Cleaning Scales

**Doc226** · 05-15-2012, 08:59 AM

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** · 05-15-2012, 09:34 AM

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** · 05-15-2012, 12:31 PM

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** · 05-15-2012, 01:45 PM

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** · 05-15-2012, 01:48 PM

soft toothbrush with soap and water?

**Doc226** · 05-15-2012, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by 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 ;)

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

Originally Posted by 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!

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

Originally Posted by rickboone1

soft toothbrush with soap and water?

nothing.

**Doc226** · 05-15-2012, 02:19 PM

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

**tomjr** · 05-15-2012, 04:56 PM

nice razor doc

**brother cavefish** · 05-16-2012, 09:00 AM

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

**Doc226** · 05-16-2012, 09:07 AM

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

**thatsilverguy** · 05-16-2012, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by rickboone1

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.