Thread: Paua and other shell scales

If you want pieces large enough for one piece scales, I think you'll have to go with Red Abalone. Those shells can go up to 11 inches in diameter and are very thick and require a lot of grinding (respirators are a MUST). I'm going to be making some one piece abalone scales but it's a bit of a challenge. For a 6/8 razor, you need 5.5" of abalone that's flat and thick enough for scales. Even with large shells, there aren't many pieces of the shell that would work for that.

You won't find pieces of Paua abalone large enough to make one-piece scales. The shells are rather small and thin. They're beautiful but only good for inlay and mosaic work. Abalam is the only option for one piece scales with Paua abalone.

See, that's my thoughts, exactly. The abalone shell averages about 3-4" in diameter. Only about 1 in 10,000 is jem quality, no worm holes, etc. To have a shell that big and that fine must be a rare jem indeed. So how does the Maestro create his Abalone scales? Are they just the Laminate? They aren't described as such, though I've never held one so I don't know.

Red abalone is beautiful as well, though in a different way. Either way, the coloration on these shells is amazing.

A note about safety, some inlay sellers in the USA won't even sell you the shell unless you pick up a respirator or sign a waver. The dust is terrible and it smells like burning hair. mmmmmm, hair.

I suppose I'll give up on the one piece abalone scales then. I thought there was some secret supply of them somewhere.

Can't wait to see those red ones though!

I agree with all comments, finding paua or anything large enough for complete scales is like finding hens teeth.

I'm just going to EXPERIMENT with some paua laminate. It is a cosmetic effect I'm after, I'm not going for the whole shebang, too costly and I would stuff it up too easily.

It might look great or look like Barney Rubbles undies, who knows.

Gary

I think you'll find the alabam composite will make nice scales that look very much like the Maestro's scales.

Robert, you do an awesome job on scales.

The Maestro Abalone is real guys. The tough thing for him right now is MOP. It is really hard to find it in a size large enough for his scales. They are absolutely bootiful as are the Abalone. I have an Abalone right now and although I put it up for sale as alot of guys have told me they don't want to wait for a custom, I may end up keeping it.

If anyone finds some big pieces of MOP, I would definitely be interested in buying some.

I'm not sure that our guys always realize that the cost of some of the scale material can really drive up the price of a razor.

Lynn

PS.......Matt, I'll let you hold a razor if you let me hold a brush.........hahahahaha

Have fun.

Lynn

Lynn, I couldn't remember if it was real abalone or abalam but the abalam looks pretty sweet - not real abalone, though and you're right.... big pieces of shell in either abalone or MOP drive the price of the scales through the roof because they're extremely hard to find. Abalone tend to be larger than pearl oyster shells.

I'll see what I can find out for you, Lynn. Im going to be cutting some shell today.

For those interested, exhibition quality MOP scales in 3" x 1" x 1/8th" sell for over $100 a pair, easily. 3" scales seem to be the common size and these are used mostly for knives or paneled scales. If you factor in the rarity of the 6" scales for a razor, on top of the fact that they are twice as long as the 3" scales, you could be paying hundreds of dollars for materials alone. All of a sudden that $500+ cost of a custom razor seems a little more reasonable, if no more affordable.

Pearl shell laminate scales. Trying to catch the colours is difficult because they keep changing.

Gary