Thread: scales materials (advantages and disadvantages)

Hello! I am interested in the the avantages and disavantages (scratch, mosityre and stain resistance, wear resistance and the list goes on) of various scales materials: exotic woods (cocobolo, ebony, snakewood, thuya wood etc.), synthetic (micarta, silicone etc.), horn. For example: Mother of Pearl scales are looking very nice but there are very expensive and quite brittle (hard to maintain). . . . Thank you very much

They all have their advantages and disadvantages but as a knife maker I always liked Bocote wood. It is not too heavy but not too light either. It is beautiful to look at and easy to work with. It takes a great finish by just buffing after sanding. It has a natural oil in it that makes it moisture resistant and it is not expensive.
That is my 2 cents worth. Mack

Advantage: Very pretty
Disadvantage: Expensive

Plastic scales aren't very pretty, but they do hold up to moisture well. Scales also never touch your beard, and have no effect on shaving whatsoever, positive or negative. It just so happens the better blades come with more exotic scales, so if you want the best blade just pick the scales you like best. On the other hand, a good blade with an inexpensive scale will be a real bargain.

Think about it. The same blade can go up or down in price about $50 just based on the scales attached to it. That said, there is something to owning a pretty razor.

The weight of the scales determines the balance of the razor, so it has an effect on shaving. It would be quite nasty to have a razor with overweight scales. I suppose the ballance is good when the weight of the razor blade is equal with the weight of the scales

Originally Posted by magetz

The weight of the scales determines the balance of the razor, so it has an effect on shaving. It would be quite nasty to have a razor with overweight scales.

I stand corrected, but you will never find specs on razor balance, so IMHO I think it all comes down to looks. Does anybody make a razor with scales that won't hold up to normal shaving, unless the razor is simply for show?

Wow did this one head off course...

Back to the original question if you disregard design because the design of the scales should first be for function ie: fit, balance, and protection of the blade... Second the material can effect the durability of the razor, if you want the best for that then think the same way that Gunsmiths think "go black" as in synthetics Micarta, G-10, Carbon Fiber etc: Want pretty color and good durability, go Acrylics.... Natural products are natural products and each brings unique weaknesses to the table whether it be wood, bone, horn, or shell each has some problems...

But function is still number one, and if you don't build for function first, you end up with pretty scales that can't be used correctly...
Balance is a very hotly contested subject in itself, they are some (well really only one) Razorsmiths that don't believe in a center balance point others of us do... I say try a TI Art of Shaving SS scaled razor out then come talk to me... Simple things can turn very complicated very fast with scales, take one of the most popular woods out there Amboyna Burl some won't build without liners using it, even if it unbalances the razor, to me it depends on the razor, a heavy wedge can handle the weight of the liner, a light hollow can't, see many opinions and most you have to figure out for yourself...

Embrace the challenge

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Embrace the challenge

Amen, Glen!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Wow did this one head off course...

Back to the original question if you disregard design because the design of the scales should first be for function ie: fit, balance, and protection of the blade... Second the material can effect the durability of the razor, if you want the best for that then think the same way that Gunsmiths think "go black" as in synthetics Micarta, G-10, Carbon Fiber etc: Want pretty color and good durability, go Acrylics.... Natural products are natural products and each brings unique weaknesses to the table whether it be wood, bone, horn, or shell each has some problems...

But function is still number one, and if you don't build for function first, you end up with pretty scales that can't be used correctly...
Balance is a very hotly contested subject in itself, they are some (well really only one) Razorsmiths that don't believe in a center balance point others of us do... I say try a TI Art of Shaving SS scaled razor out then come talk to me... Simple things can turn very complicated very fast with scales, take one of the most popular woods out there Amboyna Burl some won't build without liners using it, even if it unbalances the razor, to me it depends on the razor, a heavy wedge can handle the weight of the liner, a light hollow can't, see many opinions and most you have to figure out for yourself...

Embrace the challenge

Very nice. Thank you

Handle choice is a very personal decision that can get very complicated if you overthink. There are hundreds (maybe thousands?) of materials that could be used for a razor handle. My favorite handle material constantly changes based on my mood or a new material discovery.

I suggest you pick a broad category to start with. Do you prefer the durability and appearance of synthetic materials, or the individuality of organics? Study the materials available in that category and see what you like.

If you like the handle you end up with, it was a good choice. I don't think durability is a huge issue with a razor handle. If you're anything like me, you'll baby the blade just as much as any handle. Learn proper maintenance for the material you choose and you'll be fine.

I tend to prefer exotic hardwoods (esp. desert ironwood, rosewoods, and certain burls) for my handles. Each piece has a unique look and history, and it's pleasant to work with. That said, the material that really has me drooling right now is Musk Ox horn (look it up ). It all depends on what's interesting to me at the time.

Phillip

A while back I saw a very unique and interesting set of scales on a razor for sale on eBay.........circuit board scales! Yes, I said circuit board scales! Blew me away when I first saw them. Some one actually cut a computer motherboard or some other kind of circuit board into a set of scales. They looked sorta neat but I wouldn't have a set. I mean, who knows what kind of programming...........?