Cleaning Scales

[Doc226]

I have this razor (torrey) that needs some minor cleaning, it has a little rust in the pin, otherwise it's in good shape.

Since I'm going to unpin I figure might as well clean up the scales too, what is the best way to clean them up, how do you get the stuff out of the valleys?

Here is a pic.

 

[UPD]

Plastic lens polish works very well, get it at an automotive store. I use a toothbrush and/or Q-tips to clean gunk out of the tight spots. Good luck.

 

[Undream]

I've found that using non-abrasive scrubbing pads (such as scotchbrite non-stick scour pads by 3m) along with some soapy water work really well on molded celluloid scales, getting out all the grime in all the nooks and crannies!

 

[Khay]

The best non-aggressive way would most likely be use an ultrasonic cleaner, with some warm water and dishwasher soap. It gets to those little nooks and crannies in a way most hand rubbing won't.

Just be careful with scales that have painted logos on it, the old paint might just be removed.

BTW, nice razor

 

[rickboone1]

soft toothbrush with soap and water?

 

[Doc226]

The best non-aggressive way would most likely be use an ultrasonic cleaner, with some warm water and dishwasher soap. It gets to those little nooks and crannies in a way most hand rubbing won't.

Just be careful with scales that have painted logos on it, the old paint might just be removed.

BTW, nice razor

I'll try the US cleaner but I don't think it's dirt in the crevices. I think it is discolored.

I've found that using non-abrasive scrubbing pads (such as scotchbrite non-stick scour pads by 3m) along with some soapy water work really well on molded celluloid scales, getting out all the grime in all the nooks and crannies!

I tried this, slight improvement. Problem might be discoloration.

soft toothbrush with soap and water?

nothing.

 

[Doc226]

Thankfully after unpinning, the pivot was just filthy, only minimal rust.

 

[tomjr]

nice razor doc

 

[brother cavefish]

scotch bright on the inside and tooth brush on the outside, plenty of soap

 

[Doc226]

The scales are clean, there is still discoloration in the valleys.

 

[thatsilverguy]

soft toothbrush with soap and water?

+1

More specifically, I let all my "new" vintages sit in a warm-water and Dawn dish-washing liquid bath for a few minutes before going at it with toothbrush, q-tips and/or toothpicks.

I think that if there is anything left on the outside of the scales after a cleaning like that, let it stay. It adds to the character of the piece and accentuates the details.