Thread: Scale material question

Hi folks,
I have a question about the material of the scales on my first junk shop restore:
The material is brownish black and the surface is dry. When sanded lightly with 1000 grit, the result is a rust colored dust.
What is it? hard rubber, composite??
Blade :J.A HENCKLES/ SOLINGEN -12. Not marked Germany. 6/8ths
Any one know the age??

~Geezer

A picture would be helpful. It might be rubber, or it could be bakelite, or it could be something else.

A couple photos:
Hope this helps, Is it worth saving the scales? Would this be better scale off restore? Would this be better re-scaled fancy?
~Geezer

Looks like oxidized Bakelite, Vulcanite etc:
Smell is the real clue...

Some of those can be brought back to life, but it is usually more work then making new ones

I have never really had them come out great, unless they were off the razor... You also have to have the right sandpaper (micromesh) to make them really shine again after the cleaning grits, then some polish after that ...

Keep in mind I am only speaking from what I see and experience with these types..If they were in my hands I might very well speak differently...

Thanks Glen,
I am doing all by hand so far. Ain't Micromesh wonderful! I started with MX80 on the blade and am up to...MX120. I think that I will probably remove the scales and do a bang-up job on the blade. There are only a couple tiny pits left but I think the time has come to stop.
Is it worth it to really go all out on this blade to make a good shaver? There is almost no hone wear on the spine.
The year of manufacture would help a lot?
Thank you again!
~Richard

The Henckels name is one that is well known and respected as a quality razor. I would tend to put more effort into a razor with that name.

As to age or year of mfg we can only guess. The Henckels company, which still exists, has not, so far, given us any info on the straight razors.

Thanks to all! Since I broke one scale and it not in the best of shape, I intend to finish the blade and see to new scales for it and have some on order from a sponsor.
Have fun! I am.
~Richard

Good to hear that you are replacing the scales, that's a good blade and deserves and good set of scales. Take this time to really get that blade in good order before you repin it. I look forward to seeing it finished, your clean-up is going well by the pics posted...

Still awaiting the scales but here it is ready to buff. I left the few minor pits. Mostly done by hand to 12k Micro-mesh
~Richard

Wow! Now I know you have to be proud! Looks great, especially if you look at what you started with...