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Thread: First Crack at Making Scales

  1. #1
    Member DocMartin0321's Avatar
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    Default First Crack at Making Scales

    Hello all,

    I recently got lucky, and acquired a Finney Tally-Ho as part of a lot. The blade cleaned up easily, and is certainly one of my top shavers. Unfortunately, it was wearing a pair of generic black plastic scales that didn't seem to fit a blade of such awesomeness.

    I found some nice scale blanks on Etsy, and got a pair each of black buffalo and honey colored ox. I went with the black buffalo for the Tally-Ho (the honey ox will go with a Greaves blade I received in the same lot).

    This is how it looked with the old generic scales. They seemed to be too long for the blade as there was quite a gap between the toe of the blade and the wedge.
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    I started by taping the blanks together and cutting a rough shape. I wanted these scales to be a bit shorter for a better fit.
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    Then, after much trial and very much error, I was pleased with the result.
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    Here is the finished product. I think it turned out ok for a first try. I certainly plan on getting some better equipment for future scale projects. It was an uphill battle all the way. I'm too exhausted to shave now (how ironic).
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    Senior Member lethalgraphix's Avatar
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    Nice work Doc. They seem to flow naturally, with the unique pattern to the horn. Nice selection.
    Geezer likes this.

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    DocMartin0321 (05-31-2015)

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    Senior Member blabbermouth 10Pups's Avatar
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    They look great. Could have used more thickness in the wedge it looks like. Maybe just the pic but it looks like a tight closing fit. Sometimes that will cause the pivot to loosen as it wears a little. Overall though good job :<0)
    Good judgment comes from experience, and experience....well that comes from poor judgment.

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    Member DocMartin0321's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 10Pups View Post
    They look great. Could have used more thickness in the wedge it looks like. Maybe just the pic but it looks like a tight closing fit. Sometimes that will cause the pivot to loosen as it wears a little. Overall though good job :<0)
    I appreciate the feedback. The wedge could stand to be a bit thicker. Unfortunately, the material I started with was very thin to begin with. I would like to eventually make a lead wedge if it ends up causing problems. I am looking forward to taking what I've learned during this project, and making the next set even better.

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    Senior Member blabbermouth engine46's Avatar
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    There ya go Doc! Nice work. Now you're on your way to making scales for whenever you need some. I like the look of streaked horn. I have black horn, streaked horn, honey horn, rams horn, bleached white bone & some cocobolo for scales.
    Last edited by engine46; 05-31-2015 at 05:52 AM.

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    Member DocMartin0321's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by engine46 View Post
    There ya go Doc! Nice work. Now you're on your way to making scales for whenever you need some. I like the look of streaked horn. I have black horn, streaked horn, honey horn, rams horn, bleached white bone & some cocobolo for scales.
    I am certainly looking forward to upgrading my tools, and getting started on the next set. I expect that my SRAD will only worsen now that scale condition is less of a factor.
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    illegitimum non carborundum Utopian's Avatar
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    I only have one piece of advice. Never use the word "crack" in the same sentence with scales!

    Nice job.
    Love your show.

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    Senior Member blabbermouth Chevhead's Avatar
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    Looks good!

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    I think you did a great job! I've got a nice vintage razor with cheap scales and would love to replace them with something like you did.
    Inspired now!

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    DocMartin0321 (05-31-2015)

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    Senior Member blabbermouth engine46's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DocMartin0321 View Post
    I am certainly looking forward to upgrading my tools, and getting started on the next set. I expect that my SRAD will only worsen now that scale condition is less of a factor.
    It will worsen but in a good way! You will see that you can make some beautiful scales.

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    DocMartin0321 (05-31-2015)

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