How would you guys clean this?

[rocarule]

So I received this near 7/8 with some staining and light rust. Now the problem is the gold wash. I am debating wether to keep it or just get rid of it. I would like to keep as much as possible. I might just let it go if the gold wash cannot be preserved.

[Baxxer]

That looks like it might be cell rot in the earlier stages, if it is, just cleaning the blade won't do much good because it will come back and get worse if those scales stay on.

[rocarule]

Let's say that I replace the scales; is there a way to salvage the logo?

[Baxxer]

I think Glen has a method were he dissolves the scales in acetone(?) which leaves the inlay intact but you might want to wait for one of the other members to give a second opinion before you remove the scales since I'm not a 100% sure that it is cell rot.

[Cangooner]

If it is cell rot, then those are celluloid scales. If that's the case, this should help:

[RezDog]

A test of cell rot is to strip the scales from the nice blade and put them in a ziploc with an old blade that is already dead but somewhat clean, like one that it chipped or suffering from bad hone wear, zip it up and watch, if the old blade if fine so are your scales...

[rocarule]

Does celluloid shrink? because the scales appear to have shrunk.

[Geezer]

Does celluloid shrink? because the scales appear to have shrunk.

Good question!
Yes Celluloid does shrink; the red scales on the Red Imp are the worst but others do also. Often, One side shrinks more than the other.
Faux Ivory usually does also but more slowly. Often the blade does not quite clear the wedge when that happens. Watch also for corrosion at the wedge end of the blade. Some of the cheap celluloid wedges are really toxic! Dubble Dux are the worst for that. Others from Bresduck are iffy.
Best to replace than worry!
~Richard

[gssixgun]

Remember that it is hard to diagnose cell rot you basically have to play Doctor and start reading the Symtoms..

you have

1, Corrosion
2. Warp
3. Shrinking

So you are adding up to a more positive diagnosis of cell rot it is in the early stages if it is, which makes it harder ...

[rocarule]

Thanks gssixgun; so let's say that I wanted to keep most of the gold wash and replace the scales. I do not mind some staining, but I want it to look cleaner; what would you recommend?
And as a second question
I want transparent red or Amber; what are the recommended materials for these colors?