Thread: Will replacing scales devalue the razor

Welcome to SRP. It does depend on the razor. In some cases it would be a definite deal breaker for me. OTOH, if the scales are shot it could be an improvement. It also depends on the quality of the workmanship. Clunky crude wood scales are worse than old bug bitten horn with a crack at the wedge end AFAIC.

If it turns out like most new wood scales it doesn't do a thing for the value, plus there isn't any value if that's what your doing, razors are just something you own, ask any of the razor restoring guys, it's not a real money making thing , you can make more collecting aluminum cans , but do as glen said post a picture. Tc

I don't see any need to replace scales unless they are broken or really bad shape, if you buy them with broken scales they are probably already discounted or will be when you point out the damage. Vintage mint/nos razors get the best prices rightfully, all the rest vary a lot.

Are we just seeing how it feels to have a razor and change out the scales?
I'll disagree respectfully with gssixgun. If you actually have a razor and would be making wood scales for the first time, the odds would be very low that you would be increasing the value of the razor.
Here is a Christmas offer for you bobby66. PM me your address and I'll send you a shave ready razor to keep that does not need new scales. They are perfect. Seriously. It is the season.
You do have to be in the U.S. though

Welcome to the forum! Lots of good advice above about your question above. If you have other questions about anything shaving related, you have come to the right place so ask away

Hi
Thanks for the offer very good of you
but I am in the uk
Bobbý66

Hi I will try and take some pics tomorrow
in bed now as I have a 4.o.clock start in the morning
Bobby66

Make your scales first. If you like them better, than change them out. Don't worry about resale. I doubt you will sell unless you collect a pile of them. A reason would hold us over until your pics arrive !

As has been said---- maybe, but maybe not. It really depends on what you have and what condition it is in to start with.
If the razor is for your own use I really wouldn't bother unless the existing ones are useless. Personally I like razors that are either original or true to original type, ie changing a pair of bake lite scales for X X X X X X that was offered with the razor originally would be OK but stripping out a perfectly good pair of horn/bakelite/X X X for Spangly acrylic or whatever would just ruin an otherwise perfectly good razor. However some buyers like the bling. If you are looking to tart up a razor to resell then I think your gains will be minimal.

TBH, all the OP needs do is go to the Fleabay and look at completed listings versus those which never sell.

As has been said, it depends upon the razor. Ebay is not the only place to buy, but recent history is accessible. I saw a toxic green GB the other day on there. Nobody wants to pay a pile for it.
Were it in original horn, would be another story. JMHO