Wood scale re-finish

So I bought this Ralf Aust a while back.





When I put hands on it, I found the scales really look like this ...





I am thinking lightly sanding the remaining finish with 0000 steel wool. Then recoating the scales with several coats of Tung Oil. Does that sound like a solid plan? Thanks.

Hate that for you Tim. I'm not good with wood finishes but hopefully someone will come by with a tip like Graydog or someone with similar skills.

Yeah, I was bummed. The seller swears it came like that from Ralf Aust. I don’t think so.

Seller clearly made it NOT show in the picture though. I HATE deception......Who can help Tim out here !!

maybe Knothead since he works with a lot of wood handles.

I agree. I seriously doubt it was received in that condition. Why didn't he show both sides? No need to relive the past, so lets concentrate on trying to correct this.
Couple of questions. 
1. Are you going to disassemble it and re-finish?
2. If not, how are you going to protect the pins that secure the blade?

I would sand starting at around 320 then progress to 400/600/800/1000. Gauge your pressure of sanding by not creating grooves in the wood. It seems like a lot, but I'm sure this was not a cheap investment, so the cost of sandpaper is negligible. Blow off between grits and when satisfied with the finish, wipe down with a tack cloth. If you want a glossy finish, I would use "Tru-Oil" which is used by gunstock makers. 1 coat, let dry, 0000 steel wool, wipe down. Another finish coat and make sure you let it cure. 

Won't take that long to do it right. Hopefully this helps.

"Knothead" Tim

Thanks Knothead!

To answer your question, the seller did post a pic of the backside of the razor. He held it in a way for it not to reflect any light also. You could barely see a small lighter area and I questioned him about that. He once again swore it came from the manufacturer like that and there was no issue. (This was on another forum and a long time member.) one of those too good to be true deals.

Anyway, what is on there seemed to be thin enough to be removed with 0000 steel wool, without unpinning. You are right, to do it correctly it should be taken apart, corrected and put back together. I have not tried that before. Good call on the finish, that should be durable too. Thanks for the suggestions.

I’m sorry someone would do that to ya Tim. I’m with ya that it wouldn’t come from the factory like that!

Thanks John, but no worries I’ll get it sorted.