Hi all
if I change the old scales for new wood ones
will it devalue the razor when I come to resale
or is it best to leave the old ones on
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Hi all
if I change the old scales for new wood ones
will it devalue the razor when I come to resale
or is it best to leave the old ones on
Razors are not investment pieces, so whether you replace scales or not is, imho, immaterial.
However, if the razor is one from a bygone era that has historical appeal and the scales can be saved, then keep the scales. Purely to preserve authenticity.
If the scales are causing cell rot, change them out to save the blade.
If the razor is a normal generic mass produced razor then it won't make any difference to the value whether the scales are changed or not.
*all the above in my opinion.
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.
I don't know why exactly vintage razors are not viewed as antiques (the ones which are) and treated as such. With antique restoration every effort is made to remain true to the original.
If you are just becoming interested in straight razors, I wonder why you are already thinking of resale?
In vintage razors wood scales seem to be found only in farmer rescaled razors. It is the chemical finishes that have made wood more practical in a wet environment, like super glue.
If you have off gassing celluloid, you could use acrylic to replace the scales. If the scales have a crazy color or sparkles or whatever, you can probably find something parallel in modern materials.
With a custom razor, any choice of scale material is cool.
Finally, if you replace scales, keep anything that is not destroyed by unpinning.
How about you stop all the guessing and post a pic of the razor in question :p
We all love razor pics anyway but the correct answer is "maybe it will maybe it won't, it might even increase the value"
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 :D
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:)
The only time I replace scales, is when their broken beyond repair, or missing all altogether. I have only made them from various woods at this time. But have made a few from broken horn scales, that would fit another blade.
(Broken at wedge or pivot)
To broad of question. For a good answer be way more specific and include pictures.Quote:
Originally Posted by bobby66
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
Don’t listen to these guys, bolt on those popsicle sticks and color them with Crayola.
Post a pic, if you want a real answer…
What he said! ^
Hi guys
just tuck some pics
but don't know how to
attach to post
If the pix are on your computer it is easy. If they are on your phone you are on your own. Make a post, in the lower right hand corner click 'go advanced'.
Scroll down below the text box and you will see 'manage attachments'. Click on that and a box will pop up. Click on basic uploader.
When that comes up if you have more than one photo click the + sign and next to it will be 'browse'.
Click browse and your files will be accessible. Go to where you put the pix, presumably 'photos' ........... and highlight the photo and click 'open'. Repeat on each browse button until you have the desired quantity. You're allowed 5 per post.
In the little thing that contains the thumbnails at the bottom of the box click 'insert inline', and then Done. Simple as that ....... :gl:
What did you take the pic with? Phone?
If phone, here is a thread to look at: http://straightrazorpalace.com/site-...post-pics.html
Would popsicle sticks from a traditional flavored water popsicle be better, or ones from a something like, say, a frozen fruit juice popsicle?Quote:
Originally Posted by Euclid440
Oh, exotics like mango, kiwi and passion fruit are so much more… exotic than Red Death, Green lime or Orange.
Walk on the wild side, hell run…
Thats funny...Quote:
Originally Posted by Euclid440
Thats what i use as a reference for thickness of scales when I sand them.... And a set of calipers [emoji6]
They gotts ta be thin..[emoji1]
Hi
yes with my phone
I will have look and try a bit later as I am still at
workAttachment 221645
not very good were the nose goes is a bit chipped
Attachment 221647Here go pic 2
I made a bit of a mess of it tapping out pin brill
turned it over o no
[ATTACH=CONFIG]2
21648[/ATTACH]
this one if it is the right pic I think it is bone
it has a split in it
my fave One at the minute ,
No Ron one this has some gold crests and it looks like it may be so acid eched
Sorry if I am making a hash out of this its just getting use to how do things
The broken ones need to be replaced, obviously
The others maybe just sanded and cleaned, really hard to tell how bad the chip in the end is...
But
The bone, if that is what they are is as fragile if not more fragile then the horn (?????) was, so taking them apart might cause another set to be needed..
Looks like you have a bit of work to do there
Mod Edit: Moved thread to the Workshop where you will get even more help about doing this
If you are going to attempt this yourself,,, which you actually never mentioned, which is why I read this thinking Huh ????
Quote:
Originally Posted by WW243
here is a good place to start and learn how to do them right..
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html
Attachment 221654Let's try one more
this one I think is bone it has a split
and the blade is a bit lose
So don't know if it can be make to look good again
or if I will have to put new ones on
sorry if that are messy but first time
sorry for may spelling I am dislexic
bobby66
Thanks for that just wot I was looking for 6 months of looking
and now it is only ever click a way
many thanks nice one else pix6gun
Fixing a crack like that in Bone can be done using Epoxy
Honestly doing it right is about as much work as making new ones for me.. You can buy Camel Bone blanks and sometimes even scale blanks on Ebay
Personally before you start spending money on ebay trying to do it yourself I would at least get a Bid from CelticCrusader aka Jamie who is in the UK and knows what the heck he is doing... That way you have a basis of what it entails and the cost
Sometimes if you figure it out having one of us that does it professionally do it compared to getting all the supplies and trying to do it yourself, it just makes sense to have it done
I often compare it to changing my own oil in the cars, :p
I say cut off the cracked end of the scales, and then cut the blade down to a shorty to fit the scales.
Perfect solution.
- Aldwyn <--- not pushing his shorty agenda at all! Really!
It looks like the razors are salvageable, they are not high dollar value razors but can be made to be good shavers. Serviceable scales can be made from wood or any number of plastics for minimal cost, I would recommend using the existing scales as a template, whether you make them or have them done.
When you unpin a razor, it is always safer to drill one side then, lift the scale, and blade off the pin, rather than driving the pin through. Often the pins are bent and will crack the scale on the back side if you force them.
Before you send the razors out to be cleaned and re scaled it might be more cost effective to purchase a Shave Ready Razor from the Classifieds. Often there are very good razors in the 50 -100 price range that are ready to shave.
To answer your original question, it depends on what the original scales are made of or if they are unique style, design or material to that razor. But if they are broken, it does not matter. Some exotic woods are beautiful and can and do enhance a razors appearance and potentially its value. Value is very subjective and in the eye of the purchaser.
First learn to shave and maintain a shave ready razor, then depending on your skills and tools available, decide how much time and money you are willing to invest to maintain and restore razors.
Lastly, buy razors in the best condition you can afford, it is often cheaper in the long run.
I stopped last night to get some leather to make a belt. I walked out of the store $70 poorer. I better end up with a nice belt! I will have fun learning though.
After the pictures I think there is nothing to loose by putting on new scales. Even if they are a mediocre first try they can always be replaced also. I have never hurt the blade itself with different scales.
