Thread: help problem with scales

Ebay str8 problem the blade is in very good condition but the scales from what i see are warped, just like another str8 i got of ebay.I tried to straighten the sclaes on my other ebay razor with same problem as this 1.I heated the scales with a hair dryer with some q tips in between the scales and ran under cold water.It looked okay but the razor wont stand horizontaly on the scales like the pic of the white razor 1 side side of scale seems to sit higher than the other what is causing this is it the pins or am i out of luck and have to replace the sclaes. the razor's overall is in very good condition i would really like to keep the original scales any advice.

Could be a few different problems, which I can't determine from the pics...

1. The pivot pin is not straight, look at the razor from the pivot end and see if the ends of the scales are even... Solution, re-pin, or perhaps if yer really lucky you can tap them straight by gently tightening the pin at an angle...
2. The scales are warped lengthwise from the heat of the blow dryer... Solution, new scales
3. The bottom edges of the scales are to angled or rounded to allow the razor to sit... Solution, None, that's the way it was made...

I am very hesitant about using the blowdryer technique to straighten scales, I personally think that it lends itself to more warping..
I would suggest the oven baking method or the boiling water method as I believe that you have better temperature control....
Note: If you do not unpin the scales and lay them on a flat surface when you use any of the methods, your chance of success diminish rapidly...
If I remember correctly Traveler 'Gary" had a thread on here about using Popsicle sticks and wire to straighten scales too....

I think with celluloid once they are warped, unless they are really special the work isn't worth the result. Its just easier to replace them. About the only method that has worked for me is steam, you can control it all the way and make quick adjustments if required and you have it close by. Just a stiffening material inside the scales and steam like from a hot pot is all you need. However in your case if the pin is off thats another issue.