Thread: Early razor scales?

I would go for a very slightly curved scale. The straight scales were on certain razors from that period, but I think the slight curvature in the scales suits the aesthetic of the blades with extremely curved spine (see first and third from the bottom on VoidMonster's last photo). Horn is advisable, if you can find a blond horn (any restorer can too). VoidMonster can also give some advice (he has tried many experiments) on using dyes to turn blonde horn into faux tortoise, like they did back then.

Yeah I am having a issue deciding that. First most blades I see from that time have straight scale, but the spine is more straight too. Second I have never made scales before and straight would be easier, plus I like the beveled edges and don't know how I would do that with a curve.

What is your thinking on horn? I do like the tortoise look, but I like the darker and the horn tortoise I have on my Wolstenholm is much lighter.

The more I look at the faux tortoise the less I like the new materials look compared to the real stuff. I think I may look into black horn with brown streaks. It is a similar look color wise as tortoise only not the same pattern. Still not sure about how to add a slight curvature and get the edge look I want.

This is a little pre-emptive of a project I am working on, but below are some detailed scale outlines for pieces around the period of your razor if you are looking for accurate shapes.

I do like those I guess I was still thinking of the flat top beveled sides coffin look. Which would be tough to curve.

Originally Posted by rideon66

I do like those I guess I was still thinking of the flat top beveled sides coffin look. Which would be tough to curve.

You should be able to put a sharp bevel on any of these shapes.

Ok ordered a horn blank 6" X 2" X 1/8". Cut in half should make two scales. Hope the brown and black looks a lot like the middle ones above listed by scienceguy. I was thinking on going with the 4th one down on the scale tracings from scienceguy from the link on the first page. I do like the style and look of the middle ones above though.

Originally Posted by rideon66

Ok ordered a horn blank 6" X 2" X 1/8". Cut in half should make two scales. Hope the brown and black looks a lot like the middle ones above listed by scienceguy. I was thinking on going with the 4th one down on the scale tracings from scienceguy from the link on the first page. I do like the style and look of the middle ones above though.

If it does look like the mottled horn, I'd be very interested as I have not been able to find horn blanks with that pattern. Also make sure you align the scales pivot-to-pivot end and wedge-to-wedge end on the horn blank, so if it warps over time, the warping should be the same and it will compensate.

They are black with brown streaks water buffalo from Maggard. Each one looks different so you never know.
If I am understanding you on cutting the blank. I should have the pivot end from both scales come from the same end of the blank and logically this would be the same for the wedge?
Now this will be first time cutting scales. Is it best to trace the outline from the tracings on the link to the blank cut the blank in half and sand it into the shape/form I want? Only power tool I may use is a dremel.
I will probably saw with a hacksaw. Drilling the pin holes could be interesting. If I mess up I am only out 9bucks so this is a good way for me to start.

Originally Posted by rideon66

They are black with brown streaks water buffalo from Maggard. Each one looks different so you never know.
If I am understanding you on cutting the blank. I should have the pivot end from both scales come from the same end of the blank and logically this would be the same for the wedge?
Now this will be first time cutting scales. Is it best to trace the outline from the tracings on the link to the blank cut the blank in half and sand it into the shape/form I want? Only power tool I may use is a dremel.
I will probably saw with a hacksaw. Drilling the pin holes could be interesting. If I mess up I am only out 9bucks so this is a good way for me to start.

If this is your first set I would recommend going through the information in the Workshop sub-forum on scale making.