after some advice on restoring / repairing the scales on an old Wade & Butcher

[RubenRedNuts]

Hi all,

Just after some advice on restoring / repairing the scales on the below Wade & Butcher.

Suggestions on:
Removing the old superglue (previous owners attempt at a repair);
Best method to repair the break (e.g. best adhesive / an alternative method such as a very small butterfly inlay, or something like it, to pull the break together) as I would like to try and keep the original scales if possible; and
Best method to clean the scales?

 

[Jamie]

Buy yourself some horn blanks and make a new set, I have a little step by step photo tutorial how to make some for those who don't have power tools if I can find the photo's I'll put them up.

 

[Jamie]

Here's a very good resource over on the SRP with lots of great info on scale repair and how to make scales.
https://sharprazorpalace.com/worksh...w-do-i-where-do-i-what-do-i-answers-here.html

 

[Errol]

I’ve got a bit of buffalo horn that polishes up beautifully. It is still in the raw and needs to have you cut out and fabricate the scale. Probably depends on how much work you want to put in. PM if you would like it.

 

[RubenRedNuts]

Buy yourself some horn blanks and make a new set, I have a little step by step photo tutorial how to make some for those who don't have power tools if I can find the photo's I'll put them up.

Thanks @Jamie.
I have some black horn blanks but was hoping to keep the authenticity where possible... Guess I will be making new scales over the Christmas break

 

[RubenRedNuts]

Here's a very good resource over on the SRP with lots of great info on scale repair and how to make scales.
https://sharprazorpalace.com/worksh...w-do-i-where-do-i-what-do-i-answers-here.html

A wealth of information, greatly appreciated!

 

[RubenRedNuts]

I’ve got a bit of buffalo horn that polishes up beautifully. It is still in the raw and needs to have you cut out and fabricate the scale. Probably depends on how much work you want to put in. PM if you would like it.

Thanks for the offer @Errol, will keep it in mind if I stuff up the blanks I currently have...

 

[Jamie]

Thanks @Jamie.
I have some black horn blanks but was hoping to keep the authenticity where possible... Guess I will be making new scales over the Christmas break

Here's a link to a seller that I have purchased many horn blanks from, you will need to work them to get them the right thickness get the blank down to about 3mm would be perfect.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Fl...481210&hash=item258f1400b1:g:QJ0AAOSwe-FU7aLw

 

[RubenRedNuts]

Here's a link to a seller that I have purchased many horn blanks from, you will need to work them to get them the right thickness get the blank down to about 3mm would be perfect.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Large-Fl...481210&hash=item258f1400b1:g:QJ0AAOSwe-FU7aLw

Greatly appreciated

 

[Jamie]

Greatly appreciated

Ruben, here's an excellent tutorial on how to make a set of horn scales.

https://sharprazorpalace.com/workshop/124818-how-make-traditional-set-horn-scales-way-i-do.html

 

[RubenRedNuts]

Ruben, here's an excellent tutorial on how to make a set of horn scales.

https://sharprazorpalace.com/workshop/124818-how-make-traditional-set-horn-scales-way-i-do.html

Brilliant, thanks Jamie as those scales are exactly what I am after.

 

[Maladroit]

Hi Ruben, any progress with the scales? I've salvaged ones like that but they've been more conservation than restoration. The razor will certainly look terrific with new scales.

 

[RubenRedNuts]

Hi Ruben, any progress with the scales? I've salvaged ones like that but they've been more conservation than restoration. The razor will certainly look terrific with new scales.

Hi Maladroit, progress is slow but it is coming along nicely (the blade has come up well and I was able to retain the original grind marks and all etching/imprints). The scales crumbled when I removed the pins so nothing else to do but make new ones out of horn and shape them to match the original pair (will reuse the brass washers and steel wedge)

 

[Substance]

Maybe to late but
You can use acetone to dissolve the Superglue (but not most epoxies)
You may also need a backer/liner to prevent the cracks returning

 

[RubenRedNuts]

Maybe to late but
You can use acetone to dissolve the Superglue (but not most epoxies)
You may also need a backer/liner to prevent the cracks returning

Thanks Substance. The scales were in worse shape than I thought as the unbroken scale fell apart while unpinning so I am now in the process of replicating the original scales by hand from some black horn blanks (slow process).

 

[Errol]

Thanks Substance. The scales were in worse shape than I thought as the unbroken scale fell apart while unpinning so I am now in the process of replicating the original scales by hand from some black horn blanks (slow process).

Get the Dremel out.

 

[RubenRedNuts]

Get the Dremel out.

I thought about that but it is easier to get the varying radii in the scales correct with a scraper and sanding with a semi soft (felt) block and fine sandpaper. It is slower but less risk of making a mistake.

 

[RubenRedNuts]

Razor scales sorted:

 

[Substance]

Razor scales sorted:

It’s missing mate