How to get rid of scratches on Scales?

hennypenny · **on:** June 08, 2013, 08:11:06 AM

I have just bought these scales (brand new). All over the surface of the scales, there is a lot of vertical scratch marks. It looks bad and I'm just wondering if this is normal and whether there is a way to get rid of them.

Suveges · **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2013, 08:30:56 AM

I can't say if it's normal or not but you should be able to polish them out with some toothpaste or car polish.

Rich S · **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2013, 08:31:40 AM

You can usually buff them out. I buy mosty used SAKs which are commonly
scratched. I use a buffing wheel - VERY carefully so as not to melt or warp
the scales. Then I use Simichrome polish on an old soft rag to polish them. Finish
up with a hard paste wax like bowling alley wax. Works well, but you really got to
be careful with cellidor on a high speed buffer; just barely touch the scale for a second
or two; use multiple vertical passes for best results.

RIch

Kid33 · **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2013, 08:33:13 AM

You may find this may help

Swiss Army Knife Scale Refinishing

Sparky415 · **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2013, 10:43:35 AM

Hennypenny, you could try ‘brasso’ or similar metal polish, Works well with a soft cloth or duster if the scratches aren’t too bad

hennypenny · **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2013, 12:07:44 PM

I really don't understand how they can be so badly scratched when I received them sealed in a plastic bag. The scratches don't look deep, but as you can see from the pictures, there are pretty obvious. I don't have any of the polishes or sand paper that you guys have suggested, but the seller has very kindly agreed to replace them.

lowtech · **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2013, 12:22:42 PM

I am sorry to cause such trouble - I actually just forwarded factory packed scales. I checked what i have left of this delivery and found a set of 84 mm Sapphire scales with the same scratches, only on one side, though. Maybe they rubbed on each other in transport? I received the stuff in a bubble bag together with some Pens, corrkscrew Screwdrivers and Tweezers.
I will have to check the next delivery closely before either stocking or forwarding them.
Feel free to test any polishing method you like, if you bugger them up it´s no big loss as you will be receiving new ones anyways.

I found car polish works well, too with minor scratches. I apply it with a lint free cotton rag. Old t-Shirts are good for this work.

Sparky415 · **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2013, 01:51:32 PM

Quote from: hennypenny on June 08, 2013, 12:07:44 PM

I really don't understand how they can be so badly scratched when I received them sealed in a plastic bag. The scratches don't look deep, but as you can see from the pictures, there are pretty obvious. I don't have any of the polishes or sand paper that you guys have suggested, but the seller has very kindly agreed to replace them.

Do you have anything in the house/garage that is for polishing?
Your ‘scratches’ look like rub marks in the pictures; a little elbow grease and a soft cloth should have them shiny again

hennypenny · **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2013, 04:55:18 PM

Would Turtle Wax car polish work?

AHB · **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2013, 04:59:50 PM

Once you had your SAK in the pocket for half a day it'll look way worse than that, so what's the fuss..?

nuphoria · **Reply #10 on:** June 08, 2013, 05:07:44 PM

I agree, even if they have light scratching, it will become insignificant the moment you use the knife for anything.

I used Brasso a couple of times which works fine, but unless you are talking about a collectable shelf queen of some sort, it's somewhat pointless.

hennypenny · **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2013, 05:12:09 PM

Quote from: AHB on June 08, 2013, 04:59:50 PM

Once you had your SAK in the pocket for half a day it'll look way worse than that, so what's the fuss..?

On the rare occasion that I carry a tool with me, it would be inside a sheath. I am a collector rather than a user.

AHB · **Reply #12 on:** June 08, 2013, 05:32:55 PM

Quote from: hennypenny on June 08, 2013, 05:12:09 PM

Quote from: AHB on June 08, 2013, 04:59:50 PM
Once you had your SAK in the pocket for half a day it'll look way worse than that, so what's the fuss..?
On the rare occasion that I carry a tool with me, it would be inside a sheath. I am a collector rather than a user.

Go to the nearest store and pick up a can of Brasso, it'll buff them right up..

Sparky415 · **Reply #13 on:** June 09, 2013, 12:16:49 AM

Quote from: hennypenny on June 08, 2013, 04:55:18 PM

Would Turtle Wax car polish work?

Give it a go Mate,

It can’t make it worse and if it fixes it it will save you having to buy some brasso (use a soft cloth or duster nothing harsh)

twiliter · **Reply #14 on:** June 09, 2013, 02:36:13 AM

I use Mother's mag & aluminum polish for the cellidor scales, the liners, and just about everything. It works surprisingly well on my black (m3.3) Trailmaster's metal parts, but not so well on nylon scales, a little soap and water for those.

I am definitely more of a user though (abuser?) than a collector, so I'm used to a little haze or light scratches, it's character to me. Maintenance is my main focus, sharp, clean, oiled, and ready.