Warped Scales! Ugh

[Goodknightbri]

Hello Gents,
I have an issue. I recently purchased a 5/8 DD wonderedge at auction. Upon arrival, I noticed the scales are slightly warped. It's what I would call minor, specifically in the area where the "wonderedge" inlay is on the scales. Problem is, the blade tip will hit the scales if it's not guided in carefully. The blade itself looks almost new so I'm wondering whether this is a big problem, whether it can be easily fixed, and also how this would affect the value of the razor. It wasn't cheap and the seller is willing to take it back if I don't want it. I'm also wondering who would straighten scales and whether its worth the trouble of having it done. I've read it can be done using hot water but this razor has the three pin set up and I don't feel comfortable disassmbling it. The original scales are flawless aside from the warping. I hope someone can be of assistance to me. I am a new/intermediate with the hone and I don't do any other work on straights myself... thanks

 

[azmark]

Do you have any pictures?

It's really not that hard to fix. I've fixed quite a few that were just bad but ended up able to be salvaged.

I use hot water, near boiling to work the material and of course it depends on the material. The pearlex scales the the Wonderedge don't last very long but should be able to be fixed.

When you get the scales warm or soft enough to straighten out you'll be able to gauge how well your results will be. The blade itself will be the mold so when it gets soft enough just work the blade to the position where it needs to be and then let it cool down while the blade is in place.

Post pictures though so we can see how it looks.

 

[dakotaev]

Just remember, if you commit to trying to fix them yourself I doubt your seller will take the razor back if it goes wrong or doesn't work. I'm not trying to scare you, just trying to help you make an informed decision.

You'll have to commit fully or not.

 

[azmark]

Hello Gents,
I have an issue. I recently purchased a 5/8 DD wonderedge at auction. Upon arrival, I noticed the scales are slightly warped. It's what I would call minor, specifically in the area where the "wonderedge" inlay is on the scales. Problem is, the blade tip will hit the scales if it's not guided in carefully. The blade itself looks almost new so I'm wondering whether this is a big problem, whether it can be easily fixed, and also how this would affect the value of the razor. It wasn't cheap and the seller is willing to take it back if I don't want it. I'm also wondering who would straighten scales and whether its worth the trouble of having it done. I've read it can be done using hot water but this razor has the three pin set up and I don't feel comfortable disassmbling it. The original scales are flawless aside from the warping. I hope someone can be of assistance to me. I am a new/intermediate with the hone and I don't do any other work on straights myself... thanks

I missed that part. There is no need to disassemble.

 

[Leon]

I missed that part. There is no need to disassemble.

Right, what Mark said.

Dubl Duck warped scales are unfortunately a common flaw.
You can drown them in near boiling water and let the blade out of the water. I do this in a thin and tall cup full of hot water and by opening the razor I can dip the scales almost entirely into the water and let the blade sit on the border of the cup. After 1-2 minutes, I take them out and clamp them in a way to unwarp them and put them under cold water to speed up the "unwarping".
This process is much easier to do to plastic scales, unless horn scales, though.

 

[Goodknightbri]

that really doesn't sound too bad. I was under the impression, even prior to these comments, that I should disassemble. Thanks so much for the thorough comments.

 

[azmark]

The main reason why you don't want to disassemble is because the scales will be two separate pieces and will change the shape of the razor so when you try to pin it again it will likely be off. Together it can be treated as one piece where the pins will keep the scales from expanding too much.

Start off with near boiling and you'll be able to gauge how much more heat you'll need. Every scale material will have a different point where you can manipulate the scales.

And Leon is right, horn is tougher but especially old horn! And it smells too in hot water

 

[azmark]

Oh and dip it in tepid water as soon as you have the shape you want. I've tried cold and ice water and it works but I've had some scales crack. With tepid water it doesn't set right away but at least you don't run the risk of cracking or weakening the scale. I haven't done enough to say what material have certain reactions so I just play it safe.

 

[Leon]

And Leon is right, horn is tougher but especially old horn! And it stinks too in hot water

Fixed!

 

[kfralin]

If OP could put up a pix or two (especially from the top) it would be helpful. It is possible that the issue is as much blade centering/aliqnment as with the scales. I know it is very common on these scales to be slightly warped, as with many vintage razors with celluloid scales. I have found that if the major issue is the blade rubbing the scale on closing, often a few gentle taps on the pivot pin with a peening hammer and block will do the trick, no need for surgery on the scales unless you like your razors to "stand" on their own.

 

[azmark]

Fixed!

 

[azmark]

Here's an example of a horn W&B that I didn't want to rescale because the scales are beautifully engraved.

 

[Goodknightbri]

sorry I haven't gotten a chance to take pictures but I have more than one that need that work. I also have an older Le Dandy that is very thin towards one end and could use the same effort. What would you recommend using as the molding or "clamping" device to straighten them? Your horn work looks great!

 

[azmark]

Just use the blade itself. Use the blade in it's closed position as the mold but I recommend using a towel to hold and work the scales. Don't use any type of pliers or clamps because the scales (depending on material) will be soft and scratches easy....trust me I know.

Just soft touches especially if you have bolsters and inlays. I cracked a set of scales because I was working it too hard and the scales cooled off and set so they cracked from too much pressure.

Remember if they don't come out just right you can always repeat the process. Some have taken me a few times to get them just right.

Edit: another heads up if you will; after the scales set some (very few and depending on material) have shrunk ever so slightly around the pins. No worries here but you may see the pins are sticking out a little more and may need a few taps with a peening hammer or at least at this point you can repin if you'd like since the scales are straight now.

 

[Blackstangal]

This works for me.I insert a slat of wood in between than clamp it securely,carefully heat with a blow dryer,not putting the tip of the blow dryer too close,using sweeping motion.Than when warm enough,run under cold tap water.With horn cales I soak the in warm water for a bit than proceed in same manner.

 

[Goodknightbri]

I really like the clamp demonstration and the blow dryer option is great. Thanks so much

 

[superbleu]

Don't try this will bulldog clips. The Scales ended up straight, but I also had gouges from the bulldog clips.

 

[Blackstangal]

Good point.I use these clamps because the tips are made of soft rubber.

Don't try this will bulldog clips. The Scales ended up straight, but I also had gouges from the bulldog clips.

 

[Munxcub]

How tightly would one need to clamp these? I've got a horn set that could use a little sprucing up. I was probably going to disassemble to give it all a good cleaning up and stuff.

Could I soak in hot water to soften, and then clamp them together, without the wedge or blade in it to make them just plain old straight again?

The wedge is very little anyway, and might need replacing. It's lead and I don't know if I want to keep it, also knowing how soft lead is it might get wrecked in the disassemble/clean up.

 

[Munxcub]

Never mind... I broke one during the unpinning

Time to find some new horn. If it looked almost like black wood, was it buffalo horn?