Thread: Gemstone scales

Ok I'm new to straight shaving, but one thing I would like to know, would it be possible to make scales from gemstones? I think it would look really cool to make scales from synthetic starstone or synthetic sunstones(the blue and orange stones that look like they are clumps of glitter), or even rainbow obsidian.

Any other suggestions on what might suit a straight razor if it is possible to make scales from gemstones?

Razor scales Flex when used, the tang on a razor is beveled from shoulder to tang and sometimes from top to bottom, in fact some are rounded...
this is why there is a "wedge" at one end that should match the curve to the pivot...

Any scales that you use must flex too, or you start running into design problems...
You can create false flex, in fact somebody made scales from glass, but these types of projects are not easy...

In the old days people made jeweled and decorated scales by using cut pieces of shell and stones much like stained glass, very beautiful but then weight becomes an issue because un-balanced razors are uncomfortable to shave, strop, and hone...

So yes it could be done, and Shutterbug/John would probably be the guy to realize your dreams on it...

You also need specialized tools to work with rock and the chances of something going wrong is high. No fun spending hours grinding and polishing and at the end a crack appears or a bad chip and you have to start from scratch again.

There are a few minerals out there that are flexible. Mostly in the asbestos family but you probably wouldn't want something like that near your face-har har.

A very good point you have there, but if scales need to flex, why do some make them from wood? Its not all that flexible...or is that where a false flex comes in? I was just wondering. My dad handed me my great grandfather's Kropp and said I may have it, problem is the old synthetic plastic scales look worn, and are a bit 'rickety', so I thought of a unique idea, green goldstone scales. Thanx for the advice.

Yes wood flexes, basically you can use any material, that flexes at around 1/8 inch thickness. and can handle water....

Wood is one of the most flexible products I know.

Green goldstone could be reproduced by anyone with a little casting resin and the appropriate sized green flake, if I remember what green goldstone looks like. I'm sure that if you are unsure of casting your own resin you could find someone who casts for modeling to make something for you in a 1/8" sheet, it would be cake for an experienced caster.

I have considered making a fixed-blade razor handle from a gemstone like nephrite. It would work, but it is difficult to do. I made a stone knife handle once and it was a lot of suffering.

I think durability and balance would prevent stone handles from performing well on folders. Stone tends to be hard but very brittle.

Phillip

Thank you for the info on the wood. Living in ZA, most of the indigenous trees here are very hardened, thats why I could not understand the flexability factor in wood. The most flexable wood we have is olive wood, problem with it, ity starts cracking after a few years(a very beautiful grain though).

I read a wiki on using gemstone powder with resin to make inlays into wood. If I was to use gemstone powder, and tumble it so it might get a glossy finish(how well it would work on dust I don't know), and mix it in with resin to make a paste, and cast it, would the resin lend enough flexability to the gemstone powder? Sorry for asking all these questions, but I have to learn some way

The only way gemstone would work in scales is to have it as an inlay within another material. I've seen epoxy and gem material used in massive pieces and it's very hard and inflexible. Maybe if it's very thin or a specific epoxy mix was used. I don't know.

Understood, but in a very fine powder form?

I had a look at a catalogue from a company that sells Smooth-on products here in South Africa, and I think if your gemstones are ground very fine, like dust, with a soft epoxy, it will be flexible enough. When you mix gravel in with cement, it makes the cement flexible, but also very hard in terms of impact resistant, so thats the principle I hope to apply to this.