Thread: Horn Scale Thickness

What do you guys prefer for Ox horn thickness? I've got a pair that is almost done with the OD shaping and I will have to start thinning them. In the search I found several different numbers between bone and horn.

Just looking to to nail down a general thickness for Ox horn.

I would think 3/32 to 1/8 would work. So long as they flex enough while opening and closing.

Best place to start is the old ones

Get an idea of what they were thinking when they made them


That being said I target .100 for Horn Scales

Ok, so the original scales, at least when I received the razor, thickness is 0.125" at the pivot and 0.135" at the wedge. Does that seem kosher?

.10 seems thin but, if that's what you recommend Glen, I will go for it.

Originally Posted by ChopperDave

Ok, so the original scales, at least when I received the razor, thickness is 0.25" at the pivot and 0.35" at the wedge. Does that seem kosher?

.10 seems thin but, if that's what you recommend Glen, I will go for it.

That seems very thick.

.10" sounds good to me.
I ordered a set of blonde horn to make some scales with that was 3mm (.11") thick. At .11" they are going to be slightly thicker than the originals, but I'm not thinning them down. I think they will be a nice size once I get them pinned. I don't like really thick scales, but if you have the option to make them a little thicker/sturdier than the originals it seems like a good idea to me.

Originally Posted by RezDog

That seems very thick.

I agree.

A 0.25 inch scale is awfully thick. 1/8 inch is about where I set the saw and sand down from there.

Originally Posted by ChopperDave

Ok, so the original scales, at least when I received the razor, thickness is 0.25" at the pivot and 0.35" at the wedge. Does that seem kosher?

.10 seems thin but, if that's what you recommend Glen, I will go for it.

I think it might have been .125 or.135 ?????


and even that seems on the thick side...

At 1/8 of an inch .125" that is on the outside area of the Vintage scales I have measured,, Depending on material of course the old Ivory is crazy thin, like Bill mentioned down in the .050 realm..
But that 1/10 inch seems to be the sweet spot for most materials to start flexing

You are correct Glen, I didn't even notice my typo.

I must admit too, I have a W&B with horn scales that are rediculously thin but still strong and stable. A little sexy even, if you know what I mean.