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.

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)

Originally Posted by bobby66

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

To broad of question. For a good answer be way more specific and include pictures.