Thread: Scale Material

I may be way off base here, but I really like Masecraft's "Tortuga East" polyester.
It reminds me of the Frederick Reynolds SR scales I've seen many a time.
LINK: Polyester Tortuga East 1/8"

That looks very nice Bongo. Will it fool anyone next to the real thing? I have no way to test this. Those that have razors with tortoise shell scales insist that there is no comparison to the imitations. Are there measurable differences? Or is it a mystical fact: a lab cannot manipulate the Periodic Table of the Elements to match the miracle of Nature. Is this surprising?

Originally Posted by WW243

That looks very nice Bongo. Will it fool anyone next to the real thing? I have no way to test this. Those that have razors with tortoise shell scales insist that there is no comparison to the imitations. Are there measurable differences? Or is it a mystical fact: a lab cannot manipulate the Periodic Table of the Elements to match the miracle of Nature. Is this surprising?

The only imitation I've seen is horn with some form of dye/ink or whatever applied to the surface. The obvious difference when compared to real tortoiseshell is that the real stuff has has patterns running through it as opposed to sitting on the surface. In the same way that an acrylic horn is distinguishable from natural horn - it's a question of subtlety - where nature is far more subtle than the hand of man.

Funny how all the real nice artificial tortoise shell scales were made ages ago, and hasn't really been equaled since.
I guess its all down to supply and demand.

Originally Posted by Tarkus

Funny how all the real nice artificial tortoise shell scales were made ages ago, and hasn't really been equaled since.
I guess its all down to supply and demand.

roger that, I've seen some nice bakelite artificial tortoise...

Originally Posted by bongo

I may be way off base here, but I really like Masecraft's "Tortuga East" polyester.
It reminds me of the Frederick Reynolds SR scales I've seen many a time.
LINK: Polyester Tortuga East 1/8"

I can remember a member using exactly that on an early 1800's restoration. By the pictures, it looked as close to original tortoiseshell as I have seen.

Well, this is a cool thread. Funny, I just made an amber wedge after a couple of failed attempts and am considering trying other things with it as well. Too brittle for scales, definitely. But as a part scale inlay, or part of a finished scale mounted as a laminate? That's possible I think. Someone like Thaeris, with his mad MOP skills could probably do it. Me, heck no. I'm too heavy handed I think.
Tis a gorgeous material to look at and hold though. Would make for some smooth, lightweight skins if it could be done..
Cheers.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

Well, this is a cool thread. Funny, I just made an amber wedge after a couple of failed attempts and am considering trying other things with it as well. Too brittle for scales, definitely. But as a part scale inlay, or part of a finished scale mounted as a laminate? That's possible I think. Someone like Thaeris, with his mad MOP skills could probably do it. Me, heck no. I'm too heavy handed I think.
Tis a gorgeous material to look at and hold though. Would make for some smooth, lightweight skins if it could be done..
Cheers.

Agree with Mike! Love the stuff for wedges but found it very brittle with little or no flex, which in my estimation, makes amber questionable, or at the very least, risky, for scale material.
I do love the look….

Originally Posted by bongo

I may be way off base here, but I really like Masecraft's "Tortuga East" polyester.
It reminds me of the Frederick Reynolds SR scales I've seen many a time.
LINK: Polyester Tortuga East 1/8"

I sort of overlooked this material when you posted the link. But then today I see a razor which was restored using the Tortuga East. Super nice looking! Thanks for the link. I wonder if the density is anywhere close to the polyester? Anyway...thanks again.
Here is the link to the restore: http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ml#post1556746