I have never heard of "scraping" a fern, nor can I think of any ferns that put out new leaves on old stems, but there could be some obscure ones I don't know about.

I've grown ferns a long time. I leave the dead foliage on over winter so I can locate the fern in the spring under all the snow and leaves. Once I locate it, I can check it occasionally to see how it is doing. Once the soil starts to warm up I cut the dead fronds off at the base, leaving only about an inch of stubble. This ensures that I don't cut into the crown. Soon the green fiddleheads start to emerge. Besides robins, it's the best sign that spring has arrived.

Lainey