Thread: Custom Scales For Commercial/Refurbished Blade?

Can this be done? Is it done frequently?

Are there some minimum requirements for scales (size, density, weight, only certain woods or materials, etc.)? (Of course, I realize scales must accommodate and compliment the blade.) Provided these conditions are met, can any old wood carver or metalworker make one or is this a very specialized craft?

Thanks,



Derek

Ummmmm Yeah we do that here

The Workshop - Straight Razor Place Forums

and here

Custom Builts and Restorations - Straight Razor Place Forums

and here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...26_Restoration


But beside messing with ya there a little, yes browse through those forums and Wiki section and you will see some pretty cool stuff, and the instructions and tips on how we do it...

All you need is the want to and the equipment, there are some companies that make replacment scales and some guys that make some absolutely beautiful hand crafted fully restored razors. There are some great pix on this site. Check out the vendors corner in the classifieds on the menu bar above.

If you're interested in swapping scales without the hassle of making them, you can get pre-fabbed ones here: Straight Razor Maintenance & Repair Needs

This isn't something I would be doing, I'm thinking of approaching a master wood carver or something.

Basically, I am interested in something I have not seen so far, so I was wondering whether this is something an experience wood carver who has no experience with straight razors could pick up and do, or if it would need to be someone who has worked extensively with straight razors.

A master wood carver would probably be able to make scales if you gave him the originals. However, as with most artisan work, the final "fit and finish" will be vastly better if it's done by someone with direct and relevant experience. Professional razor restorers, like the guys found here, will also be able to make it a good shaver with proper balance and a sweet edge.

A stone mason isn't exactly a sculptor and vice versa. They may work in similar media and I'm sure they can do each others job in a pinch..... but not to the same level of expertise.


Here's a beautiful wood rescale done for me by a site member.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...-re-scale.html

I'm sure somebody with carving experience can make scales easily, but it will probably take them few attempts to get the hang of fitting them properly. And then there's the match to the blade and not making them too heavy, or too bulky, or too awkward for stropping (some don't learn even after allegedly 20 years of 'experience', so it's more of a matter of wanting to learn).

OK, thanks, everyone, for sharing your thoughts.

Now. I don't suppose there's a scales expert who is particularly good at carving designs into the side of the scales...

If you know someone, please don't keep it to yourself; if you ARE someone, please feel free to reply or PM me: I realise the commissioning of a piece should go under the appropriate forum; but I have some questions I'd like to ask before I go soliciting an actual piece.

well just abought anyone with good handworking skills could cobble some scales togeather. it just 3 pieces of wood with 2 holes in them after all. getting what you want and being a joy to use is something else , what do you have in mind?

Your best bet would be to have the wooden scales made by someone that's involved in straight razors and then send the finished wooden scales out to your wood carving specialist guy. When he's done carving them he can send them back to the original razor person who can then assemble everythng. Unless you find someone that excels at both.