The Old English Razor Repair

I need advice on repairing a "The Old English Razor" wedge. You can see the damage in the picture near the end of the scales.

I can find a modest amount of information about the razor, and believe it most likely manufactured in the mid-1800s. But, could be wrong. Any information about this razor would be appreciated!

My lack of information about the razor illustrates my problem: I don't know what the scales are made from, and so don't know how to proceed with repair.

With a razor this old, (and I think it is), I don't want to replace the scales.

Looks like horn to me. If epoxy works for fixing the crack, you may be able to use CA (superglue) to seal the scales up, but I'm not sure if it works with Horn or not since I have only worked with wood so far.

I thought about horn, but the scales are almost translucent; a lot of light passes thru them. I assumed horn was denser.

It is hard to tell for sure. How do they smell after you rub the scales down?

They are horn with bug bites at the pin is how it looks to me. :shrug: I've had a couple of those pass through and translucent horn is common. Sometimes dyed to look like tortoise shell. I don't know how to fix 'em but I would try epoxy or gorilla glue.

Smell... Interesting question! I buffed the backside of the scale with a Dremel brush, and it did smell like horn to some degree. (I've filed horn before in a different context.) It didn't smell like plastic. But, admittedly, the smell was not strong and I could be totally wrong.

I attached another picture with a scissors blade behind the scale to show the translucence. You can see what I mean about how much light passes thru.

Horn?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

They are horn with bug bites at the pin ...

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When I first saw the damage, my immediate thought was that it looked like worm holes. But, when I saw the translucence, I largely dismissed horn and thought it was probably some early bakelite-like substance. So, dismissed worm or bug holes.

You guys have about convinced me on the horn idea. I'll read up on horn...

What ever they are, I would think epoxy would be your best bet. If the crack has exposed a fair portion of the wedge/spacer it should be plenty strong if you epoxy the edges of the crack and the scale to the wedge/spacer. I have a WB with buffalo horn scales that had a similar crack that I fixed in this way. The repair is still visible, but it is as strong as new.

Well if it was celluloid or something similar, you would know. I made the mistake of sanding some old scales before reading all the info and I almost choked to death on the stench.

To quote Anchorman "It's quite pungent. It stings the nostrils"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DPflaumer

Well if it was celluloid or something similar, you would know. I made the mistake of sanding some old scales before reading all the info and I almost choked to death on the stench.

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I made sure to kick some of the scale material into the air as fine particles using a Dremel with a wire bristle brush. I applied the brush very slowly at first, and to the back side of the scale. It didn't harm the scale at all. Rather, it proved to be an efficient cleaning action.

If it was plastic, I believe I would have smelled it as you said above. And, I believe the wire brush would have eaten into the plastic or celluloid. (Wouldn't it have?)

I was wondering if you had success with the repair on this razor, and how it turned out. Also how do you like this razor, and if you ever found any additional information about it.
I found one exactly like this one at an antique store, I did not buy it, but I'm wondering if I should? Any feedback and opinions or recommendations appreciated.
Thanks, Bruce

Actually, I ended up trading the razor. Before I did, I repaired the scale break with epoxy glue. That worked very well. I didn't take the time to sand and buff the repair location before trading. But, I believe if I had, it would have looked very well.

I will email the person who now owns, or owned this razor and ask him to comment here if he has anything to say.

I'm the guy who got the razor from Larry.

His fix of the scales has held up well so far. You can tell that the scales have been repaired, of course. I didn't sand down the repaired area, as cosmetic shape is not really important to me.

At any rate, I'm glad that the scales were repaired instead of replaced. Keeping the original scales is important in razors this old, I think.

On a similar note, I obtained a W&B with scales made out of the same material (horn, I think). It also had one scale broken at the wedge end, though the break was cleaner than this one. I used some superglue (gorilla) to mend it, and it looks great and works well. So I'd say this method of fixing the scales works fine.

Thank you for the replies gentlemen
Bruce

I just bought one of these on Ebay for a good price. The blade is huge! looks like it hardly has been honed. The scales are not cracked but a little warped, and worn down.
My question to the OP is have you identified the age of the razor you had? Mine does not appear to have anything stamped on the tang. My guess is that would make it older.
Also, does anyone know how to straighten horn scales? The warpage is not extreme. I agree in keeping the original scales if possible, and since these are functional, i would prefer to use them, but I also would like to use this razor once restored.
I will post pics soon, just got it yesterday and am working all weekend.:boohoo:

Attachment 48681

Attachment 48682

There are two pages of people in the Classifieds that do this sort of work

Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Or you can browse here

And learn that steam can correct yer problem if used right


http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html



NICE !!! razor

Found this WIKI thanks to Sixgun:
Fixing warped horn scales - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I may attempt this on my own. Looking for opinions now. Should I do a disassemble or clean and repair with the pins in place? There seems to be significant rust at the pivot.

i have some scales like that, and I just polished them with micro mesh and wiped them don with some gun stock oil to seal them...worked pretty well... I am no expert though