Thread: Another crack guestion, horn scales...

I have some horn scales soaking in neatsfoot oil at this time. They are the Reynolds transparent horn that say 'old english razor' on them. I want to preserve these and reuse. The pivot ends are great, but on one side of the wedge end, is a hair line crack from the pin out to the edge. What sort of repair will work? (Of course this is on the side of the scale that has the etching in it). Being the wedge end, I figure some sorta glue should work...or...gluing it to the wedge and using a micro-fastner?

You might have a problem with glue if the scales have been soaking in oil...

If glue doesn't work you might consider a mechanical fixing going through the washer for added stability. A small hole bored in the scale on either side of the crack with a small pin going through the wedge and into the scale is one solution - you don't have to bore right through the scale and you can use a smaller diameter pin than the wedge pin if you can find one.

Regards,
Neil

I don't usually worry about cracks like that. I could be wrong, but I think that if the area isn't stressed and the scales aren't subjected to widely varying conditions (like drying out and rehydrating, or going from cold to hot quickly or the like), it should be just fine on its own.

Thanks guys, I also realized after the fact that it won't be worth gluing with neatsfoot oil on them. At any rate I'll see how it goes. Getting the blade ready for now.