Thread: Scales

Where are some good places to buy scales

Try the BST
Someone should have some for sale
Be sure to note what type, color, thickness you want.
If you buy blanks you can finish them like you want
If you go online pay attention to the length. Knife scales are typically shorter than needed

Ready to pin scales are out there as long as you are in the Standard 5/8 -6/8 size Solingen length razors

Once you get out of that center groove you are going to need custom fit scales

I normally make my own. It's easier than it sounds to get the overall shape at least. Trace the blade and then draw your pattern around the line drawing like so.



Actually making them is a bit more complicated. Cut out the silhouette of the scales and trace it on your medium. At this point you will need some tools. You will want a scroll saw or band saw if you are using power tools but a coping saw works okay for a hand tool. You will alsoneed a sander of some kind (I use a series of belt sanders before going to hand shaping and sanding but you can do it all with a block and paper but it is a lot more work. One way or the other you will need to do some sanding unless you are fortunate enough to find a set already made that will fit perfectly and even then you will most likely want to spruce them up if you are doing a restore. That's a skill you will need to know if you plan to do much restoration. The biggest hurdle is getting them thin and even enough. It seems like almost everyone makes the too thick and clunky to start.

Blanks of different media can be found in many different places like Maggard's or one I use frequently is guitar parts and more. https://guitarpartsandmore.com/ you have to do a little looking around there as razors are not their focus but they do have horn, bone, exotic woods, imitation and even fossil ivory among other materials. There are many threads her on how to make them.