Thread: Durability, water resistance, feel and other (dis)advantages of scale materials

Since I'm planning on getting my first straight razor in the near future (a Koraat), I'm looking at all the different scale materials and their advantages/disadvantages. I already know I will clean the scales with water and some hand soap if the scales get sticky because a bit of lather got onto them. While wooden scales look great, I totally don't trust them regarding water resistance.

Next up was horn, but apparently it can warp, needs some maintenance and has a bad smell? So onto the next option(s)...

Currently my 2 preferred options seem to be black G10 and juma (golden dragon or blue snake). After some googling, it appears that G10 consists of multiple layers of fiberglass stacked on top of each other with some kind of glue in-between them and it's said to be extremely durable.

I'm wondering how it feels in the hand though. Does it feel smooth or textured? Does it feel like regular glass or something totally different? What about its water resistance? And how does Juma compare to G10 since Juma is apparently some kind of plastic. Does it feel like cheap plastic? Is it water resistant?

And then there's also bone, MOP laminated acrylics, kirinite, lightning strike carbon, acrylic, paper micarta and magma polyester. So many options it almost drives me insane.

Each one has it's strengths and weaknesses


G10 etc: is near indestructible as long as they are made thin enough to flex they make great scales..

The texture is dependant on the builder they can be made smooth as glass or textured


ps: You are way overthinking it, we call that "Analysis Paralysis"

Had Glen replace some shoddily done MoP scales on a Friodur 15/16 I bought when starting out and had him use Ghost Jade G10 with a ruby wedge. It's one big, heavy Solingen stainless razor. The texture of those G10 scales seems just grippy enough and the material seems capable of lasting a LONG time.

I wondered if Glen had textured them that way. Thanks for answering my question, Glen!

A lot of traditional razors had horn scales because they were "plastic" & able to be shaped by heat. Great for the warped razors. Then came real plastic, bakelite, celluloid etc. They had their own flaws.
I think todays acrylic is a great compromise with 2 faults I can think of. It scratches easily & will craze badly if it meets alcohol but only if you use fire to smooth the surface. I doubt many razor makers use that technique so that's no biggy.
G10 is actually a very stiff material I find unsuitable for scales in spite of it being used by some.
Never used the other synthetics.

Yes, G10 is the baddest stuff around when thin, IMO.

Slow down, Cobra. We are old!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Yes, G10 is the baddest stuff around when thin, IMO.

Slow down, Cobra. We are old!

It's durable but nasty to work

I had heard that!

Yep. Your thinking too hard. Still, its good to plan and ask questions. I like the look of his acrylic scales. Send him a pm and get his opinion of what he thinks is best for a newbie.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Each one has it's strengths and weaknesses


G10 etc: is near indestructible as long as they are made thin enough to flex they make great scales..

The texture is dependant on the builder they can be made smooth as glass or textured


ps: You are way overthinking it, we call that "Analysis Paralysis"

Yep, when researching stuff I tend to over analyze things. However, I will come to a decision in the end. Just doing my best to make sure it's the right one.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

A lot of traditional razors had horn scales because they were "plastic" & able to be shaped by heat. Great for the warped razors. Then came real plastic, bakelite, celluloid etc. They had their own flaws.
I think todays acrylic is a great compromise with 2 faults I can think of. It scratches easily & will craze badly if it meets alcohol but only if you use fire to smooth the surface. I doubt many razor makers use that technique so that's no biggy.
G10 is actually a very stiff material I find unsuitable for scales in spite of it being used by some.
Never used the other synthetics.

Hmm now I've got to research how scratch resistant juma is.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

It's durable but nasty to work

Good thing I don't have to make the scales myself then.

Originally Posted by Gasman

Yep. Your thinking too hard. Still, its good to plan and ask questions. I like the look of his acrylic scales. Send him a pm and get his opinion of what he thinks is best for a newbie.

Yeah, it's taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of the materials on the one hand and balancing that out with the looks of the materials on the other hand.