Shrunken Scales on W.R. Case & Sons Razors: The source of my motivation

Hello all,

I was quite lucky in my procurements when I first decided to get into straight shaving. Much of that can be attributed to this site, and it's wiki, but some of it was also beginners luck.

My first two purchases were actually on ebay, and due to my following the advice I found on here, I was fortunate to obtain two good razors for a song, that were both in excellent condition.

It is my next purchase that is the source of this thread. While shopping, I was able to locate a source with some excellent prospects. This antique shop had a small collection with several Case razors. They had probably three or four Temperites, and around three Blue Points (My guess is that someone found a couple specific razors he liked, and decided to buy extras so that he would have them as needed.). One or two were slightly used, but there were others that were obviously set up for long term storage with an ample application of grease to keep the blades from tarnish or rust.

Knowing that the Temperite met the qualities of a good razor, I looked and noticed that the tip of the blade hit the wedge upon closing. As a still newbie, I didn't know what to make of it, but as someone who has read the wiki, I understood about hone wear, and as a knife admirer I knew a thing or two about blade condition (I was just looking for users). I looked at the other Temperites, and Case razors they had and noticed the same characteristic, so didn't know what to make of it at the time (Later research educated me on the reputation of shrinkage). I knew something wasn't right about the handles, but I also knew that even with that I probably had a good find, so I bought the razor with the understanding that I'd probably have to put new scales on it.

As I was doing my practice run on a Sterling Warranted razor, I happened to be back in that shop and pick up a Blue Point in like condition.

After buying the Temperite, I searched on here and discovered that Case razors have a reputation of shrunken scales. "No problem" I thought, "I'll just make new scales."

Now I'm wondering if the scales are salvageable?

I have no qualms about making new scales, but OTOH it would be nice if these could be kept orriginal since they are in such nice condition. (IMHO, if it weren't for the shrunken scales, they would be mint.)

Can these scales be fixed. Obviously they need to be stretched. The Temperite is more of a problem since the center pin is too close to the tang, and both razors hit the wedge. I know they can be straightened, but that isn't going to be enough to make the blades fit (at least not on the Temperite).

Thanks in advance. :)

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It's not the prettiest option, but I just modified the wedge on my Temperite...

Sometimes if the scales have not gotten too short, the easiest fix is just cutting/filing into the wedge to allow the blade to clear. You can do this while the scales are still intact with a hacksaw blade or a thin file.

Your only option if you want to keep the shrunken scales is to take a very small fine round file and start sanding the wedge between the scales until you have enough clearance for the razor to close whitout hitting the scales. You could also replace the wedge by a shorter one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Maximilian

Your only option if you want to keep the shrunken scales is to take a very small fine round file and start sanding the wedge between the scales until you have enough clearance for the razor to close whitout hitting the scales. You could also replace the wedge by a shorter one.

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Thanks Max (and the others).

I was afraid of that. I might be able to do that with the Blue Point, but the wedge is already cut pretty close to the pin holding it in place. I'll give it a try before taking it apart for a rescale.

I could probably do that with the Temperite, but that still doesn't solve the problem of the center pin. I suppose I could just take it out, but that would leave a ugly hole in the scales.

Looks like it's new scales for both. I've been planning Argentinian Lignum Vitae for the Temperite. Not sure what I'll use for the Blue Point.

I do appreciate the advice. It helped confirm what I was thinking.

Too bad to. It would have been nice to keep them original.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

Sometimes if the scales have not gotten too short, the easiest fix is just cutting/filing into the wedge to allow the blade to clear. You can do this while the scales are still intact with a hacksaw blade or a thin file.

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I did this using a hacksaw blade to a Rising Registered Japanese frameback and it worked out great.