish I had half your skill set with horn restorations. Paul might have the right way ahead with making a replacement set. Lipstick on a pig, basically. Believe I have some carbide drill bits somewhere around my work bench. Will probably give it a go next week. It is always fun trying to sort out the way ahead for these old beauties. FBUs are fun to collect and to restore. Thanks for your recommendations on this.

I had a Le Grelot 14 square nose that came out of Italy that had the same kind of repair, relieved inside the scales to accommodate a metal plate, and riveted in place, Very serviceable, but I opted for new scales. Sorry, no images.

A rear FBU scale should be around somewhere? Someone has one. I am looking.......

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

I get your sentiment Austin but I'm going to have to suggest a new pair of scales. That razor deserves it. Maybe add some fancy collars. I know a guy that makes them.

Paul, decided to go with new horn scales. Rez I filed the nail down and blade released quickly. Kept the original collars and added a brass sleeve to tighten the blade up. Also need a new lead wedge. Needs a good edge and should be good to go. Thanks for input from all. Regards, Austin

I applaud your attempt to save the scales!