Thread: Flattening old horn scales

I'm currently restoring/rescuing a James Barlow with Sheffield faux tortoise horn scales. The blade appears to have been brutalized by a botched restore in the past, but I'm trying to bring it back.



While taking a break from sanding I remembered that the scales were warped. They are bowed out at the pivot (probably from over peening of pin) and twisted about 20 degrees.





I've flattened/untwisted a bunch of new horn so I'm comfortable with that part of it. But I have never flattened
old, dry horn before. The horn is still flexible, but it is pretty dry. Since I don't want to destroy 150 year old horn scales, should I soak the horn in neats foot oil for a few days before flattening them? Or should I flatten them in their dry state and then oil them?

Thanks

Unpin the scales. Clamp between two pieces of thin wood (1/8-1/4"). Submerge in hot water about 5 minutes. Remove from water and let cool. When totally cool remove clamps. Scales should be straight. If not repeat with warped scale.

There is a variety of techniques to straighten horn. I usually soak the old ones in oil before I try to straighten them and again after. I think it helps with the flexibility but also it helps to prevent further dryness from the heat used in the straightening process. I think all of the straightening techniques rely on heat.

I do them dry, if there's going to be any repairs done.

But a clothes iron is the best bet for flattening horn, hands down.

For flattening horn, I bring a steel plate up to 325 degrees F. Put the horn on it and then put another piece of plate steel on it. Then let the everything cool to room temperature. Works every time with no delamination, no clamp marks.

But, still I'm not sure whether to oil these dry scales before heating them.

How are you heating your plate Chris? It sounds almost exactly the same as outback’s technique.