Thread: Thoughts on drilling scales on Wapi

I'm considering drilling out the scales on my Wapi to remove some of the weight and improve the balance of the razor. Is this a bad idea? I think if all my razor's were Wapis I wouldn't mind the weight of the scales. However, switching between a full hollow with plastic scales and the Wapi is a bit of an adjustment.

I was thinking 4-6 holes along the centerline of the scales could make a noticable difference while being easier than making new scales and re-pinning the razor.

Thoughts?

It will work. I've tried it and I believe lots of people have had success with it.

It might add to the confort, I guess... However there are pictures in this forum (can't find them now, but a search on Wapi and a little research might find them) that prove that despite the awkward feeling of the metal scales, the Wapi is perfectly balanced.
My thoughts only...

Originally Posted by Philadelph

It will work. I've tried it and I believe lots of people have had success with it.

+1 here been there done that and it works nicely, You need to suport the scales from the inside of course to drill straight through, I used a piece of wood....

Alex and Glen: What methods do you use to drill the stainless scales or is it just as easy as slapping them down on the drill table, taking a metal bit and having at it?

Chris L

That's a great idea. Anybody got pictures of such a beast?

X

Aw, man, this has been on my to do list for over a year. Two things stopped me from just "slapping it down...and having at it." One, I've never drilled stainless and have been warned it's not easy. That alone would not stop me but....Two, I never came up with an elegant way to perfectly center a row of holes along the length of the curved scales.

Does anyone have any bright ideas for a good way to center the holes? I know I could just measure carefully and come up with something adequate but I kept holding off waiting for inspiration for a better way to do it. I also last year PM'ed a couple people who said they had done it to ask their advice and guidance but no one responded.

Also, what is the best drill bit to use on stainless?

Well I used the Non-scientific method....

I put 5 holes of different incremental sizes in the scales starting at the wedge end with the largest, and just eyeballed them using carbide bits in my drill press...

I used a Dremel to smooth out the edges on each hole with the small smooth stone in it and that was it...

I don't think I have the pic anymore, and the razor was given away to a newb in the chat room one night (I am not all that fond of the Wapi for me)

Look at Vald's pics I think he did one too IIRC

Below are a few links I found on re-balancing the Wapi.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wapienica.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...le-weight.html

Comparing my two razors (RAD is still in the early stages) my Wapi balances about 1cm behind the front pin which is almost the end of the tang when the razor is held open like a Japanese razor. My other razor balances right in the middle of the tang between the blades and the scales.

I'm thinking I'll start by scanning an image of the razor and then do the layout on the computer to get everything the way I want it.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

+1 here been there done that and it works nicely, You need to suport the scales from the inside of course to drill straight through, I used a piece of wood....

Thanks for the tidbit above. I probably would have overlooked supporting the scales in the middle.

Actually at this point, making the shim was as far as I got. Not bad progress for a year of good intentions...