Thread: Ballistol For Healing Horn?

I am aware that Ballistol is a great product with a gazillion uses. But what about using it to rejuvenate horn scales?

I have a W&B near wedge that the previous owner mutilated a bit. I'll post some pics later, when I'm on WiFi at home. I'm not sure if the scales are original, but they are horn, and starting to delaminate (keratin layers are separating, starting at the edges). There is a crack on one, at the pivot pin (which is not well aligned), that an attempt at repairs was made. There is only a little "play" in the pivot, and the blade doesn't seem inclined to come out during "normal use".

So, as part of my restoration self education & exploration, I'm gonna see what I can do to breathe life back into the entirety of the razor. This includes the scales that are "in the running" for replacement.

Just for 's `n giggles, I rubbed in some vitamin E oil that I use for work related scars 'n such, on the wedge end. The logic seemed sound: vitamin E is good for hair, skin, & fingernails, so it at the very least is not likely to harm the horn, because it is a similar kind of tissue. There does seem to be a slight improvement. I didn't soak them in it, just rubbed in a drop or two.

Onto the point! What about Ballistol?

The official material doesn't mention horn/antler. Lots of "maintains leather & wood!!!" But nothing on horn . So I think I'll tear off some parchment paper, splash the razor with some Ballistol, then roll/wrap it in the parchment paper, letting it sit for a few days.

Thoughts? Anyone else used Ballistol on horn for more than the expected "clean & shine"??

P.S. No, I don't have neatsfoot oil, nor do I have the funds for it currently.

I have absolutely *no* idea about Ballistol, but do know that old, dry horn will soak up a surprising amount of neatsfoot oil. So my one suggestion for your experiment would be to check on it once or twice a day. It might soak it all up and be thirsty for more.

When funds allow, neatsfoot really does an amazing job. Just sayin'.

Good luck! Looking forward to the results.

Neatsfoot oil is what you want, it is made from boiled down horn and hooves. Horn scales will suck it right up and shine!

I have a gallon of neatsfoot oil Crawler, send me an address and Ill try to send you some, and some dried Birdseye Maple root and a couple I haven't identified yet, absolutely Beautiful, Burly looking stuff, Free of course.

Originally Posted by FAL

I have a gallon of neatsfoot oil Crawler, send me an address and Ill try to send you some, and some dried Birdseye Maple root and a couple I haven't identified yet, absolutely Beautiful, Burly looking stuff, Free of course.

Well, looks like I've got even more motivation to work on the bunch of "fixer-upper" razors I have. Gotta PIF somehow.



Best interwebz community. Ever.

Crawler,

I for one like to 'Play'! I know full well how Neatsfoot Oil works, but I would like to see how the Ballistol works for you!

You never know! You might have stumbled upon a Miracle Cure!

I"ve actually played with WD 40 AFTER soaking in Neatsfoot Oil and I thought it added a little more shine. Again

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Crawler,

I for one like to 'Play'! I know full well how Neatsfoot Oil works, but I would like to see how the Ballistol works for you!

You never know! You might have stumbled upon a Miracle Cure!

I"ve actually played with WD 40 AFTER soaking in Neatsfoot Oil and I thought it added a little more shine. Again

Indeed. Sir FAL's generous offer will in no way keep me from doing this experiment . Right now, the only thing keeping me from already having splashed, photographed, wrapped, photographed, and posting about it is: I'm at work. But I'll get it sorted tomorrow, SWMBO permitting lol.

If the horn has beetle bites, little pits, you can restore them using some 5 minuet epoxy and black dye to fill the holes. Then sand up through micro-mesh to clean up and polish the horn then give it some neetsfoot oil to condition but do not condition it before you fill the pits. The oil will prevent a good bond with the epoxy.

Originally Posted by Crawler

...But I'll get it sorted tomorrow, SWMBO permitting lol.

My wife has had me busy as the primary handyman with her project of turning large wooden spools from an electrical supply house into end tables & ottoman's. So I didn't get around to splashing some Ballistol on the W&B until tonight.

So I tried to use the light box my very crafty wife made. It is surprisingly difficult to get a picture of delaminating edges of black scales. I hope y'all can adequately spot the problem areas I refer to.

"...A splash of the shine, muh dear??"


All wrapped, and ready for a soak.