Swapping out scales on vintage razors?

This is probably basic, but I have not come across this subject in the Workshop stickies.

I am doing a light restore and need to replace the scales. I have considered making scales, but have been seeing some old razors locally that are going cheap because the blade is chipped, hone wear, etc. The scales on these old razors are frequently in good shape. What do I need to know regarding measurements? Or is there a thread discussing this topic someone can direct me to?

For what it is worth, I am working on a 6/8 Pipe razor.

Ok here we go


Size, try and use a set from the same size razor, it will fit both the actual width of the blade and match the width of the tang to the wedge angle..

Measurement that counts. from the Tang hole to the end of the razor needs to of course match the measurement from the pivot hole to the wedge
if this is too far off, the razor can become dangerous because it can come through the bottom of the scales


Those are the two that are pretty important if you want the razor to function correctly and be safe

It's usually quite straight forward, you would be surprised how many vintage razors of the same size such as a 6/8 are often easily transferred, when we are talking minor measurement details just try a few with a mock set up against the razor this will give you a pretty good idea.

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

...try and use a set from the same size razor, it will fit both the actual width of the blade and match the width of the tang to the wedge angle..
...

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Do we have a tutorial on how to work with the measurement of the tang to determine the proper wedge size and angle?

yep, trial and error...

It's a good idea to pick up several sets of old scales if you want to try this. The old Bakelite and Celluloid scales break off at the hinge pin end very easily both when removing the old pins and installing new ones. I usually look for an old set of horn or bone scales to match if I can find them.

Have fun.

Good point, Lynn. As a matter of fact, the scales that came with the razor were broken off at the pivot so someone drilled another hole and pinned it with a screw.

Alas, someone cleaned out my local source. I am on the fence concerning swapping scales or making my own.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Good point, Lynn. As a matter of fact, the scales that came with the razor were broken off at the pivot so someone drilled another hole and pinned it with a screw.

Alas, someone cleaned out my local source. I am on the fence concerning swapping scales or making my own.

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It's kind of fun to make your own and you won't have a lot invested. Find some wood or acrylic and with a coping saw and some sand paper you're set! If they don't work out you can always get some others. But makes for a nice sense of accomplishment :)

Which of the more commonly used replacement scale materials takes to re-pinning / peening the best? I see a lot of bone and horn scales for sale at knife shows but... one wrong peen and ah S%#Te!

Chime in with recommendations!

Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by r2razor

Which of the more commonly used replacement scale materials takes to re-pinning / peening the best? I see a lot of bone and horn scales for sale at knife shows but... one wrong peen and ah S%#Te!

Chime in with recommendations!

Thanks

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G-10 you could wail on till your hearts content.
Ive been doing alot of horn scales lately mostly to match the vintage razors. Its more durable then you might think. Just remember the pinning is to attach the scales to the blade your not riveting a train tressle together. "SOFT HANDS & LIGHT TAPS"

I'm in the same boat as the OP. Started to make a pair but found these today instead:
Pre-Shaped Water Buffalo Scales

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...ght-razor.html

Razors need to be fit to their scales... :hmmm:

Nice find they look nice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...ght-razor.html

Razors need to be fit to their scales... :hmmm:

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I picked up a couple and will report back with a picture or two ...

Thanks for the link, I thought I'd read every thread on this site in the last three or four weeks but must have missed that one.

Sorry for highjacking the thread....

Definitely get back to us when you have worked them onto a razor. I am more than willing to learn this art too as I pick up on the various lessons from those who have paved the way. I kind of like the idea of working a rough set into the final product that is customized for the particular razor.

Keep us in the loop on the progress.

Quick follow up on the preshaped scales. Material looks good, scales are flat on both sides and will need to be reshaped to fit the profile of the existing scales then fitted and sanded to the profile desired. I really don't see any advantage to these over regular blanks. I'll post a few pictures when I get around to figuring out which blades to fit them to.

Is the pivot hole pre-drilled ??? in the old days even the Dovo scales had the pivot hole not drilled so at least you had a shot at fitting them to other razors

The pivot hole and wedge hole(s) are not drilled and the wedge isn't tapered. The wedge is oversized enough to to finish it to fit the scales as is or refitted. The blanks are flat on both sides.

So basically they are rough shaped Blanks :hmmm:
That actually sounds like a good thing, gives you a direction but still allows for fitting and shaping...

There just blanks roughed in. I'll get a picture tonight with a couple of razors beside the blanks to give some perspective to their shape.

I was going to put a Henckles #50 in one of them but after last nights shave I might reconsider. I swear I could hear it laugh every time a little sting followed with pink lather appeared. That full hollow is mean for someone with limited experience...

Here's a quick iPhone picture of the scales with a Dovo and a Boker (Red Injun) for comparison. Hope it works anyway

Attachment 142969