Silver scale design, Need some advice

I am a newbie at scale design, But im a Goldsmith and specialized in custom designs so i wanted to give it a try.

Bought an old Straight razor but the scales was broken, So i figured why not make a new in silver.

So here´s my question for the more experienced hobbyists that worked with scales.... Is this design possible, whith the consideration of balance and usefulness ?

I can make it as heavy and light as i want, Thinking of making it around 1,2 mm thick silver.

Here is the design in 1/1 format ( cm and inch ) and the restored blade.

( Gonna change the form of the blade handle as well )

Attachment 187740Attachment 187741

Yours Sincerely : Split Genetics

I'm interested to see what some of the wiser say here. This is going to be a good thread. Subscribed.

Here is some inspiration, I'm surprised more custom razor makers have not consulted goldsmiths/silversmiths. First I would make sure the quality of the blade would fit with the precious metal.Attachment 187744

Most vintage sterling scales are pressed of thin sheets. This keeps them surprisingly light and enables real 'shapes' instead of just silver slabs. If made of solid silver, scales such as these would be too heavy, IMO.

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Most vintage sterling scales are pressed of thin sheets. This keeps them surprisingly light and enables real 'shapes' instead of just silver slabs. If made of solid silver, scales such as these would be too heavy, IMO.

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So is there a special weight limit on the scale ?, or can i make it so the balance is in the middle of the whole razor when unfolded ?

The blade is 6mm thick at the spine, so it is quite heavy.

Given that you are a goldsmith I am sure you have a fine eye for aesthetics . That being said, on the practical side, my favorite razors to "shave" with have a balance point on the tang near where you would grip the razor . Just my personal observation and something you may wish to consider.Attachment 187752

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Originally Posted by Wirm

Given that you are a goldsmith I am sure you have a fine eye for aesthetics . That being said, on the practical side, my favorite razors to "shave" with have a balance point on the tang near where you would grip the razor . Just my personal observation and something you may wish to consider.Attachment 187752

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Thank´s Wirim, i shall take that into consideration :)

I don't know if you have looked at the library on the site but that could have some useful info in it. This may be some help to you Making scale designs on the computer - Straight Razor Place Library if you want to replicate the shape of the old scales.

Bob

Some of you may remember the member who did this fine work.

There are some awesome Worked Silver scales that a member here was doing for quite some time John was his real name can't think of his S/N for love or money at the moment..

Balance was an issue for him also..

You might search some through the Customs forum and see if you can't find them


edit: Yes those are some of John's scales TrilliumLT just posted above hehehe

Beat me to it :p

Is it going to be a shaver or just a looker?

I would mock up scales in wood or plastic to see how they feel in the hand. It is not just about weight, thickness at the pin and width of the scale in the hand make a big difference in the feel when you shave and strop as does the weight.

Take a look at the AOS Stainless scale TI and hold it in your hand and see what you think.

If it’s a looker it does not matter.

All my lookers are shavers.

Shutterbug is his forum name. Still, it seems he was using stainless? Anyway, to a degree, balance is more important to some, than others. Personally, if it is somewhat close, I don't mind one blade or scale heavy. Simply adjusting the scales and using the weight of them works fine for me if they are a bit heavy. Somewhere in between the middle tang and the pivot pin seems good to me. YMMV

It is personal preference as to weight and feel, as said it should be close to balanced.

You also may want to get a heavier blade, wider and possibly a wedge to offset the weight of the scales.

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

You might search some through the Customs forum and see if you can't find them
:p

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Shutterbug is his forum name.

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Here's a link to his custom scale album.


http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...-scales-2.html

The scales in the above link are just awful. Who am I kidding I am just jealous they are gorgeous.

Attachment 187809 FYI, the attached is all over the forum just in case you want some scale templates. You could always change the material of the wedge if you need more weight. With the template, I just chose the one that astatically looked the best on my blade and looked like it would fit the best then cut out the template.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Shutterbug is his forum name. Still, it seems he was using stainless? Anyway, to a degree, balance is more important to some, than others. Personally, if it is somewhat close, I don't mind one blade or scale heavy. Simply adjusting the scales and using the weight of them works fine for me if they are a bit heavy. Somewhere in between the middle tang and the pivot pin seems good to me. YMMV

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I was under the impression that the balance was really good, they're metal but most of it is cut out; most importantly back when John was making them I asked people who personally handled razors with these scales and they said they were well balanced.
And yeah it was stainless steel or brass (about 20%-30% lighter than silver)