Thread: balanced scales

Hey guys,
I was reading some threads today and came across one talking about the value of center balencing a razor at the tang when the razor is fully extended.
The thread became a bit heated, so I really don't want to start a big row, but I am curious about this.
I've used this as a test on my first two projects to help make sure that my scales aren't way too heavy and thus make the whole thing awkard and difficult (if not dangerious) to use.
I know that the heft and roll (for lack of a better term) is very improtant, but does finding the center balence make for an honest test as well?

In my opinion, not so much. The balance when shaving is completely different. A sense of balance is more valuable when the scales are in the position they would be when using the razor.

I can think of one esteemed restorer that does get them to balance on the tang though. When i asked him why, he explained that many of the vintage blades he's had through his hands balanced that way, so it seemed logical that they should continue to do so after restoration.

It made sense to me, but personally, i feel it's not an essential step towards ultimately creating a well balanced razor.

Before this kicks off, these are merely my opinions, & i have huge respect for the restorers & makers that see balance at the tang the first step towards a balanced razor!

Originally Posted by ben.mid

Before this kicks off, these are merely my opinions, & i have huge respect for the restorers & makers that see balance at the tang the first step towards a balanced razor!

There is the important part,,

Since I know exactly what thread yer talking about, and what happened in it, I will try and clarify...
The other person in that thread went out on a limb that most of us try not to, once you go to the point of saying I AM RIGHT and everyone else is wrong you cross a line...esepcially in the face of 200+ years of vintage razors doing it different..

If you want to see what I was talking about then buy a Wapi or better yet but a TI AOS with SS scales these are unbalanced razors..
Some people build for the beauty of the scales, others build for the function of the razor, some of us try and accomplish both...

Like I said in that thread, if you start at a given point then at least you have a target in mind, Am I right??? it doesn't matter really what I think... I learned restoration/custom from tearing apart 100's of vintage razors, I didn't learn from being a Knifemaker, or from a DVD.... So IMHO if it wasn't done that way on vintage razors, why would you assume you know better????

Most, not all, vintage stuff balances to the tang, or pretty darn close, but don't take my word for it, go check your own razors...

Ah, the esteemed restorer himself!
I do agree. If the balance is way off, then it really is noticeable.
I have a SS Dovo that was my first purchase which demonstrates this. I never use it, & only keep it in these scales as a sign of affection for what it got started.
That said, I think you can have a very well balanced razor, without the balance being perfect at the tang. I did take on board your answer all those posts ago though Glen, & understood why to strive for that first step.

Thanks Ben, I also agree in that it is just a start/target, not the end all be all...

It's also not always possible.
I restored a thick 9/8 meatcleaver for Ivo, and I used a fairly thick stainless hammered end spacer to try and counterbalance some of the weight.

The end result felt very good in my hands (annoyingly good, since I had to return the razor ) but there was no way that I could balance it on the tang so that it would lie on my finger. I've also handled ivory scaled 6/8 wedges that were not balanced at all.

Personally I think that as long as the scales don't out-balance the blade (like the WAPI scales does) the blade will feel ok. Of couse I have not disassembled 100s of vintages, and I generally only work on sheffield razors so I could be missing a bigger picture

Thanks guys. I'm just trying to make my game better, and I don't want to use something that is either false or misleading.

I did check my razors this morning, yes, all of them balanced to the center. (at least the ones with tight pins did )
However, I think more research is in order....looks like I'll just have to convince the wife that I need to go antiquing for more vintage blades.

Glen,

What's your opinion on the origin of vintage balance: intelligent design or coincidence?

I have had a few with very bad balance. A couple of Wapis and a Dovo Micarta. All of them were scale heavy. It made it just a chore to shave with and all have either been rescaled or have left my stable. I'm no expert, but I just rescaled a very lightweight 4/8 and had to keep removing material to get the balance right. I held the unfinished wood together with those microfasteners some folks like to use for the mock up. I'm not terribly pleased with the aesthetics of those scales, but the balance is exactly where I wanted it to be. Regardless of looks, the thing needs to be able to shave nicely.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

Glen,

What's your opinion on the origin of vintage balance: intelligent design or coincidence?

My opinion is trial and error, same as the bevel angle, I am just not convinced that anyone measured jack back then... I think the good ones succeeded, and the not so good ones went outta business...