Thread: Material for scales

I came across some nice looking razors over the weekend at a garage sale. Ten dollars for two! The razors are stamped with Kouss (anyone know anything about this company?) are full hollow, appear to be stainless steel, and have very minor pitting, minimal rust spots on spine and tang, no smiling or frowning. Not even sure if they have ever been honed. The scales on the other hand appear to be bakelite and badly damaged, one is missing half of one side. I plan on making new scales for the razors and wanted to know what material would be best to use. I have Amaranth wood that I have used in the past to make flutes. This wood is water resistant and extremely dense. I was considering horn, but have no idea how to work with it, or maintain it. Any suggestions, or tips?
Thanks

Acrylic is pretty cheap and very easy to work with. But if there is a different material that you have experience with, go for it. And, naturally, you'll want something that you find visually pleasing.

The nice thing about a set of scales is that you can always change them, if you want.

I have never worked with acrylic. Are there any special tools needed?

I started with a coping saw, a file, and sandpaper. These days using a scroll saw and a belt sander for the rough work, and then still finishing by hand sanding.

I use 1/8 sheet mostly, though I have also used some 1/16. Or if you have a bandsaw, you can buy the bricks.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I started with a coping saw, a file, and sandpaper. These days using a scroll saw and a belt sander for the rough work, and then still finishing by hand sanding.

I use 1/8 sheet mostly, though I have also used some 1/16. Or if you have a bandsaw, you can buy the bricks.

I have been making scales only with a coping saw.

Where can i get sheets of acrylic to make scales?

Thank you for any info.

This is where I buy mine :
A5 3MM PERSPEX 24 DIFFERENT COLOURED & TINTED ACRYLIC SHEETS GREY BROWN IVORY | eBay

You could make some Micarta from epoxy resin and cloth or paper strips. Very sturdy.

I bought a Red Imp with broken scales and made a new set from acrylic sign samples. if you are handy with tools you can find a lot of info about making scales here. This is the string that dealt with this particular subject a few years ago.

Regards - Walt

My father gave me some acrylic he had left over from a project a few years back. Going to make an attempt at doing the scales. Hopefully it isn't much different than wood working.