Evolution of a meany

So i figured id give it a go, after running into several problems (who would have thought superglue wouldnt be the best bet to hold them together while working on them.. and who would have thought a dremel spinning feverishly wouldnt feel so good going into your finger).

Tell me what you think, ill update the pics as i go. The wood is Bubinga and the wedge will be mammoth ivory. :) enjoy. be honest with your critiques! Only way to get better.


EDIT: Since everyone is trying to be nice :) please post one thing you dont like about these scales. i will not take it personal. it will only help me learn!

a bit different but anyone who knows you knows that fits your personality. Looks good.

I need more photos for a proper critique

I like the idea. Skeletenized scales. Nice!! +1

If you leave your fingers in there while closing the blade it will feel even nicer than that dremel.....

:chop:

Well, maybe it's the multi-purpose razor, both for shaving and cutting away tips of fine & expensive Cuban cigars...:chop:
:D:D:D

It certainly looks very nice...

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Originally Posted by Seraphim

If you leave your fingers in there while closing the blade it will feel even nicer than that dremel.....

:chop:

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Mike may be planning on some sort of baby pickle inlay - I like the freehand nature of the design though :)

Looks good M1ke! but why is there a hole in your scales? is that where the dremel chased your finger around before it bit you?

- Andrew -

Not bad at all Mike.

I like the unusual shape and cut out. But I am not a fan of wood scales. For your first go, these look very good to me.

James.

The good: Looks like your shaping is pretty good.

The bad: The window detracts from the weight of the scales, which is bad with heavier blades. Throws the balance off.

The ugly: When it comes to finishing products, several thin coats will turn out a lot better than a few thick ones. It appears as if you either laid it on too thick or tried to do a second coat too early (before the last was cured)

I really like the fluidity in the design. My only concern would be if the large cut out added any fragility.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rbon-fiber.jpg

I liked... I mean like the 'skeletonized' scales idea... obviously. :w

Nice design of an abstract set of scales. It looks like you are executing your idea well. You need to clean a lot of things up though.

It looks like your lines aren't as smooth as they could be. That means either more machine or hand sanding until things feel smooth when you run your finger along them. I agree that this cutout on a set of wood scales like that may put the balance off. On the above razor the balance works, but I'm guessing the wood you used is lighter by nature. The edges could use more even contouring to look fluid. Now call it personal opinion or whatever, but the pivot end looks way too 'bulbous' in proportion to the rest of the scales. It just takes away from the artistic nature IMO because proportion and line direction still play an important role– especially with a razor pinned to them. I agree that the finish could use a little work too. I'd do what Glen often does and at the point you're at, sand it down to the grain so that the grain is filled and your next coats will be smooth.

You asked for my honest critique Mike, so use it how you will!

P.S.– I think your asking for honest critiques and wanting to hear the negative is a refreshing and brave thing to do. Bravo.

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Originally Posted by floppyshoes

The good: Looks like your shaping is pretty good.

The bad: The window detracts from the weight of the scales, which is bad with heavier blades. Throws the balance off.

The ugly: When it comes to finishing products, several thin coats will turn out a lot better than a few thick ones. It appears as if you either laid it on too thick or tried to do a second coat too early (before the last was cured)

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Thanks for your input! When i made these not once did i think about balance, good point its something i will have to keep in mind on the next set.

that pic was the second coat, i had just applied the second coat when i took that pic so it was still wet. it was probably still to thick though :(

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Originally Posted by Philadelph

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P.S.– I think your asking for honest critiques and wanting to hear the negative is a refreshing and brave thing to do. Bravo.

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Ditto. Well-said Alex.

We never grow unless we challenge ourselves. Good on you Mike!

James.

UPDATE


Well here it is finished, the wedge gave me serious issues.. serious serious issues.. i should have picked something other than mammoth ivory for my first time. I couldnt find my washers either so i just pinned it without them.

The second picture is the finished finished product, i failed at scale making but i bet none of you put as much time into a stick man as me. true art. *grin*

Honestly it doesn't look bad at all, it's actually pretty sweet. Tho That stick man is one sexy beast.

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Originally Posted by M1ke

EDIT: Since everyone is trying to be nice :) please post one thing you dont like about these scales. i will not take it personal. it will only help me learn!

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This is so restrictive that I can't comment - impossible for me to pick just one :p

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Originally Posted by gugi

This is so restrictive that I can't comment - impossible for me to pick just one :p

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:roflmao:roflmao Nice gugi!

You need to start somewhere and there's always going to be a first time. Alex pretty much nailed it. Just try to learn from advise given and it will evolve into a masterpiece. Kudos for learning, asking and trying!