Thread: 4/8 Scales

Hey gents. I could use some help. I’ve got 7 4/8’s that I intend to make matching scales for. Mostly because I want to, but also because on some of them, I have to. My Fili for example... scales so warped that unless super focused, you’ll bang the blade on em.

Here they are - 7 great shavers:




Now I know I should just send them out to Tom or Glen, but that’s no fun. I can do this.

I’ve ordered in washers in from Microfasteners, and have pretty much settled on black paper Macarta over either brass or pure nickel. I just never want to rescale these things again, and the nickel or brass should help stop any warping via my neglect.

I figure the spacer will be white Macarta. I was going to use nickel or brass depending on what I lined it with, but that I figure would make em too heavy. In spite of how cool it would look.

So that’s all to say: they are going to have the classic (if not boring) black on white look with a hint of brass or nickel. So what kind of scales should I make for them?!?

Now know this. Just because they are all 4/8’s, they are all different makers so the blades from the pivot pin to the end of the blade varies. Almost by a half inch! So I intend to take away about 1/4” off of the rear of the scales from largest to smallest to avoid seeing huge gaps between the spacer and end of the blade. So a “fat” rear end works for me.

Anyway, here are the candidates:

A:

B:

C:

I love the double pins but, on small scales? What says you? Would love some/any feedback.

c for me with a bit more bow in the middle

What are you doing with the one in the end with the ivory scales? They look to be in good shape? I may have some extraivory scales laying around that may work for the shorter 4/8 blades. I’ll take a look and get back to you if you’re interested in trying to procure enough material to do them all.

Is the one on the right an mk31?

I meant mk30

Tom don't make scales, David......

Lined Micarta scales can be an expensive proposition, I would think.

Why not use G-10? Stuff is almost indestructible.

Meant to say mk30

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Tom don't make scales, David......

Lined Micarta scales can be an expensive proposition, I would think.

Why not use G-10? Stuff is almost indestructible.

I thought you did make scales. Ha.

Anyway, yea, I’ve got G-10. I bought a bunch for this project a while back. I used some of it on a knife of mine and discovered I don’t like it. It feels... cheap compared to paper Macarta. That said - way better grip.

I don’t know what I’m going to do with it now.

As for cost, the materials with a whole heck of a lot of extra is still under 100 bucks. Not free - but not bad. I got to get a sander though... sigh.

Originally Posted by jfk742

What are you doing with the one in the end with the ivory scales? They look to be in good shape? I may have some extraivory scales laying around that may work for the shorter 4/8 blades. I’ll take a look and get back to you if you’re interested in trying to procure enough material to do them all.

Is the one on the right an mk31?

You got a good eye man. Wholly Kaw! Yes, it’s a Swede with some ivory going on. Unfortunately, they aren’t in as good a shape as you think. They have cracks on the pivot pins.

I could fix it, but I want that mk in my little collection. I LOVE the way it shaves. I have a couple of others so I’m good. Tortoise and Ivory. I’m keeping those for display only. Damn I love my mk Swedes!

Tom's got a valid point. G-10 is tough. If you plan on neglecting these razors the G-10 is best. Also goes with the look you are suggesting.
I like scales in pic C. And if you like double wedge pins like I do, don't worry it's not too small. That's perfectly fine.
I also like JFK suggestion, as I really like ivory and try to preserve it, though it is not nearly as tough by far as the G10 or most any wood you might use. So if they will endure environmental stresses, the ivory is not the best option.
Definitely take care in removing the ivory.

Small light weight blades can be a challenge to balance right, so watch your thicknesses, material weights, and size of scales.

Originally Posted by MikeT

Tom's got a valid point. G-10 is tough. If you plan on neglecting these razors the G-10 is best. Also goes with the look you are suggesting.
I like scales in pic C. And if you like double wedge pins like I do, don't worry it's not too small. That's perfectly fine.
I also like JFK suggestion, as I really like ivory and try to preserve it, though it is not nearly as tough by far as the G10 or most any wood you might use. So if they will endure environmental stresses, the ivory is not the best option.
Definitely take care in removing the ivory.

Small light weight blades can be a challenge to balance right, so watch your thicknesses, material weights, and size of scales.

You aren’t kidding lol!

What comes to my mind is with the scales being lined in metal you might have a balance issue. Scales being too heavy. This is a personnal thing. Some dont care about balance much. Another thing is that a thinner (4/8) blade doesnt need wide scales. Too much width in the scales of a 4/8 just isnt right. So a thinner scales (higth) makes for a better look. This can cause an issue with having too much curve to the scale. So double pins on a 4/8 might be a bit too close together. Im liking a squared off end on scales lately. But still rounded a little like the double pinned pic. The standard round ends just dont catch my eye any more. Too plain looking. JMHO.