I'm sure this been asked before but I couldn't find it in any forum's entries

[dcrls145]

It's easy to understand the effect that different types of blades will have on your shaving, type of steel, grin, points, and the list continues. Is not only easy to appreciate the difference, perhaps more importantly, is easy to find ample information on the matter. But when it comes to scales, a subject that I personally find less self-evident (to say the least!), I just don't seem to find any information around explaining why would a discerning member of the SRP would choose to pay so much more for scales made of let's say fossilized mammoth ivory as oppose to celluloid for example.

I do understand that expensive scales will (probably!) carry better blades which will also contribute to the higher prices of the razors. But let's say that you want to re-scale your razor, would up-grading your scales will automatically improve the quality of your shaving? Or would it give your razor only a cosmetic change? My guess is that different scales will probably change the weight of the razor and certainly it's durability but this is just a guess.

Would you have any suggestions on where to go and find out?

Thank you very much!

All the best

Carlos

[ben.mid]

As long as they don't throw the balance off, scale material is purely aesthetic. The only discernible difference to the shave is the feeling you get from using a razor you love, compared to one that just get's the job done.

[ndw76]

Something like fossiliesd mamoth ivory, I think, looks beter and sounds fancier. If I had lots of money I would have at least one razor in fossilied mamoth ivory.

[dcrls145]

Thank you Ben, that certainly explains why there is so little (nothing?) written about it!!!!!!

Carlos

[JimmyHAD]

As long as they don't throw the balance off, scale material is purely aesthetic. The only discernible difference to the shave is the feeling you get from using a razor you love, compared to one that just get's the job done.

Welcome to SRP Carlos. Ben hit the nail squarely on the head. For me a beautiful set of scales can make a big difference in how I feel about a razor. I love scales of natural material such as ivory and horn. At the same time I prefer the razor to have the original scales to replacements. Even if they are plain Jane celluloid or old horn with bug bites on a Sheffield. Even cracked scales as long as any cracks are tight and not around the pivot.

There are some collectors of celluloid scales that have designs molded into them that will pay hundreds of dollars for a junk blade housed in a set of decorated scales. The same with the older pressed horn scales on the early Sheffields.

There are some artisan forum members on SRP that rescale razors with gorgeous scales that they fashion out of various materials. As long as form and function are correct the material is irrelevant as in a well fitting pair of shoes. It is just whether the buyer wants canvas or something exotic like a pair of Gucci Alligators. Some of my best shavers have cheap nondescript plastic scales but there is something about shaving with a razor with a beautiful handle of an exotic material that I really appreciate.

[ben.mid]

I may have hit the nail on the head, Jimmy, but you put it far more eloquently!

[dnjrboy]

Part of the reason that you will see different prices on different scale materials is more likely due to the cost of the handle material itself. Check out the difference in price here at Knife Kits. Mammoth ivory is a lot more expensive than other materials.

[JCitron]

First and foremost scales are meant to protect the blade. Second they give balance. After those two things it's aesthetics.