new in California

Glad to be here. This all started with me only about 3 days ago - I read a brief article in the publication, Bottom Line (vol 32, No.13, July 1, 2011) written by Lynn Abrams. I'd thought about straight razors off and on for years, then read Lynn's column, and the next day was reading all I could find on the internet and cruising pawn shops and antique stores.

Well yesteday I walked into a coin/antique shop in the town where I work, and when I didn't see any straights in the cases, just asked the guy. Well, he'd just located a bag of about 8 straights that morning in his back room - he said he recalled having some, but then stuffed them away and didn't know what happened to them until he was cleaning the shop that day!

I had a "cheat sheet" of info with me so I could hopefully avoid making a poor purchase. I looked them over, and while many had interesting scales, most of the blades showed evidence of severe abuse. There was one that looked in okay but neglected - I bought it for $15 and brought it home.

It's tang is stamped:
Landers, Frary & Clark
- Warranted -
New Britian Conn. USA

with "211" on the back

And with this on the blade:
Universal
LF&C

It has (well, had) black plastic scales - but I broke one while tapping out the pivot pin!:dropjaw: DOH!

So while I'm working on refurbishing the metal, I need to find new scales. I'd like to keep that cost to under $20 - can you folks steer me in the right direction?

Thank much!

Regards.

Hello, and welcome to SRP! Glad to hear you took the plunge, and grats on your first straight. While I do not know that brand in particular, things from the past were made to last (sorry, couldn't resist) so if the steel is good it will probably be great.
While you can buy replacement scales, be adviced all straights are not the same. You might end up with a bad fit, or some that doesn't work at all. It is not terribly hard to make a set yourself, if you are so inclined. Take a look in the wiki, there are great guides on how to make scales.
If that dies not appeal to you, you can check ClassicShaving, they have some replacement scales - many others do as well, but this will get you started. Best of luck, and let us hear how you fare.