Thread: Scale material and length question

So I have embarked on making my own razor, I started with o1 steel and now have two RSO's. I put the blades to paper and traced them and came up with scale designs. I now have two issues, 1 I can not seem to settle on a scale material and 2 it appears that the pieces I find on line are all smaller than what my drawings show I should need. Basically one of the acrylics I like was available in I believe 5" long scales and what I will need to make are over 5". I believe closer to 5.5" maybe slightly bigger. I have a picture of my thoughts on design and this is what the blades are traced exactly. I appreciate any guidance as I am kinda lost. Thanks all in advance.

It appears that the pin may be too close to the toe of the blade. It looks like the wedge or pin may interfere with the blade. Sorry that this is not the answer to your question.

Originally Posted by Quixoticshaver

It appears that the pin may be too close to the toe of the blade. It looks like the wedge or pin may interfere with the blade. Sorry that this is not the answer to your question.

Well that is great you point that out though I have no material on hand to start making the scales yet as I can not decide ;D I pretty much just put a dot in that spot to get an idea but I will most certainly watch for that when the time comes.

I buy all of my blanks based on needing 6" of material. Often there is a tiny bit left over.

I guess that I where I am getting a bit lost. I would love to have 6" pieces but everything I have found so far has been only 5". I have never had to order handle material of any kind so I don't know if I can make custom length orders? I have been looking on places like Jantz and I believe Texas Knife maker supplies. The only thing I could find that was bigger was a sheet of some ridiculous colors I would not make anything with. Thanks RezDog for the input

Try for 1.5 x 6 inches 1 x 6 will also work but you have to be more careful and have less adjustment to get the best parts of the Design/Grain

If the stock is less then 6 inches it will only fit the smallest of razors, Pen Blanks do NOT work

Also just a hint, the pivot area is highly critical for design, you want there to be a smooth transition between the Tang and Scales at that point or the razor will strop badly,, Look at how the Vintage razors were made, those old farts knew a thing or two..

Try search 160x60 scales on the bay you may have some luck
I get my horn in this size from a couple of sellers

Thank you for the information, I will take extra care when making the scales and make sure I am right on with that area. Really a bummer I have found some really neat materials just wont be able to utilize them this round, have to wait until I go with a shorter razor. Thanks again gssixgun

Originally Posted by Substance

Try search 160x60 scales on the bay you may have some luck
I get my horn in this size from a couple of sellers

I will give that a shot and see what I can find, I usually just hate ebay but if I must, I must Thank you for the assistance Substance.

Masecraft & usknifemaker also have materials as an option