NICE old whittler. would have had MOP SCALES. i suspect. get that epoxy off. buy some solvent . or put it in the freezer. then chip it off.then rescale it. with what you like. smooth bone would look good . just my opinion.
How to Remove Epoxy from Metal and Hard Surfaces
Many of the removal techniques previously mentioned will also work on errant epoxy that dripped on metal or other hard, non-porous surfaces such as metal door jams or your favorite toolbox.
Metal is tough enough to stand up to chemical adhesive remover, usually sold in hardware stores as sprays or liquids (view example on Amazon) meant to be applied with a cloth. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin when using these chemicals, and carefully follow the manufacturer instructions.
An aerosol can of spray refrigerant freezes tough epoxy, making it brittle and easy to chip away with a scraper. This, too, is a dangerous chemical; gear up with safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator to avoid coming into contact with the vapors, and only work in a well-ventilated area.
not being the smartest guy in the room 
) I put and epoxy on the sides to replace the missing scales. I reckon' this could be removed at some point, but at the time I wanted to carry and use it so it seemed like a smart idea and a quick fix. 
