Is this tortoise shell?

Printable View

10-17-2011, 12:31 AM
vvti713

2 Attachment(s)

Is this tortoise shell?

So i got a Fredrick Reynolds Barbers notch this weekend from an antique store.. it has really odd scales.. could they be tortoise shell?.. I might remove the scales and put some different ones..
10-17-2011, 12:33 AM
Theseus

Appears to be dyed horn to me. Could be wrong though.
10-17-2011, 12:37 AM
vvti713

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theseus

Appears to be dyed horn to me. Could be wrong though.

yea they are real odd..
10-17-2011, 01:23 AM
Maximilian

They are mottled horn. Soak them in some neatsfoot oil.
10-17-2011, 01:25 AM
vvti713

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximilian

They are mottled horn. Soak them in some neatsfoot oil.

what happens when i soak them in neatsfoot oil? im guessing I need to remove them first.
10-17-2011, 01:35 AM
Maximilian

You'll nourish them and they will end up looking much better. They'll pop again (to some extend). It will also smooth out any tears or cracks you might see in the scales. You don't need to remove them. I rub them in with my fingers and let them sit overnight on a paper towel. Just a nice layer is enough at a time. No need to dunk them in the bottle all night. A Q-tip also helps applying some between the scales. I repeat the procedure a second time if needed.
10-17-2011, 01:38 AM
vvti713

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximilian

You'll nourish them and they will end up looking much better. They'll pop again (to some extend). It will also smooth out any tears or cracks you might see in the scales. You don't need to remove them. I rub them in with my fingers and let them sit overnight on a paper towel. Just a nice layer is enough at a time. No need to dunk them in the bottle all night. A Q-tip also helps applying some between the scales. I repeat the procedure a second time if needed.

thanks! where can I find neatsfoot oil?
10-17-2011, 01:41 AM
Maximilian

I know SRD sells the oil. If you do a search on Google you'll get lots of hits. Get a small bottle as a little will last you a very long time. I got an 8oz bottle years ago and still have half left. Make sure to buy 100% Neatsfoot oil.
10-17-2011, 01:43 AM
Theseus

You can also find neatsfoot oil at many shoe stores or anywhere that sells leather goods such as saddle shops.
10-17-2011, 01:48 AM
vvti713

thanks! ill go to a few boot shops we have around here!
10-17-2011, 02:00 AM
Walt

Make sure you DO NOT get neatsfoot COMPOUND. This is a mixture of neatsfoot oil and various petroleum products. Get 100% neatsfoot oil.

Regards - Walt
10-17-2011, 05:30 AM
dirtychrome

After soaking, you'll be wiping them down. Do not do it too aggressive. The dye does wear off.

Notice the pivot end is much more blond? Due to the black dye being worn as razor held in hand during normal use.
10-20-2011, 10:08 AM
imperator

The first is in horn (1880 era)

The second....i don't see, maybe pressed horn ( end of 1800(?) ) , but more probably celluloid ( 1900/1930(?) )