Victorinox scale care

[glennbad]

I'm sure that someone has posted this question before, but I will again anyway.

I recently picked up a decent handful of 'classics'. All in good working order, except they are all used. Not really abused, but the scales are scratched from use or pocketwear.

Does anyone have any good methods, besides replacing them, of giving the scales a 'makeover'?

I have tried buffing wheels, and it does shine them up, but can also take off too much material very easily.

Thanks for your comments in advance.

Glenn

 

[Bill DeShivs]

The scales can be sanded with 320-400 grit paper, then buffed with 0000 steel wool. At this point you can buff with a cloth and Simichrome.
A buffer would work better after sanding, but plastic buffing should only be done at 1750 RPM. Most buffers sold are 3450 RPM. These fast buffers don't really work well on steel, either-and are dangerous.
Bill

 

[glennbad]

Thanks for the quick reply Bill, I'll try that.

Glenn

 

[Gryffin]

I use 600-grit wet-or-dry paper to get the scratches out, then buff on a mousepad that has some Mother's Aluminum & Chrome Polish on it.

I don't recommend a power buffer at all; the "celidor" material is quite soft, and it's very easy to mess it up. I'm also not fond of steel wool for slipjoints; too many nooks & crannies it gets stuck in, especially on a tiny knife like a Vic Classic!