Thread: Scales question

Hello fellows

Can these scales some how be straightened out? I’d like to keep them original. I was thinking about heating them up between two tiles and then cool them down. Would it be possible? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. Daniel







Also can this one be honed or is it too damaged?

Oh I messed something up on the pictures sorry about that..

there are a few threads here on straightening out scales. The common technique seems to be boiling water, not to be confused with boiling them in water. You should hunt down some of the old threads. In part because most of them are a pretty good account as to what happened during varying experiments, and will give you better direction. They don't look too bad, I hope you can fix them. The blade in theory can be honed out.

I have straighten some by heating in a cup of boiling water, then using pieces of credit card stuffed in each side of the blade to hold them out while they cool, you may need to,do it a couple of times
But it will work

edit: I think that blade is shot also mate or you will lose a quarter of it to save it if possible

Im with substance. A cup of boiling water then move into position and run under cold for a few secs to cool. I would try fix the blade first. If its just the chips you will remove a bit of steel but should be able to shave fine but if more than that its not worth it. hone first and if it goes ok the fix the scales otherwise might just be wasting your time. Good luck

Thanks for the input. I tried the boiling water method unfortunately one of the scales has shrinked quite a bit and does not fit the other scale at all. I maybe had it in the water too long. It was there for about 15 seconds or so. I guess I ruined it.

Personally I would not bother with the honing- you will spend a long time resetting the bevel.

With warped scales I use a hair dryer, you really just need to warm them then allow to cool with some packing for the correct shape. A couple of attempts may be required.

I already messed them up but thanks again.

I have never heard of it shrinking. Make sure that it is right at the wedge. If it isn't then it will throw it all out although 1 side might look fine the other will be way off

I have had pretty good luck with putting a piece of popcicle stick - or two - between the scales, a popcicle stick on the outside of each scale, holding everything in place with several small spring clamps, and then heating for 3-4 minutes with a hair dryer. Allow to cool for an hour before removing clamps.
Often requires more than one cycle.