Thread: Joseph Rodgers and Sons Rescale

I have owned this Rodgers razor for a few years now, however a few months ago the cracked horn scales broke at the henge.

It has been sitting in a cabinet and last weekend I decided to try to build my first scales. They are Black Walnut, finished with three coats of Ruby shellac, (1# cut).

This was also my first attempt at peening. I learned quite a bit during the process, but also became aware of what I still need to learn, (such as building my own wedges- I reused the old wedge here). This is obviously not a professional restoration, but I am happy to have my razor back in working shape.

Attached are a few before and after pictures.

Good job for your first scales. You got your razor working again and not a half bad job at all. I might say they could be a little thinner but who am I? These beat my first wood scales by a long shot! Thinner scales will be able to flex properly. You got a great color out of that wood by the way.

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

Good job for your first scales. You got your razor working again and not a half bad job at all. I might say they could be a little thinner but who am I? These beat my first wood scales by a long shot! Thinner scales will be able to flex properly. You got a great color out of that wood by the way.

Thank you, I agree that they could be thinner. I believe that I should buy a belt sander before my next project. The blade is also a little more off-center than I would like, (I tried to fix this with peening) perhaps thinner scales and a better wedge would solve this by providing more room with which to work. At any rate, I am glad to have the razor working again.

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

Good job for your first scales. You got your razor working again and not a half bad job at all. I might say they could be a little thinner but who am I? These beat my first wood scales by a long shot! Thinner scales will be able to flex properly. You got a great color out of that wood by the way.

+1 Wood scales tend to look bulky to me in general. Great job. Speaking from experience after you make 10 more return to these and compare and you will see the difference.

After using the razor I decided to thin out the scales, here is a picture in 1/8" Black Walnut.

Looks very nice.

+1 on that. Great job