Thread: Are these scales repairable, somehow?

So I'm brand new to straight razor shaving (I haven't even had my first shave with a straight yet!!). I've been traditional wetshaving with a DE for a couple months now, so hopefully it's not too much of a transition. I have a shave ready razor from the classifieds on the way, but somehow I got this idea in my head that I wanted to snag some good deals on ebay on some razors I could clean up. I really like the idea of cleaning up and honing some razors. I've got a chinese 12k, and a norton 4k/8k and DMT D8E on the way, so I should be OK to start practicing honing and messing around cleaning up some blades. Anyway, I've got some extra money to bid on some relatively inexpensive razors with some of the guidelines in mind that I've learned here.

On to the real question..

In the heat of the moment, on ebay last night, I was browsing all sorts of search terms and searching all over for an immediate fix to my RAD. Anyway, this baby popped up with like 30 seconds left, so I didn't have time to take too good of a look. I glanced at the first and second pics, saw that the blade looked OK, and from the first picture, I thought the scales were just in a square end, which I actually liked. So, I quickly logged in, placed a bid, and won it. I was so happy! I decided to scroll down and take a closer look at what I bought, and then I noticed the description that the handle was broken My heart sank - what a bonehead move. When my heart starts racing on ebay for stuff that is pretty cheap, I just go crazy. Anyway, what do you guys think of the scales? Any chance of repairing them? The blade does look good, I think. If I can't save the scales somehow, I might just try my hand at making my own, although it will take me forever since I don't have a proper workshop or equipment

I'd love to take a look at em but the link is an invalid item. Scales can be replaced so as long as the blade is solid you should be fine.

Search the ID number and you can find it. It looks like a good find. Scales will definitely need replacing but the blade looks good. Not too bad a catch if you ask me.

Not sure why that link didn't work.

How about this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...E:B:EF:US:1123 ?

Originally Posted by JCitron

Search the ID number and you can find it. It looks like a good find. Scales will definitely need replacing but the blade looks good. Not too bad a catch if you ask me.

Thanks, I feel a bit better hearing that it's not too bad a deal

Would my best bet be to make my own scales? Or maybe to buy a bum blade razor with good scales and attempt a transplant? Is that possible / straightforward? I've viewed Bill's tutorials for making scales, and I think I could pull off something passable, but that would, of course, take a lot of time. I might just need to do something "for now" and then have a longer term plan of making something nice.

The problem with buying an old blade just for the scales is that they may not fit your blade. Now assuming you got a razor with scales that can fit your blade that's probably the cheapest/easiest way to go. Next would be just to make your own, more work but you'll know they fit and the practice will be good. Last you could just send the blade to one of the many restorers on this site and they will make some quality scales and put them on for you.

That last option will probably be the most costly but prettiest option. This is of course given that I don't know your scale making abilities.

A few months ago I saw someone here who made scales out of basswood I believe. Not the prettiest things but I'm sure they were functional.

Thanks for the tips.

You know, we have a 3D printer here at work...

Hmmmm...

I could make any design/emboss/etc imaginable, lol. The material isn't the best when it comes out, but for the time being, it might just be passable.

Dovo? etc. make replacement scales? Don't know what they cost but that might be an option. You'd have to measure to make sure they fit (I think length is the main thing?).



and then there is that thread on here about making scales from G10... those would be almost indestructible.

I found the background in DE shaving helped with the transition to straights in that I was already well versed in prep, lathering and the multiple pass shaving technique. Less to learn all at once. Following Lynn's advice in this post also eased me into the transition gently.

If I had that razor coming I would forward it to Glen to put scales on it and hone it up. I did the same thing that you are doing. I got the hones and some ebay specials and taught myself with the help of the forum and some individual members. I haven't tackled making or replacing scales yet though.

Originally Posted by Quick

Dovo? etc. make replacement scales? Don't know what they cost but that might be an option. You'd have to measure to make sure they fit (I think length is the main thing?).



and then there is that thread on here about making scales from G10... those would be almost indestructible.

No kidding, I had no idea you could just buy a set of dovo scales like that. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post vendors here, but I've found some, and the price is reasonable.

Once I get the razor in and take a closer look at what I'm working with, and then I'll evaluate my options from there. I was initially a little discouraged, but now I'm kind of excited. There's more options than I thought!