Thread: Scale Material Preferences Changing?

I've noticed something interesting about scale material preferences and thought I would share.

I've always thought of horn as the ultimate, followed by unique wood and then Micarta, with bone thrown in here and there.

I have access to some website click data and noticed that 'louder' Kirinite scales were getting more looks and clicks. I was recently speaking with one of the Kirinite folks. Their primary business has been making gun grips from wood, stag antler, etc...

They started making Kirinite to have something different and it took off like wildfire. They told me they think preferences are changing, that the older folks that like the materials I mentioned are passing on and the new generation likes the designs in Kirinite.

I'm open minded on most things, though will have to say that anyone putting loud Kirinite grips on a 1911 Govt Model should be beaten. haha

My preference is still horn or a nice wood, I can't stand seeing a 100 year old Sheffield straight with blinged up Kirinite scales, I just think mutton dressed as lamb.

I do have a Snail Forge with lava flow Kirinite scale that I absolutely love though.

I'll stick with wood, and restoring the original scales.

I think horn, bone, have the most class.

The only scale materials I do not like are are carbon fiber and g10. I do not like the toxicity of the dust of these two.

Like your comments, I like the classic materials. Also, I should note that the data I referred to isn't data from vintage razors, but from new razors and knives.

I don't even know what Kirinite is

I personally prefer natural materials, like horn, bone and wood

But I'm a very old fashioned traditional kinda guy, none of that fancy bling bling stuff for me

I prefer traditional materials as well, but then I also prefer traditional designs for blades. While I think a big old Sheffield wedge would look odd in some bright new material, I'm not sure I'd feel the same about a more modern blade.

So, not really my thing, but if it floats your boat, who am I to object?

You mentioned that they started making gun grips. I had always assumed that Kirinite would have a feel similar to acrylic which can get pretty slick when wet (I think??), but if it's a grip material, then it must surely be, well, grippy? My 1911 gov't has the fugly plastic things that came with it, and could do with replacing...

If it was a new razor id could go with new materials. But vintage should be special. Natural materials. Although i have played with acrylic. But not much.

Originally Posted by TristanLudlow

I don't even know what Kirinite is

Kirinite is what you can see in the photos, its a type of acrylic made in all sorts of weird and wonderful colours.

I prefer bone. It is the easiest to work, lasts forever and looks great.