Thread: Something special, asking for advice

Originally Posted by jorgeovi

Any tips on cleaning the horn scales?

Just use some sandpaper and lightly sand the scales to remove the scratches or imperfections if that's your goal. You can start with 220 grit then just use 400, 600 wet and if you have micro-mesh you can easily finish with those for a nice mirror shine or get some higher grits dry/wet sand paper. Use some Neatsfoot oil to nourish the scales and you're good to go.

Originally Posted by 0livia

Its bone, isn't it?
The mildly abrasive sink / steel cleaner works well there.

I know bone is tough but I didnt want him to risk the possible hazards of the different chemicals in the different detergents. If you could mention a brand name of a detergent that you know to be harmless it would help, thanks.

Well ours are a bit different and I use home made ones anyway.
(Aluminium or Cerium oxide and Shaving cream)
Maas or Flitz might do.

OK this is going good.

Removed the scales, and started with 240 grit in the tang area, where it had most of the rust. That removed the rust very well. There's some pitting in that area, but I don't think I'll have the patience to sand it away. Most of it will be covered with the scales anyway.

Now I'm sure the scales are bone, sanded a little bit and it smells funny.

It's black inside the... don't know the word in english... the little lines in the tang for gripping. I don't know if it's rust or dirt. Any trick for cleaning in there?

jimps
little screwdriver or brass brush cleans them fine.

That's a fantastic razor! I suspect that you'll make the old chap happy just to see what you've done with his gift, he won't take it back off you!
Heirlooms like that are precious, so take your time & ask as much advice as you need. Can't wait to see it!

When you say "it smells funny", do you mean it smell like burnt hair or more like camphor.

Hola paisano!!

Tiene buena pinta, tennos informados de los progresos!!

(Hi there! Looks good, keep us posted!!)

nun2sharp: Smells like burnt hair, and it makes a very fine dust.

Mandrake: Hombre, ¡un compatriota por estos lares! Ta bien saberlo. Esta tarde sigo con la restauración, ya iré poniendo fotos...

I think I'm on the good way, and I'm very happy I've decided to make this by myself. Sanded up to P800, and I'm surprised with the results. I'm letting her rest for some days until I receive the 1200-2000-2500 paper I've ordered, with some 3m polishing compound. Meanwhile, I'll put some work on the scales.

Here are some pics...tell me what do you think. Olivia, Max, Joed... be cruel