Oh Nooooo

Feeling sad today mates :( I was noticing that my favorite straight a 1906 Hibbard Spencer Bartlett was getting too loose so I peened the pin to snug it up and it worked great! That is until I went to stop it and the scales shattered in my hands :aargh: I feel bad because this blade has lasted for 112 years and I went and broke it. Onward and upward. So this means I get to make my first scales and I was going to use a dark wood like cocobolo. I wanted to ask if this is a suitable choice or is there a better dark wood that would be more suitable.
Thanks

David

I really like bog oak, it's dark and the age/ process that makes it seems fitting for a vintage razor.

This could be a dumb question but can you use a pen blank for scales

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Originally Posted by dpompian

This could be a dumb question but can you use a pen blank for scales

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Depends. Most are a but small for scales, but there are some larger blanks that would work. Check the dimensions and see if the scale design will fit.

As long as it is long enough. Knife scales and pen blanks tend to be too short for the job so make sure you have enough length and with and it should be fine.

Since it is your razor, you get to choose whatever scales look best to you. It does not really matter what the rest of us thing until you try to sell it. There are lots of scale materials available: wood, horn, bone, micarta, G10, etc. So pick the material, color and texture you like.

If there is a Woodcraft in your area, they might have suitable blanks. Also, Bell Forest sells 1/8" thin stock lumber in a variety of exotic woods.

https://www.bellforestproducts.com/thin-stock-lumber/

I have not purchased from them, so I cannot validate their quality and service.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dpompian

Feeling sad today mates :( I was noticing that my favorite straight a 1906 Hibbard Spencer Bartlett was getting too loose so I peened the pin to snug it up and it worked great! That is until I went to stop it and the scales shattered in my hands :aargh: I feel bad because this blade has lasted for 112 years and I went and broke it. Onward and upward. So this means I get to make my first scales and I was going to use a dark wood like cocobolo. I wanted to ask if this is a suitable choice or is there a better dark wood that would be more suitable.
Thanks

David

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First and foremost, you didn't break the blade, the scales just reached the end of their usability. I once went to just hone a razor for a guy and the celluloid scales just crumbled in my hand.

Now if you have your heart set on wood, check out this site. They have not only an excellent selection of materials but the Customer Service is Outstanding.

For a small fee they will cut the blocks into 1/8" or so slabs for you. They use a very large bandsaw that takes a 1" blade but is much smaller than a table saw or hand saw so you don't lose as much to the kerf.

With that said, if you do choose wood you would probably have to agree not to hold them responsible for any warping after the cuts.

Anyway, here's the link to the wood blocks, but be sure to check out the acrylics also.

Wood Spindles - Woodturningz

Bellforest is well aware of SRP in fact the 1/8" cuts were done years ago in response to so many of the SRP members asking

They are awesome to work with

They are also one of the few sights that list Jenka hardness numbers, hardwood sometimes aren't that hard :) I try to never go below 2000 on that scale just something extra to consider

Glen am I correct or don't you use a couple of drops of super glue in the holes in wooden scales to help harden that area up for pinning or am I on drugs? :shrug:

Your absolutely right, Roy.
I even go to the point of making sure the inside of the scales get a coat, as well as doing the outside with a oil based sealant, of some sorts.

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Originally Posted by outback

Your absolutely right, Roy.
I even go to the point of making sure the inside of the scales get a coat, as well as doing the outside with a oil based sealant, of some sorts.

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Whew! That's good to hear.

Attachment 301197

Yep. I do like Mike. In the holes and the insides with a couple coats of CA. Wood can be fun to use. And since this s your first set id recommend buying enogh for a couple sets. Mistakes are made when starting out. Even if you get them right the first time you will be hooked and will be wanting to do more. Hell, buy lots and different types. Its a lot of fun after you figure out all the details. And read up on wedge making. Its easy but can be a PITA at first to get right.

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Originally Posted by cudarunner

Glen am I correct or don't you use a couple of drops of super glue in the holes in wooden scales to help harden that area up for pinning or am I on drugs? :shrug:

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You are right about the CA, I can't answer about the drugs LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf5XAfuoqS8

@dpompian.. I was also feeling a little down last week when i posted that I dropped my Koraat in the sink and broke a scale.. i posted a pic and a number of my SR shaving brothers pointed out how lucky i was to not destroy the blade... Blade is wrapped into box and ready to ship to Glen.. I do feel for you though because of how old the razor is and assuming those were original scales. . SMW

Yes they were the original scales and they were even engraved with a decorative pattern with the date Dec 25 1906. I would guess the razor was given to someone for Christmas way back when. As you pointed out the blade is still good and it will live to shave another day which is nice because this razor really shaves great and sharpens easily.

David

You can absolutely use cocobolo. I have done a number of scale sets in coco, rosewood, bocote, ebony, etc. All the tropical hardwoods can look beautiful on a razor, especially if they have a nice grain figuring and are well-finished.