Need help with mammoth scales
A few years ago I purchased a razor with mammoth ivory bark stabilized scales. The scales came warped, more twisted than curved. Most of the twist is at the wedge end. The razor does not close without catching the edge.
My question is...how to straighten them. :confused: I have straightened wood, horn, bone and antler by boiling for about 1/2 hour then clamping on a bar of 1/8x1x6" piece of brass, then in the oven at 200 for 2 hours to dry. Since this is stabilized tusk, I don't think boiling will help soften them, so maybe I should skip this step. I don't know if heating in the oven then cooling will work. BUT most of all I don't want to ruin them. They are pretty!
If any one has ideas or experience...I'm all ears.
Bob @ OCD Razors
Moved to the actual workshop forum...
Bob I have a rig that I use on Vintage scales to straighten them with a "Shot of Steam Iron"
I do not know if it will work on the Mammoth Tusk though.. I have used this on Celluloid, Bakelite, Wood, Ivory, Bone, Horn, Etc: Etc:
I can take pics later tonight if you think it might work.. but basically it is two pieces of Oak 3 in x 6.5 in x 1/4 inch... I have drilled multiple 1/8 inch holes through these so I have a sieve of sorts that allow steam through, but not enough holes to weaken the structure of the wood...
I place the old warped scales on the bottom piece and then place the top piece on... I clamp these together using C clamps but not overly tight...
I then set the iron on the outside of the wood and hit them a few times with the steam, and heat, flip it, and hit them from the other side.. Now I tighten the clamps and repeat, tighten, and repeat, until it is all straight and tight... I leave that sit for a day at least...
Hope that helps