Thread: Replacement scale washer question

I have a Sheffield Bengall SR that had cracked horn scales. I decided to re-scale the blade with run of the mill acrylic/plastic scales. The pinning hardware has rosettes and tiny washers. My question is: do you need washers? Can you re-scale without washers? What is the advantage or disadvantage of using or not using washers?

FYI: This is my first replacement scale job on a vintage razor.

You can rescale without washers, that's how alot of ivory was from what I have read. I did some clear scales without washers. Is there any advantage? None that I could see really. I think if done well it looks nice

The advantage I can see with using the "inner" washers is that it would help distribute the load that the washer puts on the scales. Especially with the domed type of washer. You either have all the load on the outside edge or with the inner washers it would spread the load evenly across the whole washer.
Just my thoughts...

The washers are designed to keep from crushing the collar, and to keep the edges of the collars from digging into the scales.
You might have to lightly sand the bottoms of the collars, some have a sharp edge to them.

Nice razor, Whiz! I like the color of the scales, even if the material is run of the mill.

Do you mean no washers at all, just the bare pin peened right to the scales like is common with ivory? That's a nice look and requires some careful peening.

Or do you mean just the rosettes without the support washer underneath? I think you need those for support as stated above. You'll never see them and I figure it can't hurt to have them in there. You'll risk crushing rosettes otherwise

Good question Tuzi, I was taking it as no washers at all. Like ivory.

I thought the washers fit on the inside between the tang and the scales...and the rosette was on the outside...and you peen the pin over the rosette. Maybe I am overthinking this...

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

Nice razor, Whiz! I like the color of the scales, even if the material is run of the mill.

Do you mean no washers at all, just the bare pin peened right to the scales like is common with ivory? That's a nice look and requires some careful peening.

Or do you mean just the rosettes without the support washer underneath? I think you need those for support as stated above. You'll never see them and I figure it can't hurt to have them in there. You'll risk crushing rosettes otherwise

Do you mean the tiny washer fits right under the rosettes on the outside? And then there is no washer between the tang and the scales on the inside?

Whiz check it out.. standard set up for using domed rosettes..

You want the smaller washers between the rosettes and the scales on the outside. The larger inner washers are optional. Blue line of course would be the blade.

You beat me to it, Matt! Aw, what the heck I'll put it here anyways.