Thread: Adding Ornamentation to Custom Scales

'Afternoon Gents,

I'm interested in seeing if someone can make a set of custom scales for a razor. Apart from shape and style, I like things that are very unique. So I wanted to ask anyone with experience in making scales if they've tried to ornament them a bit further by adding pieces to them.
For instance, like these comedy/tragedy masks. They're 7/8" high (or 3/4" if the hole at the top is removed) x 1 and 1/4" wide, and are slightly concave (about 1/4" deep). I know that's too big for a set of scales on say, a DePews (which is sad because I think they'd go well with the exaggerated DePews design very well; or another blade with a monkey tang), but might work on scales for a larger blade. I might just forgo the masks and try a cross or something that'd be flatter and easier to manage.
What I wanted to ask though, does anyone have a suggestion or experience with attaching something like this to scales? Drilling small holes (say, through the noses) and pinning them through would mean a wide spacer at the end, at best. Probably wouldn't be practical. And bonding epoxy might not hold, and super-glue could turn out like an adolescent's art project. Thoughts, feedback?

Whoops! Meant to say that they're 1/8" concave. My mistake. Subject matter remains the same; the Devil is in the details though!

There are several very creative and skilled people on this site.
I'm sure someone will chime in with thoughts around how to go about to solve this.
Cool idea!
Good luck with it!

I would suggest using the masks as end caps on the wedge end of the scales. If they are metal,they might be able to be flattened a bit to make them less thick. Epoxy for plastics, Plastic Welder would be thick enough to be applied sparingly to the inside of the masks and then applied to the scales. A hole through the noses id s a possibility but it would take a weird pin.
Respectfully
~Rchard

As a pair I think these would be too large. Also I think too much of a curve to lay on top of the scales. When I made The Green Fairy, those charms were pretty flat

Easiest solution I see is 1/16" or thinner g10/micarta, place a single mask on each side and coat with layers of clear epoxy resin like system3 mirrorcoat.

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Oops, just re-read dimensions. These charms are about 1/4" thick? If so my idea would not be good. Those are pretty thick. Your other idea of looking for smaller, flatter charms would be good. Look for something solid brass, sterling, or even gold; not plated or pot metal. You want it to last around moisture.

I would suggest eliminating the charms and contact John (shutterbug) see if he would be willing to do either a complete set of scales for you carved with the ornaments you wish or carve some thin ornaments to be inlaid on a set of wood/acrylic scales.

Yeah sorry about that Dirty, I'd responded to the post to correct, they're 1/8" deep. Still learning the forums system on here. By the way, MASTERFUL work on that Fairy!