I've often wondered the same thing while working on old scale and cleaning them. Like the really nice mottled colour wasn't desirable and was all dyed black. I good soak in neatsfoot will do those wonders. I usual put them in a plastic bag for the soak. It requires much less oil that way. I have soaked whole razors that way right after I get them and them give them a squint when I've got a little time.