Thread: Advice on material for scales

I've been doing some planning to make a custom set of scales and I'm trying to decide on what wood to make them out of. I was thinking that something like ebony or bloodwood (satine) would look really beautiful.

The only thing I'm unsure about is how flexible the scales need to be since I haven't made scales before.

Can anyone offer advice on how well dense materials work for scales?

If made thin enough < .100, any hardwood will work.

And I think most guys use a spacer instead of a wedge. Your not going to get the same bending action you would out of say...plastic.

Wood at about 2.5-2.8 mm (.100ish) will be quite flexible and you can use a wedge. I don't like to go any thicker than that for hardwoods. Remember to balance out the razor also. It usually isn't a problem unless it is a thick, heavy near wedge, but you can always work around that by different wedge material or lengthen the scales some.

I have used Purple Heart Wood; Zebra Wood; Lace Wood and Bone. On all I used a spacer instead of a wedge. The scales are approximately 1/8 inch thick. I dip them in danish oil and place them in a zip lock bag for a few days for the oil to soak in. Then wipe off all the excess and let them dry for 2 - 3 days. Have no problem with fit or bending. I use the same polish I use on the blades and they shine up nicely. This is my method. I am sure you will get many other suggestions. Good luck.

Originally Posted by bouschie

I have used Purple Heart Wood; Zebra Wood; Lace Wood and Bone. On all I used a spacer instead of a wedge. The scales are approximately 1/8 inch thick. I dip them in danish oil and place them in a zip lock bag for a few days for the oil to soak in. Then wipe off all the excess and let them dry for 2 - 3 days. Have no problem with fit or bending. I use the same polish I use on the blades and they shine up nicely. This is my method. I am sure you will get many other suggestions. Good luck.

Is the oil just part of the finish, or to protect them from moisture? Does it help with flexibility?

It adds some strength as it dries and keeps moisture out of the wood.

I like to stabilize the softer woods like buckeye burl and olivewood but just using clear varnish or superglue sanding between coats works great on hardwood.

Thanks for all the comments, this helps a lot

Look at razors, in person if possible or in the galleries if not. Measure what you can, or look to approximate proportions if you can't. And of course, trial and error will play a role. But, as things go, scales are easy to re-do if they don't come out right the first time or if you get better down the road.

And use a wedge, not a spacer. It makes a huge difference.