I have never been able to make a bit of sense out of razor sales. At this point I have to say maybe, maybe not. I have to agree with Thug, on his points. There are times when it is best to keep the old looking old. Personally I am not wild on many of the newer style scales, but I am one in a very large crown. I prefer the older style of scales with the more traditional materials. That being said there are wood scales out there that have wowed me. It is a blade by blade choice as far as I can tell.