Not All That Happy

Well I finally got around to making a set of scales for this one and I am not all that happy with it. I originally intended just plain ebony scales with metal wedge, but since the razor was far to heavy and put the balance alittle farther forward than I like. I thought if I added some inlays it would increase the weight. I didn't take into account the fact that the material removed for the inlays was only alittle less than that added so it didn't really do much. Suppose I could use some liners, but I am thinking that would throw the balance off in the other direction. For only being a 6/8 it is as heavy as the 7/8 W&B near wedge that I had and that is after I sanded alot of pitting from it. The balance isn't bad its just not where I like it to be at for where I place my fingers when shaving. Not really even noticeable, but I have OCD so it annoys me. Now to hone it up and test it out. I'm not really a fan of the big, heavy razors and since this one is only 6/8 thought it wouldn't be bad, but the fact it weighs more makes me not sure if I will like it.

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Look dam good to me. If you don't like the way it came out I can give you my address and postage to send it my way.

Ya, They look fantastic. I'd be tickled pink with those on one of my razors.

Can relate to the ocd, but very nice work.

The pivot pin being off centre would probably bother me more than a slight imbalance. Another day, another neurotic.

Still, nicely done.

Let her hang out with your most attractive full hollow,,, then you will feel different about her.
Heavy wedges need love too,,,,,:shrug:

Instead of playing with the scales you could try a denser wedge material. A lead sinker for fishing is easily enough repurposed.

Scales look super! :tu I have lots with heavier blades and/or scales. I suppose I can adjust easier than some, but a tight pivot and moving the scales where all feels balanced works fine on any of them. A lead wedge, as-suggested, adds a great deal out on the end, FME.

I used cerrobend for the wedge, which is similar to lead in weight. I haven't pinned the razor yet so I might mess with it some more. Otherwise I might just keep it the way it is since the balance is that far off.

Great looking scales. How did you cut the recesses for the inlays?

We are our own worse critics Mr Smith.
I think it came out very nicely. Some are front heavy, some back heavy, just like cars. But tighten up the pins and I bet she grows on you..
Nice looking Elliot!
:tu
I too would like to know what you used to carve out the inlays..

I used a drill bit and a pin vise. Then used a dremel carving bit to widen and flatten out the holes. They are just dots so didn't need to do anything fancy.

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Originally Posted by MattCB

Instead of playing with the scales you could try a denser wedge material. A lead sinker for fishing is easily enough repurposed.

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Personally, I prefer nickel silver wedges to lead ones (even though historically lead seems to have been much more common). I find that lead loses its lustre quite fast, unlike nickel silver, which is close to the density of lead. It's a bit harder though, so a bit more difficult to work with. But not much.

That is why I started using cerrobend. It seems to shine up brighter than lead and stay that way longer. It is also soft enough to easily work with. That and the fact that I can melt and mold it at low temperatures.

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Originally Posted by JSmith1983

That is why I started using cerrobend. It seems to shine up brighter than lead and stay that way longer. It is also soft enough to easily work with. That and the fact that I can melt and mold it at low temperatures.

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This is the first I hear of it, it sounds useful indeed.

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Originally Posted by JSmith1983

Well I finally got around to making a set of scales for this one and I am not all that happy with it.

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Man ......... You're not happy with those ! I'm glad I ain't working for you ! ........... :rofl2:

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Originally Posted by Pithor

This is the first I hear of it, it sounds useful indeed.

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It was also known as wood's metal, but the newer stuff is slightly different. It melts at about 160 degrees.

What I understand from reading wikipedia for two minutes is that it is considered somewhat toxic and skin contact should be avoided (it is mentioned that this is mainly when in its molten state, though). But I assume you know what you're working with and how to avoid mishaps.

And one should be plenty careful with regular lead as well. With anything, really. Vapours and dust are usually to be avoided, anywho.