Thread: Help with bone scales

I have a PEDR razor made in Solingen. I don't know much about the history of the razor.

The bone scales are in good shape, except for the area near the pivot. The blade had rusted and pitted there staining the back of both scales.

The big problem is where oil had been applied to the pivot and this has soaked into the bone causing it to discolor and be somewhat translucent.

I am of two minds about it. I could stain the scales a darker color and I do prefer dark colored scales. However I am of the mindset of keeping my razors as they have existed for all this time.

So does anyone know of a good way to restore the color to the scales and somehow extract most of the oil? What is a good method to dye the scales a dark color? Very dark brown or a deep black.

Thanks fellas.

Sorry I can't help. I have not dyed bone or colored them in any way. I usually just rub them with a bit of Neets Foot Oil and buff them. Baking the bone will darken them up but unless you stay under ~200 I would take the blade off. I would leave them as is (a pic would be nice) but if I baked them I would take the blade off just to be safe as not to effect the temper. Try searching knife making sites of just Google dying bone. Good luck.

You can give them a very light sanding with some P1500/2000, then let them soak in neatsfoot oil. Once you have dried them you can use a super fine abrasive like emery compound - toothpaste works very well believe it or not, and buff them to a shine. They take a nice glossy finish when done properly.

As stated, we want pictures!

Originally Posted by Joed

Sorry I can't help. I have not dyed bone or colored them in any way. I usually just rub them with a bit of Neets Foot Oil and buff them. Baking the bone will darken them up but unless you stay under ~200 I would take the blade off. I would leave them as is (a pic would be nice) but if I baked them I would take the blade off just to be safe as not to effect the temper. Try searching knife making sites of just Google dying bone. Good luck.

Be very careful if you take the scales off. Repinning bone is a treacherous operation.

Josh