Thread: Advice needed...

I hope this is the right thread for this question...
So, i bought this 7/8 Fredrick Reynolds awhile back and love the shave i get from it.
It is original throughout with mottled horn scales etc..., but i really hate the feel of the handle (seems to light and delicate for the blade) and it isnt in perfect condition...with minor cracks and weathering in/on the scale.
My question is: Should i replace the scales, what would you guys used for such a big blade...or would you just leave it the way it is?

Those are tortoise scales (like real tortoise, not celluloid done up to look like tortoise).

Cosmetic damage can be sanded and buffed out. I would strongly consider keeping them. Much like ivory, tortoise shell is now a very highly regulated material and this means, for all intents and puposes, your scales are irreplaceable.

Originally Posted by floppyshoes

Those are tortoise scales (like real tortoise, not celluloid done up to look like tortoise).

Cosmetic damage can be sanded and buffed out. I would strongly consider keeping them. Much like ivory, tortoise shell is now a very highly regulated material and this means, for all intents and puposes, your scales are irreplaceable.

Thanks Dan.
I appreciate the advice. One does wonder, though, why they would put such delicate scales on the larger blades. Im constantly having to be careful when stropping, (big hands).

Mac

Originally Posted by floppyshoes

Those are tortoise scales (like real tortoise, not celluloid done up to look like tortoise).

I think it is actully mottled horn made to look like tortoise, but could be wrong....

Dave

Just from my own personal experience I have had many razors with the exact same scales. The ones I saw were not tortoise but horn. I still have a few laying around and they are definitely horn. They even bear the same silver inlay.

Could be Dan encountered some that were actually tortoise.

I recently worked on a razor with real tortoise scales. Extremely gorgeous and a big difference with the mottled horn version.

Originally Posted by Maximilian

Just from my own personal experience I have had many razors with the exact same scales. The ones I saw were not tortoise but horn. I still have a few laying around and they are definitely horn. They even bear the same silver inlay.

Could be Dan encountered some that were actually tortoise.

I recently worked on a razor with real tortoise scales. Extremely gorgeous and big difference with the mottled horn version.

Thanks Max,
So IYO, if they are just mottled, horn scales, would you replace them...considering their condition and high-annoyablilty factor? I like bigger, heavier scales.

Mac

Its mottled horn. I would suggest you find someone with real tortoise shell and have them made into scales.

Mac,

having scales replaced is a personal choice and is something you need to decide for yourself.

If you do decide to rescale them I would suggest you have a look at the classifieds under the members services or look around the forum and contact them via PM.

The forum is blessed with some really top notch craftsmen.

Well, i love the blade and shave, but hate the scales, so scales change it is. I think im going to stick with horns, but probably go with elk...brother has alot of those lying around.
Thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.

Mac.