Quote Originally Posted by PapaBull View Post
Yes, but without the scales, it is much more difficult to shave. The genius of the straight razor design is that by rotating the scales securely to a 90 degree angle, or approximately so, you've got leverage to keep the blade angle easily controlled and locked in solid. Holding just the shank between the fingers without that right angled seet of scales thrusting out between our fingers like a pry bar, it is not nearly so easy to control the blade.
And if you look for them you can get some scales that are as beautiful as the blade if not more so. A beautiful set of scales can make it even more of a pleasure to shave.