Thread: Good Idea/Bad Idea?

Originally Posted by khaos

Can someone please explain why I can't use a solid? If an expert says so I won't disagree, I'm just curious why?

Would you even be able to drill the pivot holes without shattering the specimen? Just wondering.

Scales have to be able to flex enough for the tang of the blade, when opened and closed, to have enough room to move. Some tangs vary in thickness from the monkey tail to the blade.

That said -- I also have some razors that do not flex scales, because the width of the tang is completely uniform. I think it would be all about finding a blade that would work with completely solid scales.

If you put a brass washer between the tang and scales on each side, it would shield the blade from abrasion with the stone.

I would never say "DON'T DO IT" because, from a selfish standpoint, I'd never see any hand-carved stone razor scale pictures Even if the idea fails, I still want to see your shattered results hehe.

I was thinking about that. I'd take it to a jeweler and fork out for four holes. Shouldn't be too bad. If I ever got that far

Definitely have the holes drilled BEFORE you devote hours and hours shaping it down to scale-size. it will be less likely to crack/shatter.

I mean, jewelers drill holes in smaller gems all the time, like beads and what not. A very high rpm diamond bit cuts clean through basically anything

This still does not solve the two problems I forsee.

1. As previously mentioned by Undream, scales must flex to work properly. I very much doubt anything as brittle as a rock, mineral or gem would hold up to this abuse. I'm sure other scale makers will agree. On the other hand, ambition sometimes triumphs over experience, so don't let us discourage you.

2. The scales will be quite heavy and thus have a tendency to loosen their own pins. It will also be cumbersome to shave with.

If you decide to do it I vote for the malachite.

Just an idea...If you do the mosaic, rather than getting small pieces to use, you should get a larger piece and cut that up into the small pieces so that you can retain the grain pattern.

When ever it's done, do post pictures.

Good luck!

My one friend is a glass working hobbiest I just remembered. It may be easier (and end up pretty cool anyway) as proof of concept to ask him to knock out some solid glass scales and some moasaic-ic-able peices of galss scale and just see if either will work. Unnfortunately we are at different colleges, so it may be a while til I see him.

I say try it. No one can actually say whether something in your head will work or not. Maybe something will work for you that others haven't been able to do. Don't worry about 'wasting' time on it. It will never be a waste because you will learn something. Your first set might not be ideal, but the next will surely be better. I can imagine it working somehow.

Alright. Thanks for all the input guys. just so no ones hopes get too high I said from the beginning this woul dbe long term, but I will definately keep you posted on the progression.