Would you replace the scales?

I've picked up a few eBay razors these past few days. No high dollar purchases, more run-of-the-mill types with either black, white, or yellow celluloid or some other material scales. Most of the razors though are certainly vintage...call it around 100 years.

My question is: would you consider replacing the scales on vintage razors or would you think it destroys the vintage quality? Keep in mind most of these razors were very inexpensive ebay grabs so it's not like I'm preserving museum pieces here. I simply think I'd enjoy the razor(s) more if they had nicer scales.

Opinions wanted.

bill

If you would enjoy them more, then go for it.

Personally, I'd only replace broken scales. I tend to like the conservative, vintage look even with custom scales.

I would not replace original scales unless they were damaged
Others will say if there at all usable keep them

Its thempting when just starting to just replace all the bland scales, but if you ever decide to sell original scales are usually a better deal(unless its real good custom work)

Its your razors do what you wish. But please dont replace with the boring premade ones

Depends on the razors. The only time I'd NOT replace the scales is if they were near perfect/could be restored to that condition (no warps, cracks, chips, holes, etc.), or if the scales/scales+razor combination were rare and valuable. That's just me though. There are "collectors" out there who think a razor can be valuable with the most messed up scales possible... good luck finding them when it comes to selling!

I think this really depends on your skill at making scales. I agree with Philadeph, those scales better be perfect for me to keep an original set. Its too easy to make new ones for me to put up with cracked, pitted, or warped originals.

If it will put you at ease at all, a lot of the "original" scales you find on old razors are not the original scales. These were tools, not collectable froo-froo high and mighty doo-dads. If the original scales went wonky for any reason, a guy would just swap it out with whatever was handy, probably from another razor that had a busted blade. People didn't used to throw things away at the drop of a hat. Things were re-used, recycled, and re-purposed all the time and it didn't matter if the new scales matched the original or not.

If they look horrible, then replace them.

There's no sense in keeping something that's "vintage" if it looks like junk.

There's a fine line between vintage and "junk". Think of those old pair of jeans that you put holes in from wresting with your cousins and flying off ATV's vs. those jeans you can buy at Abercrombie. lol

Kidding of course, but the point is vintage scales should still be appealing to some degree.

If your fairly new to straights I say dont rush into anything. My taste now is completely different now to what it was in say my first 6 months. I dont really believe in regret, but if given the option now, there are things I wouldnt do again.
Grant

I think the consensus opinion is that if the vintage scales are in good shape, don't upset the vintage part of it. After a number of reads, I'm in agreement and won't be replacing them.

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Originally Posted by Philadelph

Depends on the razors. The only time I'd NOT replace the scales is if they were near perfect/could be restored to that condition (no warps, cracks, chips, holes, etc.), or if the scales/scales+razor combination were rare and valuable. That's just me though. There are "collectors" out there who think a razor can be valuable with the most messed up scales possible... good luck finding them when it comes to selling!

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+1. Razors are all about blades. Sure, if the scales are indeed mint, keep them. But if they are not, then just get rid of them.

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Originally Posted by holli4pirating

If you would enjoy them more, then go for it.

Personally, I'd only replace broken scales. I tend to like the conservative, vintage look even with custom scales.

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+1. My attitude in a nutshell.

sure but only if they are good shavers makes no sense to waste money on nice handles if they dont give a good shave

I replace the scales on most of my razors to something that looks a little nicer. Having said that, none of my razors came with fancy scales or are hugely collectible. I like personalising and restoring old things, that is one of the reasons I got into straights. Unless the removing the scales dramatically reduces the razors value I say go for it.

I would probably plan to replace them but never do it. The second razor I bought was a Wapienica. I looked at it and said, "Those sterile, heavy scales have got to go." When it came right down to it, I just couldn't bring myself to change them. I have a nice old W&B with horn scales. They're old, dull, chipped. I just can't destroy such nice old work. My first razor, a Revisor had beautiful black scales that just had to go. They were cracked at the pivot and I had no choice. Undream replaced them for me at th Michigan meet this past summer. They're gorgeous. I highly recommend his work. (But I still haven't had the heart to throw out the old ones).

It depends on several factors:
a) Are the razors outstanding shavers? If not; forget them.
b) Are the scales warped or otherwise damaged?
If you answer yes to the questions above; go ahead.
(Posting pictures makes it easier to answer.)

I have had scales replaced by Glen (gssixgun) and Max (Maximilan).
They both did outstanding work.

I think what is at the core of your question is what is your romance in straight razor shaving.

1. Is it the process of using a straight razor and any good one will suffice?
2. Is it the process of using vintage steel?
3. Is it the process of using a vintage razor in its entirety - scales and all?

Maybe it is a mix of all three?

When you figure that out, you can answer your own question.

Personally, I would only replace broken scales - but that is because it is about number 3 for me with a touch of 1.