Thread: Horn/bone pigmentation and epoxy?

I am going to attempt to repair a slice in a scale from an old SDM Paris 1115 faux frameback. Its as if someone closed the razor in haste and cut into the inside of the scale. I have read a few threads that mention scales can be repaired with epoxy and adding a like colored pigmentation to it to color match or sanded material from the scales. My question is would carefully cutting the slice out off the scale after sanding them to touch them up and applying the pigmented epoxy where I want to re-adhere the cut piece work? if so is there a general amount of material needed to for coloring or a specific waste dust from a certain sandpaper grit? Otherwise the scales are in great condition.

Ranger5277

Pics would be really helpful. My first reaction, and maybe I'm wrong in this, is "if the scale damage is on the inside, why would it need a repair?"

Thanks for the post Mike.

I will send pics later on tonight or this weekend when I get around to taking the scales apart. I thought a repair would be in order to prevent any further damage as the sliced bit is protruding slightly into the razor's path. Plus it would clean up the overall look. Maybe I am out to lunch and feel three to tell me so. They look to be original scale and I do not want to do anything that would hurt the history or heritage of it but also I want to try and keep what is there in the best condition possible.

Pics

These were the best I could do without taking the scales apart. I hope they can help describe the problem

My first thought on this after seeing the damage to the scales is how bad was the damage to the blade? Epoxy should do the trick. Sand any rought parts of the horn and sparingly apply the epoxy. I think it would be best to unpin it so you can clamp the scales. that would give you a nice tight fix... Any way, just my 2 cents. Good luck!

Thanks Joe. The blade is in great shape. There is patina and some small rust patches, one along the spine and one really small one higher on the glad. As for the cutting service it just needs a bevel set and a hone.
That was what I was thinking.... Would your recommend cutting the bone flap if you will, off in order to get a better application surface with the epoxy?

Maybe someone closed it in haste becourse the Germans just arrived!
I would try not to get more work with it, look closely and see if the flap can be nicely pressed back and glued with epoxi/super glue.
Do a glue test with pigment, sometimes pigment interferes with hardening.

Thanks for the info. Hmm since it's on the inside I may not need to pigment. Just sand it down.

Originally Posted by Ranger5277

Thanks for the info. Hmm since it's on the inside I may not need to pigment. Just sand it down.

I cleaned up a good friends grandfather's Hibbard Spencer Bartlett and CO with celluloid scales and and it had similar damage, his was due to the blade being so loose that though ignorance people opening and closing the blade hit the scales. His scales were factory glued at the toe and popped open with a little hot tap water, I didn't want to un-pin it at the pivot, but it still allowed me to use a fingernail file (the brown ones) to sand it down. I didn't want to chance breaking the scales by trying to use sand paper on a stick. My idea worked great! Since it was on the inside and I'd tapered it, it really doesn't show unless your really looking for it! I re-glued the scales with some plastic specific 2-part epoxy and they are still holding together great!

It's just a thought about another option!

ps: It's a great shaving razor! Good old American Steel!

Looks more that someone tried to close it too tightly to get in a coffin straight on, not cattycorner. That ruins most of the scales found in junk shops! Be very sure that it goes all the way together before you try to epoxy it. If it doesn't, it will look poorly.
Have your clamps set out and adjusted ready to go.

Find a piece of tupperware that just fills the space in front of the wedge so when you clamp the broken part of the scale from both sides of both scales. assure that the inside will not stick into the space with the spacer. Then double check your clamping again. Be sure that the scales do not bend inward from the front of the wedge. Then clean all with alcohol if plastic or acetone if horn. Dry them well and then apply the glue with a toothpick and wiggle them well to assure completely filling any gaps.

Add the tupperware spacer and clamp both scales and wipe off the excess. Let set for a day. you may have to use an exacto knife to clean around the scales and possibly to remove the spacer.
Sand to suit!

There are other methods and I see some above. Use all of these for ideas and then try a combination that suits you! trial fitting are the key to success!!
Enjoy the process and the razor
~Richard