We all know size matters...

[Razorbeam]

...but what about the scales? I'm looking to buy a new razor (after having learned on a cheapie starter) and my research has turned up a plethora of handle materials: plastic, wood, stainless steel, resin, ivory, faux-ivory, etc.

I don't want to know what you find aesthetically pleasing; I can judge aesthetics on my own. What scales material is the best - functionality wise - and why?

***Be reasonable here, I'm probably not going to find a SR with scales made of compressed armadillo hide, regardless of how "unbelievably incredible" you think it is

Grip, Weight, Maintenance, Durability, and any other argument you can think of should be included!

[Slartibartfast]

I do not think it really matters that much. Carbon Fiber, G10, micarta seem like they could stand up to some punishment. Acrylic is really easy to work with.

Just get something that looks good to you.

[dirtychrome]

purely for purpose I'd say g10/micarta.

Can go thin and still be strong. More reliable grain takes away natural variables of natural materials.

Doesnt make it the only "best" choice. Acrylic may scratch easier, but doesnt make it a poor material. Same with naturals. The razor by nature is delicate, so by nature care is used when handled. They don't have to be strong enough to run a car over.

[Razorbeam]

purely for purpose I'd say g10/micarta.

Can go thin and still be strong. More reliable grain takes away natural variables of natural materials.

Doesnt make it the only "best" choice. Acrylic may scratch easier, but doesnt make it a poor material. Same with naturals. The razor by nature is delicate, so by nature care is used when handled. They don't have to be strong enough to drive over.

wise man; thank you

[holli4pirating]

Chances are that, whatever the scale material, it will outlast the blade. Go with whatever appeals to you.

[cpcohen1945]

I think that "G10" is similar to the stuff used for printed-circuit boards -- fiberglass-reinforced epoxy. You can't get much tougher than that.

I think Micarta uses cotton fabric, and a plastic that's not as tough as epoxy. It's been used for high-end knife handles for decades. Razor scales are an easier application.

Charles

[kasperitis]

I'm pretty sure G10 is used in making grips for handguns (1911 models especially)....which tells me that it's pretty durn reliable.

As far as scale material, I would say go with whatever is appealing to you. I personally like the look of bone / horn, wood and even the faux tortoise. I'm not particularly keen on the plastics and the really extravagant stuff, but there are exceptions.

[ats200]

I'm not so sure durability should be a factor, what do you plan on doing to your beloved razor?!

Anything that comes on a new razor today will work fine, the maintenance aspect will depend on you not the scales. You'll just have to make sure you don't get them wet, etc.

[juannaredo]

Stay away from stainless steel, it is too heavy, beside you shave with the blade, later on you will not notice the scales. Juan

[onimaru55]

I don't want to know what you find aesthetically pleasing; I can judge aesthetics on my own. What scales material is the best - functionality wise - and why?

***Be reasonable here, I'm probably not going to find a SR with scales made of compressed armadillo hide, regardless of how "unbelievably incredible" you think it is

Grip, Weight, Maintenance, Durability, and any other argument you can think of should be included!

Traditionally scales were made out of Horn, etc. Plastics later replaced horn. All these materials are flexible & can be shaped by heat around a warped blade or asymmetrically ground tang, which is more common than you may think..
In this regard timber & G10 are not so great... unless your straight is really straight. Yo ! .. enough rhyming for one day