First, thank you SRP! I found all information needed for this first attempt here.

Second, this is my second attempt at posting pics. First failed. Sorry if I mess it up again! Our camera also sucks for close-ups.

I scored a Red Injun 102 a couple weeks ago. Blade showed moderate discoloration, significant pitting, with rust build up in spots. I tried to capture most severe rust spots. They were actually raised up off surface about 1.0mm. Scales were dirty, but otherwise in very good condition.







Using a dremel for the first time, I removed the pins. I underestimated how fast heat would build on the pin, and began to smell melting plastic at a couple points. Pins were so bent, though, that I think my removal, as the plastic was still hot, saved the scales from cracking. I nicked the scales a couple of minor times filing off the washers. Any advanced advice on this? Pins were so old, that I really had to file down into them to get the pop. I don't own a drill press, and will be moving overseas shortly, so don't want to buy one. After breaking everything down, I gave the scales a once over with a wet cloth and they look great.





Handsanding, I started to try and go after pits in the blade. Fearing that I would damage the metal, I didn't want to go below 320 grit. After about 8 total hours of sanding, and still having pits, I will definetely go lower next time! I removed nearly all pits. There are about 8-10, the size of a pin tip, that I can still see. Striving for that perfect resto, they are driving me nuts. But, I am done sanding for now.

I had to shop a couple stores to find 1/16 brass rods and #0 stainless washers. But, Waldo Hardware, here in KC, had it covered. I learned, when working on motorcycles, that that store has all the odd sizes and unique items. Stuff the bigger stores would never carry. When the clerk asked what I was up to, and I told him, "restoring a straight razor," I saw him visually inspect my face for divots! Great guys over there!

After progressing up to 1500 sandpaper, I repinned. After using wire cutters (as seen in wiki) to clip rod, I found that getting the length right and cutting with the dremel to be easier. It produced a clean cut, that really kept the length tight. I've always enjoyed the two-tone look, so I went with stainless washers and brass rod.

Using the norton 4k/8k combo stone I picked up a few weeks ago, I watched/listened to Game of Thrones, had a margarita, and got the edge to HHT. There were no initial chips or frowning, so it was a good place to start.

Nothing too fancy! A good first project (in my opinion)! I know there are those here that are real masters. I just try and read your posts and copy what you do. Thanks, again, SRP for all your advice!

Ah! One unique moment... The blade sat a little askew in the scales. After, reading up about it in the wiki, I heated the plastic around the pivot point up with near-boiling water for a few minutes, pulled it out, GENTLY twisted the blade (about 1.0mm) in the direction I wanted, and blew on the plastic to cool it. Worked like a charm!













In the last pic I tried to capture the three pits near the tip of the spine that particularly drove me nuts! I don't think the camera is good enough to get them though.

I think my next adventure might be shaping my own bone scales!