Thread: Steel scale templets

I just wanted to share what I picked up at an antique store this weekend. I bought a razor with a broken scale. when I said that I was going to replace it the store owner said he had something I may be interested in. He then pulled home a box full of steel plates. Each plate is a different size and shape. They have multiple holes drilled in them i'm guessing for pin placement.

That's pretty cool!

I'm not sure if these were made for something else but there were a couple of rusty blade in the box with it. The blades are actually cleaning up nicely. One have a lot of pitting on the tang but the blades are good.

Originally Posted by Travispitt

I just wanted to share what I picked up at an antique store this weekend. I bought a razor with a broken scale. when I said that I was going to replace it the store owner said he had something I may be interested in. He then pulled home a box full of steel plates. Each plate is a different size and shape. They have multiple holes drilled in them i'm guessing for pin placement.

A great find! Thank you for the post. It helps me fill in the possibilities of the old and differing sizes of razors. Knowing that the outside could be modified the craftsman would find the best fit of the patterns and then he would drill and temporarily pin and then scribe out the outline. We do the same now with a paper pattern or a used scale from our junk boxes. A fitter( Apparently the name for a razor scaler) would be on a piecework basis or have a shop along with the seller of razors and repair many razors during a work week.
Thank you again for the post and the photos.
Please understand that I am an amateur and the opinions are sheer guesswork.
As a metals worker I could guess that the bottom pattern in the photo could be a form to press or shape a metal scale over and could be turned the other side up to make the opposing scale. I have done similar things.
Thank you again!
~Richard.

Now why haven't I ever thought of making metal blanks??? I know what I'm doing next weekend.

I can see those working out well for so many things. I had a similar thought train a while ago. As soon as I put my workshop back together I will work on my concept and maybe I will bother you for a few more pictures.