Thread: Scale Material Preferences Changing?

I lean toward natural scales. I have one in G-10 I really like. Lots of Celluloid, hard rubber, and Bakelite.
A few I have in wood are a lined one in Cocobolo.

Another in black bog oak. Love that! Just never have been into wood scales much.

But then.....I don't make scales!

I use hard oily woods exclusively right now. I always do a CA finish on them, which is a lot of work and so much can go wrong so quickly, so I've been considering trying out a g10 or a synthetic ivory of some kind. Always steered cleer of bone and horn though, so no real experience or interest there.

I have used kirinite, it looks good in photos but Im not a fan.
Natural materials for me, although horn stinks

1 Horn
2 Bone
3 Synthetic versions of ivory & tortise shell
But definitely naturals or faux naturals on vintage or copies
4 New blades the books are open to woods & synthetics etc

I agree with most of the comments as I tend to like bone, horn, naturals also, but not all of the Kirinite is loud with weird colors. Here is a shot of some Antique Pearl Kirinite.

Originally Posted by MikeT

I prefer natural materials, especially exotic and/or rare/expensive natural materials. That said, some exotic materials are a loaded subject, with mixed feelings..
Not interested in synthetics for vintage.
BUT depending on the application like non-vintage gun stocks/handles, utility knives, etc... Then definitely yes on synthetic.
A 1911 with some kind of ironwood.. Hmmm

If you mean Tortoise, MOP and ivory as exotic materials I think they make the most beautiful scales on vintage razors.

My favorite scale material is plastic, everything from bakelite to modern thermoplastic . Obviously of high quality and ideally with a nice silver inlay.

As far as natural scales go, I really like black horn.

I do not like acrylic. Not sure what Kirnite falls under, but it reminds me of those kitshy looking bowling balls.

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

If you mean Tortoise, MOP and ivory as exotic materials I think they make the most beautiful scales on vintage razors.

They are indeed beautiful, nicest scales I have seen made with that material are those Heljestrands.

This is my Snail Forge 9/8 monster, Brunos razors are not what you call "typical form", they are very modern designs. I think the Kirinite scales look amazing. Same scales on a 1850s Sheffield?...

Totally agree Mark.

I'll have to post a few of the ones I have in Kirinite