Ivory or Wood?

I have an old Hawcroft & Pearson (1835-1844) with genuine ivory scales. One scale is fine. One scale is cracked at both pins. I was toying with the idea of restoring the ivory scales (fiberglass and resin), but I also think wood scales are a nice touch on these old cleaver style razors.

I'd hate to abandon the ivory. Mostly because of my perceived [newbie] view of genuine ivory being rare. Whether or not it really is at all.

So...what do you think of tossing out the ivory?

Is ivory sacred here? (I don't wish to be a razor blasphemer.)

Thanks,
Christopher

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Originally Posted by CJBianco

I have an old Hawcroft & Pearson (1835-1844) with genuine ivory scales. One scale is fine. One scale is cracked at both pins. I was toying with the idea of restoring the ivory scales (fiberglass and resin), but I also think wood scales are a nice touch on these old cleaver style razors.

I'd hate to abandon the ivory. Mostly because of my perceived [newbie] view of genuine ivory being rare. Whether or not it really is at all.

So...what do you think of tossing out the ivory?

Is ivory sacred here? (I don't wish to be a razor blasphemer.)

Thanks,
Christopher

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Never toss ivory- can't it can be carved into something else?

Please don't misunderstand me. I love ivory. I dig it. But the scales are cracked.

(I guess I'm asking for opinions since I can't make my mind on cracked ivory or custom wood.)

Oh, And I believe in recycling too. =)

Thanks,
Christopher

How about making wood scales inlaid with some of that ivory? :shrug: That way, you get the best of both worlds.

I am sure that some of the superb razor resurrectors here can work that magic if you don't want to give it a shot.

Just my $0.02

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Originally Posted by mrbhagwan

How about making wood scales inlaid with some of that ivory? :shrug: That way, you get the best of both worlds.

I am sure that some of the superb razor resurrectors here can work that magic if you don't want to give it a shot.

Just my $0.02

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Awesome idea!

Thanks!

Me =)

I wonder if you could make a "liner" for the cracked scales to add a bit of stability.:shrug:

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Originally Posted by Ookla

I wonder if you could make a "liner" for the cracked scales to add a bit of stability.:shrug:

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I was reading about that. One member made a liner from fiberglass cloth and resin, while another member spoke of the possibility of aluminum. I've read stories of drilling pins on ivory scales, so I'm afraid to try it. Of course, maybe I can contract that part out to a more experienced member. Who knows? So many choices! (But I absolutely LOVE the wood and ivory inlay idea!)

Me

Usually when Ivory cracks all the way through thats the end of it. I have seen people who have done repairs to stabilize the crack and yes they can be used but it usually ain't very pretty if thats a concern to you. You could use a hard wood like ebony as a liner and attach the ivory to that. As long as the crack is clean and the ivory isn't flaking apart. If the crack isn't all the way through some waterproof adhesive that penetrates and is either clear or similar in color would work also.