Thread: I Broke a Bone!

So, the mysterious Worlds Fair Razor I recently got had some repainted scales--the seller said it was to hide some stained plastic scales. I didn't really care, as I had bought the lot for the Genco, and this was just a bonus. I figured I'd try to get it cleaned up, at least, though, so I was trying to get the serious pitting taken care of. I was unpinning it, trying to pucnh out the hinge pin, when there was a little "SNAP" and the back scale cracked in two. I sighed, but wasn't too worried--like I said, this was a labour of fun.

Then I looked at the broken piece. It was most definitely NOT plastic. I started polishing off the crappy brown paint, and what do I find? BEAUTIFUL patinaed bone scales (I THINK they're bone, not Ivory--they have small pits rather than long lines...is that right?).

Is there any way to fix these? I mean, I lost it before I knew I had it, but if I could get that lovely scale back to useability I'd be very happy...

Pix will follow.

Would it be possible to use some sort of a liner? Aluminium, or copper maybe? That's an option that'd give them strength rather than relying on glueing them.

LOL thats one scary headline! Great you're in good health!

Jim I think it would be more economical to replace the handle.
PM me if you need one.

If the glue line/break is pretty long (lots of surface area), I would use plain old white glue to glue the bone back together. White glue (PVA) works well with bone and ivory.

If that repair does not last I would then try using a thin epoxy and a light weight fiberglass cloth on the inside faces.

Charlie

Sorry for the scare, Olivia!
I appreciate the offer, but like I said these scales have a nice patina--I'd like to preserve them.

Charlie, do you mean plain old Elmer's type white glue? Really? I'll give anything a try, but this is the hinge pin, so it'll take a bit of stress...

Can't hurt, I guess!

Thanks!

What I was thinking last night in bed was, when I repin I'm going to use an inside washer...I could superglue the bone, and then super glue the washer to inside of the scales. That would act like a (very small) liner, without having to actually make a full liner or use fiberglass.

You can see the break in the picture. I haven't finished cleaning them yet, the brown is paint remnants (Another question--is it ok to use something like Nail Polish removed to get that paint off? I don't want to damage the scales, but I'm have a bugger of a time cleaning them right...).

Thanks guys!

Nail polish remover is fine to use, it is basically acetone with fragrance. As far as solvents that will remove or soften paints go it is a safe-ish one. Other than it's flammability.

Yes plain old white Elmer's glue.

The break looks like it is in highly stressed point. I think that glassing or a lining is the way to go.

Try the washer idea it might work. I like small (less evasive) repairs you can always do drastic repairs later if the first do not work.

Charlie

Originally Posted by spazola

Nail polish remover is fine to use, it is basically acetone with fragrance. As far as solvents that will remove or soften paints go it is a safe-ish one. Other than it's flammability.

Yes plain old white Elmer's glue.

The break looks like it is in highly stressed point. I think that glassing or a lining is the way to go.

Try the washer idea it might work. I like small (less evasive) repairs you can always do drastic repairs later if the first do not work.

Charlie

I also like the low-impact solutions; I will try the washer first, then a liner. You never know till you try!

Thanks!

why not super glue, its worked for me.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

why not super glue, its worked for me.

Sounds good to me!

I have a vague recollection of someone posting that they used a mesh backing such as you would find with fiberglass. I repaired a celluoid scale broken in the center with epoxy and it held for awhile but I put some pressure on it honing and it finally let go. I haven't gotten back to it yet. Good luck with yours.