Thread: 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.

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!

+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.