Thread: do I need a bow in my scales?

I am working on some new ziricote scales for a Koken razor, and could use some advice. The scales are currently 3/16" thick, and need to be rounded and smoothed around the edges. Right now they are pretty stiff, and I am worried about the tang fitting between them while the spine at the end of the toe is able to stop the blade from passing through and exposing the edge while folded. Do I need to go thinner, to 1/8" or so, or can I soak in wood to increase flexibility, is there something I can do with the shape of the wedge to help, or should I put in a stop pin for the tang?

I just made my first set (out of walnut), and the general consensus is that 1/8" is just right. I haven't pinned mine yet so I can't promise anything, but with a properly done wedge it should work out just fine.

A 3rd pin is always a classy option too, and good looking in my opinion.

I just completed set out of 1/16 G10 circuit board. 3/16's is a little beefy. In my opinion you should start with 1/8th wood and then you would be slightly under when finished. I just waxed the tangs on the razors I made with wood scales they were sticking to the finish inside the scales.

Here is a very good explanation sent me by Otis on the wedge fitting and pinning.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...-new-post.html

You might really want to do some browsing in here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

There are quite a few guides in there including a few illustrated ones from start to finish on how to make scales

thanks for the links. I will continue sanding down the thickness and use the tips on wedge shape. I need some new wood, all my stuff is too thick and too short, for knife handles, not razors.

They sound a bit on the generous size, but I have seen them that thick. A third or "plug/spacer" pinning can help by opening them up to a predetermined angle before the pivot pinning shuts them down again.

I've seen them that thick too... but never liked them. 3/16" is just waaaay too thick to look decent on a razor IMHO. I prefer around 1/16" in terms of looks, but with a lot of woods that is too thin to be stable. 1/8" should be a good starting place for you.