Remedy for deep scratches on polished scales?

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arskrg

arskrg

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I just bought this small Cocobolo, and it was disclosed that it has some deep scratches on the scales.
I don't think these can be buffed or polished out, can they?
I don't really expect to be able to get it back to new condition, but it would be nice if they were a little less noticeable.
I don't care too much about them because it'll be a user, just wondering if anyone's had luck with removing deep scratches.


 
See if there's a local jeweler in your area and see what he can do for you. They should have the necessary equipment to remove the scratches.
 
Ajack60 said:
See if there's a local jeweler in your area and see what he can do for you. They should have the necessary equipment to remove the scratches.
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Good idea, thanks.
I was just now thinking about using some Flitz and a Dremmel polishing wheel, but I like your idea better...
 
If you find an abrasive pad etc that has the right grit size and you rub it with the grain you can probably get most of it out. If you took the inlays out you could get it back to mint even with a slightly different grain if you couldn't match the original. If you did the back as well, it would be pretty much impossible to tell.
 
Here is my advice for what it's worth.

Use it as is. Anything you do to it will highlight the area even more. If you can get the inlays out and lap it (sand it on a flat surface) enough to remove the scratch, you will also take some depth from the CR engraving, which will look odd.
Sanding a little patch will reflect light differently as the scratch pattern won't be the same.
 
arskrg said:
Good idea, thanks.
I was just now thinking about using some Flitz and a Dremmel polishing wheel, but I like your idea better...
Click to expand...


Here's what I've learned first hand. Flitz and a Dremmel will polish and then you'll have to figure out how to match the factory finish with a fine sand paper. It is a chore to do it yourself. Luckily, my adventure was with another knife than a CRK.
It took some time for me to get the blade back to factory condition.
 
If it is going to be a user, than those scratches will soon be joined by others. Just use it.
 
I understand that the OP probably doesn't care enough to bother with it, but can the inlaid models be sent back for the spa treatment to fix this kind of thing?
 
You can ask, but I don't think that they will even attempt to take out deep scratches. To do that properly, the inlays will have to be removed and quite possibly have the scale re-engraved.

Never hurts to send an email or a phone call to CRK to know for sure though.
 
Actually, I received it this afternoon in the mail and was surprised that the scratches aren't nearly as deep as they appear in the pics.
I think I'm going to go with AJack60's suggestion and check with a local jeweler.

Knave said:
I understand that the OP probably doesn't care enough to bother with it, but can the inlaid models be sent back for the spa treatment to fix this kind of thing?
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Per CRK's site, spa treatment is cleaning, lock tuning, and sharpening.
It does mention "wood inlay repolish," but it's worded kind of ambiguously.
I'd assume that it means the wood would be polished, not the handles. But I guess I won't know 'till I call...

http://www.chrisreeve.com/contact.html
 
I'm sorry to keep asking questions, but I'm new to CRKs. Does that mean that you can't get the spa treatment for inlaid knives?
 
Just called CRK, they will re-polish the scales, but only on a case by case basis.
They have to remove the inlays to polish the scales, and I'd have to purchase a new set of inlays.
Mine are Cocobolo, which I think she said would be $125. I'd guess that's probably the lower end of the wood inlay spectrum.

I also asked if attempting to polish it myself would void the warranty and she said that it more than likely would if I took off too much material.

We agreed that I'd rather just have a Sebenza with a few scratches than either of the above alternatives.

But, I don't see why the spa treatment wouldn't be possible for an inlaid Sebenza.
Like I mentioned above, the spa treatment includes cleaning, lock tuning, and sharpening.
 
Knave said:
I'm sorry to keep asking questions, but I'm new to CRKs. Does that mean that you can't get the spa treatment for inlaid knives?
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Every CRK can be sent in for free spa treatment. Every CRK will be cleaned, lubed and sharpened. Only the plain Jane, Wilson combat, and Micarta models will be re blasted to bring the scales back to new at no charge.

Wood inlay, CGG, and UG models can be re polished and re anodized on a per basis case only, that's not included in the free spa service and charges apply.
 
Yeah, I forgot that there's no charge to re-blast non-inlaid Sebenzas.

But does that include Micarta also, wtlj?
 
Yes it does. I have a micarta there now waiting it's turn and a re-blast is on the work order n/c. I was informed the inlay is not affected by the blast so it's no problem.
 
That's correct. The Micarta inlay is the only inlay CRK will blast just like the plain Ti scales. It's strong enough to handle it.
 
If it's going to be a user, have someone blast the titanium parts(while masking off the inlay).
Blasting covers a multitude of scars. This is doable.
Nice wood BTW.
 
Thanks, gull wing.

After handling it a bit, fingerprints kind of mask the scratches anyway.
 
Honestly, I would refrain from doing any re-polish until it's absolutely necessary. You see the same thing with high polish on a watch case. The owner will take them to a jeweler to have the case polished, and each time, a little bit of material removed. You'll be surprised by how easily the symmetry and balance is compromised/impacted by polishes.

I have a Submariner that I purchased on my 31st birthday (I meant to buy it on my 30th, but my finances weren't in order at the time). It has never been re-finished or polished in anyway shape or form. It is scuffed up, dinged, etc. from being worn around the office, trails, garage, etc. When I took it to the authorized service center for a re-tune, the lead watch tech said, "I have to ask everyone, would you like this refinished?". I said no. He responded with, "Smart. Make it yours. You can't add metal back. Save it for the time it actually needs it, but if you ever care about resale...don't ever do it. Collectors do not like refinished watches."
 
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