How long is the blade from the heel to the point ? It may have been rescaled or the blade may have been cut short to get rid of damage at the point. I take the pump version of Scrubbing Bubbles and empty it into a tupperware type container. I soak grungy scales, DEs and such in the solution for a few minutes, or more, and then take a Q-tip to the innards. If it is a tight fit I flatten the end of the Q-tip with a hammer. For skinned up scales there is fine sandpaper and if they are horn neatsfoot oil to restore some of the luster. Put the lid back on the tupperware and you're good to go the next time you need to soak and clean a grungy set of scales or a DE.