Thread: What are you working on?

You have to look at scales the way they have been made for centuries.
Once you can replicate those, you might carefully consider variations.

JMO, YMMV

I've made normal rounded scales man. Just plain ones no bolstering, or inserts and what not, and besides the correct wedge angle, I don't find them that difficult... to make them beautiful pieces of art as many of the guys here do is another thing. That's truly a thing of beauty. But that's why I try to switch it up and make unique scales that you haven't really seen or are one of a kind unique pieces. I think these should still function and serve their purpose. Just look unique while doing it. The edges will be smoothed when finished to not scrape but should work and function still. Just discouraging and kinda stung.lol

Sorry if you feel stung. Anyone else asked might agree with me or not.
A pile of fellas have come up with different things. They just have to work properly.
If you show something down here it is because you want feedback....Hopefully!
Good luck!

Not terrible first attempts at all IMO, but as Tom is saying, the flow from tang to scale, the balance when fully open, the thickness of scale as you roll it in your hand while stropping all matter and make us love, or avoid a particular razor to use.
My first scales were crude in comparison to the ones I make these days. All part of the evolution.
For me, the scale should be a natural continuation of the tang when fully open.
Not like a pocket knife where the scale and knife flow in a grip only perspective, razors need to flow into the scale in width, and thickness.
Sorta like this.


Very neat picking effect on those latest ones, but the ends need to be brought down near flush for it to really work and look it's best, again, only my opinion brother. Not trying to rip on your efforts.

You owe me royalties for using pics of MY razor!

Cease and desi........

oh...It's YOU, Mike! Nevermind!


(Mike made the scales. I THINK he silver-soldered the tail as well! Sick!)

Originally Posted by Wightman

For real, Are they that terrible?

Just to say the least.


Not to seem mean, or anything, just saying they have to be functional to the blade being installed in them, and geometrically proportioned to it as well.

But I'm curious to how they come out when your finished.

There are several older threads about why scales were designed the way they were. There is also a few on wedges and spacers and how scales work. It is slightly complex and I wish I could link the threads, however I am stuck at work and only have my iPad and it does not work with the search function here. I would not call your scales terrible, but they do need some fundamental function built into them. My first couple of sets of scales were totally a swing and a miss. Once you get the function built into your form you will be fine. Most scales I make these days start with a blank between 0.100” and 0.110”. If the material is quite fragile I will add a liner, perhaps even use eyelet style pins. There is a lot of repetition to get good at almost everything.

They were to be of this style.

A little sumpin I started on the other day.
Took a bunch of hand rubbing with 3M metal restorer and a rag, but came out pretty nice.
Attachment 277636

Attachment 277637

Attachment 277638

Now to make the wedge, and fit it in a set of Rez's scales.
Attachment 277641

A bit of a rarity, at the least. I'll tell all, once finished.

Dammitt, outback! Still missing the old tappytalk, I see?