Thread: Will replacing scales devalue the razor

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

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

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