Refresh old horn scales?

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TMD
Posts: 196
Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 2:43 pm
Location: EUROPE

Refresh old horn scales?

Post by TMD »

Hello
I have an old manual stiletto with some poorly aged horn scales, is there a way to make them look better?
I dont want to ruin anything. just curious if there is something to be done.

/ TMD
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by Bill DeShivs »

Sanding and re polishing is necessary if they are too bad.
If not, a coat of paste wax might help.
Posting a picture would give us a better idea of what it needs.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
http://www.billdeshivs.com
Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
TMD
Posts: 196
Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 2:43 pm
Location: EUROPE

Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by TMD »

Thanks for fast reply! I will post pictures tomorrow.
TMD
Posts: 196
Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 2:43 pm
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Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by TMD »

Image
create round image online

Image

Here are some pictures, let me know what I should do.
Tom19176
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Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by Tom19176 »

Nice old false button !
TMD
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Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by TMD »

Thanks Tom!
I have lightly sanded the scales and applied wax, the horn feels much better, not as dry. but visually its not a big difference.
Should I sand it more or what do you guys think?

Image

Image
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Billyfish
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Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by Billyfish »

Try some 0000 steel wool (don't bear down on it too hard. Then a dremel with a felt wheel and little polishing compound. After that some wax (I use renaissance) then a hand polish.
Picture is of a late 50's Eig thatI got from a parole officer that had it in his drawer for 40 odd years.
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TMD
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Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by TMD »

Thanks for the advice. I will get a dremel and try that.
Yoyr picklock looks fantastic!
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by Bill DeShivs »

You can also use Simichrome, Mother's, Flitz polish on a cloth strip to "shoe shine" the horn by hand.
If you try this, use only enough polish to saturate the cloth. You don't want to get it in the cracks and crevices of the knife. This will yield a much more consistent polish than using a Dremel.
Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler
http://www.billdeshivs.com
Factory authorized repairs for:
Latama, Mauro Mario, LePre, Colonial, Kabar, Flylock, Schrade Cut Co., Presto, Press Button, Hubertus, Grafrath, Kuno Ritter knives, Puma, Burrell Cutlery.
TMD
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Joined: Thu May 11, 2006 2:43 pm
Location: EUROPE

Re: Refresh old horn scales?

Post by TMD »

Ok Bill! I will see what I will do.
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