Thread: Favorite Scale Material

Howdy all,

Hope you all had a great shave this morning.

As I was cleaning up my shave collection today I spent some time just looking over my straights. Just looking at the blade and scales comparing how each were made,and what I liked best about each razor.

But then I began thinking what other members might think. So I was wondering what you guys love about your straights? Is there one scale material you like more than other? A certain grind? Type of finish?

So many reasons to love your straights let's hear some of your!

my two latest buys were a Whacker 7/8 with a set of beautiful multicolor horn, and an Alex Jacques custom thats has a set of g10 scales with a jade wedges. As far as scales go, these are real lookers

My favorite scale material is black horn. I also like black plastic. I imagine I would like ebony, but I have never had any ebony scales.

Are we talking about working on for a restoration or just in general?

For a restoration, I like G10. It's fun to work with and I think it's pretty easy. The finished result can be pretty amazing if done right.

For a razor to use, I like basic acrylic - on the thin side. Horn is really nice too, but won't it warp over time?

For a grind, I like hollows with bellies. I like the feedback I get and they're usually easy to hone.

I cannot speak of other grinds than hollow because that is what both my razors are. I am looking for a large wedge to purchase and try. I prefer wood scales over all others. It gives it an early American look and feel.

It doesn't matter Restored or Vintage for me, I love the Cracked Ice look...
Give me Vintage Celluloid in any color you want with the Ice, Ice, Baby...and if it is all warped and cracked then change it to the brightest flashiest Acrylic you can find...
I want the steel gleaming and shiny, I actually prefer a satin to a mirror, myself, but make it as hollow as you can get it...

I like all different grinds of razors, from wedge to full hollow. They all shave differently, and I really like the variety in the way they feel...!

In terms of scales, I like most things. Glens acrylic scales are very striking, I love the organic look of things like horn, bone and wood, and I also really like the modern looking scales like carbon fibre and micarta. The only thing I dont like are plasticy looking scales; Thats not to say I have anything against plastic scales, but I dont like them to look plasticy!

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

My favorite scale material is black horn. I also like black plastic. I imagine I would like ebony, but I have never had any ebony scales.

What good taste you have, holli. I would only add that I like bone (especially blackened) too, but your post nails my favorites, even down to the comment on ebony.

I like natural materials. Acrylics and plastics do nothing for me, the only ones which I have are on a Puma 39 because lets face it, you just don't rescale a Puma!

Carbon fibre and G-10 on Sheffields for me is like the people who put 22 inch chrome alloys on a vintage Jaguar. Fair enough if they are to go on a brand new custom razor as the original scales, but I like to keep things original or as close to as possible. But we are all different.

My favourites are ivory scales. The kertain grain of the Schraeger lines alternating in the light when held at different angles is sheer beauty. Horn is also very attractive, especially the figured examples.
Mother of pearl is also beautiful and I have one NOS Solingen razor with genuine MOP scales. They are quite heavy though.

Wood can be very nice, but its not for me as I am no fan of rescales unless one has to.

G-10/FR-4 Epoxy

G-10/FR-4 is a thermosetting industrial laminate consisting of a continuous filament glass cloth material with an epoxy resin binder. This product, first introduced in the 1950's, has characteristics of high strength, excellent electrical properties and chemical resistance. These properties are maintained not only at room temperature but also under humid or moist conditions.
Today what is called G-10 is actually FR-4, the flame retardant version of G-10. The material FR-4 can usually be used where G-10 is specified, however G-10 should not be used where FR-4 is specified.
Both G-10 and FR-4 are rated at 285 degree F continuous operating temperature. Because they are thermosets, no melting will occur with these grades, however charring will be observed after extended periods above the temperature rating. FR-4 has a flammability rating of 94 V-0.
With these outstanding characteristics, it is easy to understand why G-10/FR-4 is such a versatile material and is used in a wide variety of applications.

Was used in Aerospace. Most is made in an autoclave. High temp or low temp.