Thread: Names and Dates on Scales

I have lost count how many razors I have seen over the years with a name, number of date scratched into the scales.

I bought a razor once with homemade wood scales. When I removed them on the inside in pencil was the owners name and date. Through Google I was able to verify the owner. The style of writing fit the time period.

Many razors with writing on the scales appears original due to the style of writing. But there are many out there that look like someone just scratched a name or date into the scales to make it look older or more important.

If you have witnessed this I would like to get your opinion of some are applied to receive or not. Look forward to your responses.

Maybe something we should be doing when making or restoring a razor? My friend flint knapps arrow heads and knives from obsidian and flint. Sometimes he will bury his work with a new penny, for the date so as not to confuse people about it's age.

I am about to restore a Lord & Harvey.. The scales are in oil at the moment . There is a First and Surname scratched on the scales. I will take a closer look before i sand them into history..
I am sure i miss a lot on the inside of scales because of all the gunk which i sand away..

I have thought about putting a mark in a wedge or on scales i made but i feel there is something underhand about that..?? maybe?

Originally Posted by JOB15

I have thought about putting a mark in a wedge or on scales i made but i feel there is something underhand about that..?? maybe?

Nothing underhanded about it. You are simply saying that you are the guy who fixed the razor/made the scales. To me, it's more underhanded to replace the scales and sell the razor as "mint condition".

The same with old pocket watches and servicing. Watchmakers would scratch their mark and date into the back of the watchback when it came in for service. Folks also did it to see if it was solid gold or not.