Thread: Anyone seen Black and White Scales Up Close?

I am considering getting this razor, the scales look pretty nice, but its hard to tell the detail from the picture. Does anyone have any experience with this type of wood, is it worth the extra few dollars instead of cocobolo?? Thanks!

Josh,

Buy it and have it shipped to me. I'll get back to you in a month with my report!

That's a nice looking razor. Just pull the trigger!

RT

Buy it before the wife sees itand puts her foot down

Originally Posted by RichZ

Buy it before the wife sees itand puts her foot down

Bunch of enablers, all of you...

-- Gary F.

Black and white Macaser Ebony. Very nice stuff.

Good thing you didn't mention where you saw it or I'd be looking at it for myself.

You can't go wrong with that blade, especially if someone else has already gotten it shave ready for you. Go for it!




Wayne, owner/operator of a Friodur 8/8

I just love those Henckels Fiodurs, and the scales look great. Go for it I say.

Gary

Black and white Ebony is from South East Asia. It is fairly expensive on the North American Market, running about $75-100/bd ft.

It is beautiful, though it is not nearly as dense, strong or water resistant as cocobolo or the other ebonies. That said, Cocobolo and Black Ebony are very dense, with Black Ebony actually sinking in water. Even if it were half as dense, it would still be stronger than most north american woods. You should make sure it has a very high quality finish, or be prepared to refinish it/oil it occasionally, as the lighter spots are weaker than the black, and moisture COULD cause uneven water penetration, resulting in warping..

It is also prone to bug infestations (in the wild, not a risk in your bathroom) though it could have some bug holes that have been filled with CA. Not a terrible thing, just an observation. I've got a pool cue blank that has about 20 plus holes in it, the bugs seem to like (or cause) the black spots. I have yet to see a piece of B&W without any bug holes.

As far as Black and White Ebony goes? I'd say it is a very nice looking piece with high quality figure. Many blocks have only sparse black lining, with little variation. To have a piece that has a plentiful and even coloration suitable for scales would be fairly special.

All of the above has only to do with my working with B&W. I have never used it in a razor, so I'm really just guessing based on my own experiences in the shop.

Honestly, nice piece. I'd get it.

Wow Matt, thanks! Very interesting information. They have a black ebony as well, but the black and white looks so much better in my opinion, but that is from photo observation only. I REALLY like Cocobolo wood in large items because the grain looks simply amazing, but in smaller items I think it loses its beauty. Here is an example of why I only like larger Cocobolo items:


Smaller items just dont seem to have the same appeal...