Thread: How to clean blade between scales

i have a couple str8s that i would like to clean up without taking off the scales. on the value side, i have heard that the value goes down if the pins or not original. i like the bug bitten scales and would like to keep them. any advice for cleaning between the scales without removing them??

wire dremel?

vgod

A wire Dremel wheel does work; be careful on the sides, as it'll mark up the scales if you're not. You might try brass first, then steel if that doesn't do it.

I use the 3M bristle discs, which are mentioned in a couple of threads in the archives. They clean the rust and crud off better than anything else I've found, but they are a little expensive.

Josh

Nice tip,,,thx. for it.

The temptation with the 3M disks is to bear down on. Mine last a lot longer if I am aware of just the tips of the disks. I also run the Dremel at medium speed.

Originally Posted by vgod

on the value side, i have heard that the value goes down if the pins or not original.

Depends on who you talk to. I would rather have nice pins than originals if the originals are kind of busted. It's like any antique, do you want to look at it in original condition or have it perform better and fix it up? Personally I value razors based on the condition overall (besides valuing the exact blade) rather than if it is in fact all original.

I have heard of using floss doubled over with metal polish on it to clean between scales and blade also.

Originally Posted by Philadelph

I have heard of using floss doubled over with metal polish on it to clean between scales and blade also.

Now that's a great idea! And now I can tell my dentist that I do use floss.

+1 on dental floss. I dunk the end in Blue Magic, run the floss in and around and let it sit a bit then clean it out with fresh floss.

I also cut strips of old t-shirts to run in the blade space, again using Blue Magic. Works well on the metal and the plastic scales.

Wooden toothpics are also your friend!

i will try some of these ideas. unless the scales are broke, i don't desire replacing the vintage scales. however i do have some adjustable pins on the way, and picked up some zebrawood and bolivian rosewood yesterday. maybe some of my scales might 'accidently' break in the near future.

vgod

I had luck w/ these small etching files to get into the space between the scales.
Al

http://www.heimerdingercutlery.com/c...m?Category=181

Dental picks also come in useful