That ages old question

Been wrestling with that ages old question {well maybe a few years old :D} of "How far do you take a restoration"?
Previously i tried to stay original unless scales were damaged. This time i have decided to push the envelope. These razors all had plain jane factory scales. i cleaned the razors up as best i could by hand, which means some still have some pitting, but overall pretty good.
So now i am making new scales for all {except the stars and stripes eagle scales of course}. Don't worry, when done there will be both before and after pics of each razor in close up.
But it poses the conundrum... is it wrong to replace undamaged scales just because they are plain and boring?...

If done to the same exact configurations as the orig scales,I think not.

Some thoughts over the years

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...fferences.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...storation.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...p;goto=newpost

I'm not a restoration person, only done about 6 to eight, but I feel it is wrong, you asked. :shrug:
Yes, they are your razors & you can do with them as you please, bottom line.
If the scales are not damaged, then I feel they should remain; they do not make them anymore & I hate to see their numbers decrease over time.

There are a many razors out there with damaged scales waiting for someone like yourself, with the skill to bring them back to life.

I would love to have an all original, "plain & boring" 1956 Chevy Bel Air.

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Originally Posted by Hirlau

I'm not a restoration person, only done about 6 to eight, but I feel it is wrong, you asked. :shrug:
Yes, they are your razors & you can do with them as you please, bottom line.
If the scales are not damaged, then I feel they should remain; they do not make them anymore & I hate to see their numbers decrease over time.

There are a many razors out there with damaged scales waiting for someone like yourself, with the skill to bring them back to life.
I would love to have an all original, "plain & boring" 1956 Chevy Bel Air.

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Understood, and for what it's worth, the old scales were removed carefully and put up for sale with the wedges still pinned in place, so if someone has a vintage razor and needs vintage scales, they have the opportunity to use them. Not the same, but i also do not condone waste. :beer1:
Adam

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hirlau

I'm not a restoration person, only done about 6 to eight, but I feel it is wrong, you asked. :shrug:
Yes, they are your razors & you can do with them as you please, bottom line.
If the scales are not damaged, then I feel they should remain; they do not make them anymore & I hate to see their numbers decrease over time.

There are a many razors out there with damaged scales waiting for someone like yourself, with the skill to bring them back to life.

I would love to have an all original, "plain & boring" 1956 Chevy Bel Air.

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I'd love to have one too. The problem is that a crate 409 would drop right into it and hook right up. I might have to carry an extra drive shaft in the trunk for use after occasional drag races (like after every stoplight), but I'd keep the outside stock.

I like to try to stay fairly original. But sometimes the original scales are hideous and must be replaced.

http://i.imgur.com/oS93W9n.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/nhiTNBj.jpg

What do you constitute as damaged scales? My first razor has little dimples all over each side of the scales, they are celluloid. While I have no idea what made them or how they got there, I can't decide if it's part the razors untold story or if it's an eyesore.

My answer would be ,"Anything that changed the condition of the scales, from the time the razor left the maker."
It can be something so minor that 99% of the future owners would not even recognize it,,,,to something as serious as cell rot.

Again, it is your razor & it should make you happy; even if that means you change the scales.
I just don't believe in changing scales that are in original condition, due to taste in the cosmetic appeal.

I like to keep original most of the time too. I actually like buying razors with damaged scales just so I can make new ones.
However sometimes, I just cant resist the urge to ditch the boring old scales.
G.

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Originally Posted by baldy

I like to keep original most of the time too. I actually like buying razors with damaged scales just so I can make new ones.
However sometimes, I just cant resist the urge to ditch the boring old scales.
G.

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If you want to make a set of dark hardwood scales and throw them my way it would make you feel better lol.

My approach is much the same as Hirlau's. Unless the scales are trashed, I like to maintain the historical integrity of the razor. I use the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", as my guideline. When I see some of the "otherworldly" scales that are slapped on a fine old piece of steel more than a century old I think of this lady who believes she has improved on the original model. But, I would still prefer the "boring scales" she started out with.

Regards - Walt

http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps4a8f9b66.jpg