Printable View
My absolute pride, my Slater Bros Venture (circa 1850’s), fell out of its coffin box the other day and hit the deck. The scales are original ivory and immaculate, but a hairline crack running from the rear pin to the outside edge proved the weakness and the scale has split right through. Pics will follow when I get home, but can anybody advise how I can repair this? I absolutely do not want to replace the scales.
You can glue them to a G10 liner, or as I did, and epoxy a couple pieces of 3/4 oz. fiberglass to the inside of the scales.
Attachment 286046
Attachment 286047
Superglue mixed with baking soda also works well. Dries quickly and can blend with scales.
And baking soda? Really? Whats the purpose of the baking soda? Is it just a thickening agent? All you guys have so many tips, its awesome.Quote:
Originally Posted by bouschie
Sorry to hear about the scale cracking. Have any pictures?
Regardless, lining seems to be a popular solution.
Baking soda is one I haven't heard before. Do you mix before putting in the crack or rub a little in first and put thin CA on top to soak in?
While we are on the subject. Has anyone tried ivory powder (like with horn) to fill larger cracks?
It helps blend away the crack. Force some in crack. Apply Superglue and sprinkle some over glue before it sets up. Dries quickly with baking soda. Sand and polish.
Yep, fixed bone with CA and soda.
Attachment 286052
Attachment 286053
Attachment 286054
This doesn't answer TomP30's question, though may still be of interest.
I got an email the other day from USA Knife supply about their new resin ivory scales that are very realistic, including the grain and herringbone end grain. They are $40 per set, so I'm guessing they are nice.
I would include a link, though this part of their site is down. The S grade is $40 and looks more realistic. The R grade is less expensive.
If interested, make sure to check that they have the needed length for straight razor scales.
The baking soda works as a binder, it actually makes a lot stronger repair than just CA
Mike made his liner on the scales, but G-10 is available quite thin and can be used as a liner in sheet form as well.
Attachment 286055
The fiberglass Mike uses has a white/ivory color to it. Anyone used white or ivory colored G10? Seems like everyone uses a contrasting color.
It just very thin fiberglass, it can be had at places that do RC cars n planes. Hobby shops.Quote:
Originally Posted by JP5
It only weighs 3/4 of an Oz. For a square yard.
Attachment 286056
Something I had forgotten when you told me about using fiberglass the first time is that G10 IS laminated fiberglass. So you're using fiberglass either way.
(I thought that might be worth mentioning in case OP or someone else that found this wasn't familiar with G10)
I wondered how you applied the fiberglass to the scales without it wrinkling up on you. :confused: Laying the sheet over the scales must save you a lot of trouble.:idea:
Attachment 286062
As you can see, it’s a complete separation.
I have tried a quick repair with Superglue, but it was ineffective.
You don't want to rush a scale repair, ESPECIALLY on ivory.
This is coming from the guy that has made plenty of mistakes trying to rush razor work. I don't think any gluing should be done while the scales are pinned since this puts pressure on them to flex and you'll get glue on other parts.
I'm not sure the best approach since there is dried CA on the edges now. We'll see what one of the more knowledgeable gentleman here has to say.
The dried CA will come off with a little elbow grease and some nail polish remover.
Because the break involves the wedge, you could reinforce the the break by gluing to the wedge.
Ivory G-10 and Micarta are available if you don’t like the contrast, also it you like the hands on stuff a lot and can find the right supplies Mikes method with the 3/4oz cloth is pretty impressive.
It's an amazing product!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by MrZ
Check out the link at my post here:
https://straightrazorpalace.com/work...ml#post1564596
As this is going to involve re-pinning, and I have never done this before, can you gents provide me with a shopping list of tools I might need?
This vid may help https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmwvf8xLKmk
You are working with ivory scales which can be a bit of a nail biter to do as they are very unforgiving to work with. I'd use the forum search box and check for posts on pinning ivory. Good luck.
Bob
Attachment 286069
Pic of the list.
And once you have it repaired, put some mineral oil on the scales and let sit overnight, gives them a bit of flex and aids in repinning.
I find that if you use a split point drill bit in the pin vice it makes all the difference in the world. A magnifying visor is pretty important for me.
Attachment 286071
I think someone here once mentioned making a shield with a section of soda can so if the drill bit in your pin vice slips off it won't scratch or gouge the scale.
Go sloooow.
If you aren't comfortable doing the repair though you may want to look for someone near you that does restoration work. If you have to buy all the tools and materials it is going to cost a little money anyway.
Attachment 286076
A used DE blade works for that, Josh.
That should certainly do the trick. I just happen to have one of those. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by outback
Thought I try to fix this crack rather than make new camelbone replacements. Just cleaned out the crack as best I could with some lava soap scrubbing. Then mixed some CA, about a dime’s worth, with several pinches of backing soda. Brushed it on both sides, let it dry then did it again. Let it dry for an hour or so then progressive sanded to 1500 grit then buffed both scales out. Used steel dome replica washers vice a smaller cup washers because I wanted a stronger bond over the cracked area Happy to save these old scales. Thanks Bouschie, Outback and others for this great tip.
A soak in 35% peroxide would have cleaned them up, better. I'm surprised you were able to mix the soda, it usually sets immediately. Nice save though.!!
I wanted to retain some of the patina to show its age. Just mixed the CA with the baking soda in a small plastic cup then applied it like paint. Seemed to fill in the crack nicely. The CA I used was ""Scotch Super Glue Liquid and seemed a bit thinner than blue labeled Gorilla glue I usually use. Then just drilled a new hole, sanded, and buffed it. Luckily, the blade centered perfectly.Quote:
Originally Posted by outback
Looks great! Never owned a bone scale razor before but I really like the way they look in pics. Those are really clean too without all the spots. :tu
How long would you normally have to soak them?Quote:
Originally Posted by outback
Depends on how deep the stain goes. Anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
