Thread: Cracked Ivory scales

I have a razor with ivory scales cracked at the toe end, ie not the pivot end.

Looking around the forum for answers to the problem, I found this: https://sharprazorpalace.com/custom-...ry-scales.html

I wondered if the board could give me some further advice.



First of all, the razor belongs to my cousin, and he simply wants to shave with it. We both take the 'dentist' approach to restoration: only if absolutely necessary. So, it seems that the first option to explore is 'do nothing'. The crack is on the toe end, and is accompanied by some distortion to the scale:



The first question is, how stable is this crack likely to be if nothing is done?

The next option is minimal restoration. The most minimal (worthwhile) restoration I can think of would be to unpin the toe end, laminate something very thin just to the cracked area of the scale and re-pin. On this thread https://sharprazorpalace.com/worksho...ne-scales.html Ignatz says that silk fabric can be used:

Originally Posted by ignatz

baldy;

If you don't think that the simple application of super glue is sufficient, then you can use a little bit of finely-woven white silk cloth to reinforce the repair (on the inside of the scales, naturally). Apply just enough super glue to thoroughly coat the cloth. This will not only stick the cloth to the surface of the bone, but will also make that bit of silk act in much the same way as fiberglass would.

- ignatz

How good is this approach? Are there any other materials of a similar thickness that could be used?

Last question, this razor is pinned in a very delicate manner without washers. How difficult is this to replicate?

Many thanks!

(previously posted in error in the Gallery: https://sharprazorpalace.com/custom-...-scales-2.html)

I just replied to this, in your other post .

HOLD STILL, SON..

I would use an x-acto knife and scrape out the crack to clean out dirt. If you have old broken ivory scales fill crack with sanding dust from old scales. Or fill crack with baking soda. Apply a coat of super glue. Sand smooth and polish.

Originally Posted by bouschie

I would use an x-acto knife and scrape out the crack to clean out dirt. If you have old broken ivory scales fill crack with sanding dust from old scales. Or fill crack with baking soda. Apply a coat of super glue. Sand smooth and polish.

That would be the easiest fix as far as I can see. Unpinning and repining ivory scales can get tricky.

Bob

Unless the crack is caught and fixed immediately after it happens, it will most likely be a little visible no matter what is done. But it can look almost perfect.
Clean out the gunk, there are various methods, I'd opt for more gentle methods.
Your suggestion of silk will work fine I assume, but I doubt it will be as invisible and strong as fiberglass. (3/4oz).
Thin CA will find it's way into the crack, and then the liner will make it last more than a lifetime.
If you use a metal liner, not all metals are equal. Metal expands and contracts with heat. This happens with most materials, but if the materials are not equal in expansion/contraction then this is more likely to cause issues.
I like the x-acto technique with a filler. Make sure the ivory dust is very fine. Pack it in, drip the CA, sand and shine!
But I'd still use a liner.

I'm gonna have to try Outbacks suggestion of talc powder and CA.
Good luck with those scales! Please keep us posted and take pics of your work, I'd love to see the progress.

EDIT: I would not use CA to attach a liner to scales. In my experience this is a bad idea. CA hardens very fast when in contact with most materials. Not enough time, easy to screw up. Use epoxy. The crack is best done with CA.
Epoxy for liners. CA for crack.