Thread: First attempt at making scales and some other projects

So I’ve had a busy weekend.
I’ve had my first try at making scales. I’ve had this James Johnson’s sitting around for a while with broken scales, so it seemed like a good candidate. Before this weekend I’ve never pinned a razor before, and haven’t done any wood work since school 25 years ago. So after a lot of work (and a few mistakes – like the coping saw slipping and leaving marks in the bottom of the scales; and leaving the wood rather thick) this is where I’ve got to: Indian rosewood finished with Danish oil and renaissance wax polish with a bone wedge.

What do you think? Not bad for a first attempt, but a lot to work on too I think.

So what's the problem? They look great! With practice will only get better.

Those look great! My first couple of scale attempts did not look anywhere near that nice...
I tried to freehand cut at first, but then made a pattern and my scales got more consistent. The wedge was also tricky for me!

Thanks guys.


I also made this huge (but not pretty) kangaroo bench strop (3 inches wide and very long);




Rescaled and honed the Seiko 7/8ths in some Desert Ironwood scales from ebay.
Cleaned up and honed the others: a western style Kamisori; a Wostenholm; Dr Balfanz; and a Henkels.

Heck yeah, looks like some really good work. My biggest challenge so far (that hit me out of nowhere) is tapping pins just right. I've finally started getting it right but not perfect at all.. Looks like you have that handled!

the only thing i would do differently would be to smooth out the curves, it may be the photo but they look a little faceted. if you use sand paper with a backer that is very gently curved it makes it fairly easy to get that inside curve "straightened" out.

Nice early work MikeB. I'm currently working on a set of deer antler scales for a Boker. I've removed a few sets of scales and repeened them. It's another area of SR shaving that becomes addictive. Once I've finished the antler scales, I'll post them here and in The Boker Brotherhood.

Those look really nice!
The rosewood is just so luxurious looking.
Yeah they could be a bit thinner but really nice for your first set!

Very nice. Well done for a first attempt!