Help a straight razor noob (if you're so inclined)

[woosorio]

So, I inherited a blade from my great grandfather and while it's in solid condition, it could at the very least use a solid spit shine.

I want to start small since I figure I can do less damage that way and as such, I thought I'd begin with a polishing agent and something with which to apply it.

So here are the questions:

1. Maas or simichrome?

2. Is there a particular cloth I should consider using? I want to stay away from power tools for the time being.

3. Can the aforementioned products be used on the scales as well as the blade?

If there's a step-by-step anywhere abouts that speaks to basic restoration--nothing too entailed--I'd certainly be interested in taking a look.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[tomjr]

i have used maas for both scales and blade with great results. a soft cotton rag has always worked 4 me. lots of info in various threads and wiki

 

[global_dev]

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=188442

and this (below) from that (above)

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1206737

 

[woosorio]

Thank you gentlemen kindly for your responses, they're much appreciated.

 

[mdunn]

Have you any pictures of it?

 

[honed]

I've found an old towel to work wonder coupled with metal polish.

Old plastic scales shine sup nicely with polish, but organic material like horn, bone & ivory is betetr off with soap&water & a wax buffing.

Pics would be nice