Thread: Made my first custom scales

I'm rather new to this art, but I had a vintage straight that I bought at an antique store that didn't have the original scales. The ones on it weren't even the right length, and the toe would hit the wedge when closing, and had to be carefully slid under the wedge. So, I decided to give it a try. I scored some scrap Koa wood from a local vendor fairly cheap (for Koa, that is) and didn't do too bad.

Here is the result.



Nice looking, and happens to be my best shaver at the moment as well.

For those curious, it's an Allegheny Instrument Corporation blade. I don't know much about them, other than they made surgical instruments too, I think, and were only in business until around 1940.

Looks Great WW, it's a keeper now. Nice Job.

Looks good. Beehive pins? I hope mine turns out as nice. Not crazy about the stain yet.

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Brass pins with bullseye washers. I didn't stain mine, just rubbed a few coats of teak oil.

I love that wood. I cannot tell from the pictures the scale to tang transition in size. when making your own scales that is one area that often does not get enough attention. It needs to transition nicely so it is not difficult to handle and flip while stropping. They look like a decent set of scales. Welcome to restoring.

Very nice for your 1st attempt. Well done!!

I didn't know what I was really doing. I had bought a set of replacement scales on eBay that were made out of wood, and when I put them on I managed to crack one of them, and they were way too big and long for my blade. That's what prompted me to try making my own. I looked at a few of my other razors and tried to eyeball the distances and ratios that were there, watched a couple YouTube videos, then just "winged it".

I'm happy with how they turned out, and they are comfortable while shaving and stropping, which was the important part for me.

I have another razor with crappy scales, so I may try it again.

Awesome first set, good pin work too.
Each set you do ,only gets better.

Very nice - that is beautiful wood! I like the pins with the bullseye washer!

Adam

Very nice, WWRSD!