Thread: Material for Scales

Hi gents,

I need to pick your brain again, this time on the material of the razor scales, not something I've seen discussed much in my readings.

Due to some stock issues my original choice for a first razor (ebony scales) is not available. My option would be marbled celluloid.

Do any of you care to pontificate on the materials used for scales?

Would you consider celluloid scales? What do you think of the material?

I would think there could be problems with wood scales in terms of wear, and celluloid scales in terms of discoloration.
Metal seems like it would need extra care, but perhaps every material has it's own care requirements, all taking about the same time?

Overall I worry that celluloid is a bit "cheap" but that's because of my ignorance. Please help set me straight!

Thanks again to you all,

tome

If you want ready-made ebony scales, I'm sure classic shaving offers them. If you want to make your own, the possibilities are endless...
Celluloid -- ugly, volatile and eventually will rot
Wood -- properly treated, it will last for decades without requiring any extra care.. Either stabilized or treated with truoil, tung oil or CA, it will last. Some woods like cocobolo are full of natural oils that will protect them indefinitely. Wear a mask while sanding them though.
Metal -- Heavy, will throw the balance out of whack. That's why my Wapi's getting rescaled.
Bone/Ivory/Horn -- Easy to work with, but i'm not sure how to care for it. I'll let more experienced members chime in. They can look pimp though.
Epoxy -- Gary (traveller) made some real beauties with it. I'll post some pics as soon as I put'em on a razor. Just too busy riding these days lol.

Brazilian rosewood is my favorite, so what are most of my razors equipped with? Black or white or yellow plastic or plastic-like material.

Go figure, Bruce

First I must say that I'm partial to natural materials - bone/horn/ivory/mop/wood/badger... ops, scratch that hairy one

As Ilija said celuloid will eventually rot (but may be not even in your grandchildren's time) and the only celuloid I would justify is vintage art nouveau and art deco.

I think another great option these days is micarta - if i remeber it's linen based very dense composite which has a feel similar to wood. Some very respected razor restorers prefer it as much as to have it on most of their daily shavers.

my first choice would probably be some other wood, second horn, third micarta

Originally Posted by gugi

First I must say that I'm partial to natural materials - bone/horn/ivory/mop/wood/badger... ops, scratch that hairy one

my first choice would probably be some other wood, second horn, third micarta

Ditto with the natural materials. That's exactly my order, though horn and wood trade places regularly.

Not such a fan of bone though

Ivory and MOP are nice, but i think of them more of showpieces

I'm likeing wood and horn myself.

Originally Posted by gugi

First I must say that I'm partial to natural materials - bone/horn/ivory/mop/wood/badger... ops, scratch that hairy one

As Ilija said celuloid will eventually rot (but may be not even in your grandchildren's time) and the only celuloid I would justify is vintage art nouveau and art deco.

I think another great option these days is micarta - if i remeber it's linen based very dense composite which has a feel similar to wood. Some very respected razor restorers prefer it as much as to have it on most of their daily shavers.

my first choice would probably be some other wood, second horn, third micarta

Badger scales.....hmmmmmm. All-in-one brush and razor...the ultimate travel set!

Excluding metal, due to its weight and effect on balance, here are my views on various materials for utilitarian items. This is not bases on my making scales, but on experience in the antiques trade and doing restoration/refurbishment.

Durability - bone, ivory, horn - all are calcium-based natural products that can last for millennia (items made from these are routinely removed from ancient archeeologiical sites). Care? Pretty much the same as your teeth, so unless you are having red wine or coffee while shaving, I don't think there is much risk of staining in the bathroom (iodine, etc. wold, of course). They also take in a nice patina as they age.

Variety of texture/pattern/color (natural) - wood. Dense tropical hardwoods, such as ebony, rosewood, etc. will last for decades if not longer, with proper care. "Feed" the wood - lemon oil, a light waxing and buffing. Good for the dining room table, good for wood scales. An occasional drop of oil on the pivot pin will help reduce any possible water damage.

Variety of texture/pattern/color (synthetic) - resin/celluloid/composites. As stated, I would preserve any well-designed scales that have nice relief carving or molding. Barring that, I have seen an amazing spectrum of scales made by some of the members - true artists.



Greg

Can anyone answer this one?

How many horn materials are available? Not antler mind you, but horn. I've seen some great pieces out there but they all seem to be from just a couple animals. Cow, Ram, Water Buffalo, Uland? or did I get that mixd up. I think that would be an interesting set as well. Crud, that really has me thinking... by by $$