Replicating Intricate Scales or Maybe Restoration

[ppetresen]

My father, who is well aware of my interest in straight razors, recently came by after having unearthed an old razor that belonged to his grandfather. The blade itself is relatively simple 4/8, with just the United Special" brand and stamped "Guaranteed English Steel" and has some minor hone wear and one of the pivot washers is missing which makes the blade swing quite freely.

What is particularly striking, though, is the scales: they appear to be celluloid and are very slightly warped, but nothing that keeps the blade from closing and one of the scale tips on the pivot end is broken or ground off; one side of the scales is fairly plain but the other has a really wonderful intricate design to it that I've never seen before and love. What I'm wondering is this:

1) Is it possible to have the scale replicated (e.g., a mold made and new identical resin scales poured, or even the engraving mirrored so that two complimentary scales could be created)? Is there anyone for hire who does this sort of thing?

2) I have some limited experience restoring other razors, but given the providence of this and the familial history of it I'm a little hesitant to take this on. The restoration (at a glance) doesn't appear complicated: just replace the washer in the scale and clean up the blade, MAYBE attempt to steam the scales straight and flat again. What do people think? Would this be a good candidate to have sent away?

Obviously I know that, at the end of the day, I'm the only one who can decide if it's worth it for me or not, but I'm very interested to hear people's opinions and thoughts on this very cool razor.

Kind regards,
Paul

[BobH]

This might help you reproduce the scales.

https://sharprazorpalace.com/worksho...-progress.html

If you put "casting scales" in the search box there are more threads.

Bob

[ppetresen]

Thanks for that link, Bob, it made for quite a read and utterly convinced me that casting or cloning the scales is a bit of a pipe dream for me at this point, especially since there isn't anything really wrong with the existing ones, I just thought it would be awesome to have another set with the same amazing imagery. Unfortunately, said imagery isn't all that clear in my first post so I took a few better ones to share.

[RayClem]

Since the detail of the scales is so intricate, I suggest that you make a mold of the scales now while you still can. Celluloid does not last forever, so if you take the razor apart for cleaning and polishing, the scales might become damaged. Even if you do not pour a new set of scales now, you will have a mold that will allow you to do so in the future should the scales become damaged.

Of course, if you plan to store the razor in a display case and never use it, then the scales might survive a while longer.

[outback]

As a family heirloom.. I'd leave as is, and never use it. Its family history, don't wipe it away or take the chance of destroying it. It can't be replaced..!!

What I'd give to have my great grandpa's razor.

[RezDog]

It is pretty typical to only have the design on the show side of the scales. Less intricate scales were often done two sided, but every ornate ones like yours, I have seen pictures of a lot of them with one side done. As for restoring it, the scales are a little challenging because there is no pin at the wedge. At best you will get the pivot safely apart. You could repin the pivot with new cup washers, and clean the blade. I also have an heirloom razor that to be 100% functional it needs to have new washers and pins. I am afraid of breaking the scales so my very occasional shave is with slightly loose scales.