Newbe question: Type of Wood for Scales?

I am in the middle of restoring a Henckles razor and broke the scales when I was un-pinning it to sand the blade. Now I am going to have to make some scales to get it back into condition.

Are there certain types of woods that are better to make scales, or will any wood work as long as it is properly sealed?

I have read the wiki on toxic woods, so I understand the importance of safety when working with those woods on the list.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations of what will look good around a Henckles?

From my personal opinion none, but I will probably be the minority here :)

I would browse the gallery and see what types of wood you like.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hsudandy

I am in the middle of restoring a Henckles razor and broke the scales when I was un-pinning it to sand the blade. Now I am going to have to make some scales to get it back into condition.

Are there certain types of woods that are better to make scales, or will any wood work as long as it is properly sealed?

I have read the wiki on toxic woods, so I understand the importance of safety when working with those woods on the list.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations of what will look good around a Henckles?

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hsudandy

I am in the middle of restoring a Henckles razor and broke the scales when I was un-pinning it to sand the blade. Now I am going to have to make some scales to get it back into condition.

Are there certain types of woods that are better to make scales, or will any wood work as long as it is properly sealed?

I have read the wiki on toxic woods, so I understand the importance of safety when working with those woods on the list.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations of what will look good around a Henckles?

---

I have had good luck with stabilized woods for hunting and kitchen knife handles. Kitchen knives are in pretty demanding situations with frequent use around moisture. I think scales of stabilized wood would be a good candidate for a straight razor, but i'm new here so maybe there's someone with more experience that might be able to help out. good luck!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by cannibal

I have had good luck with stabilized woods for hunting and kitchen knife handles. Kitchen knives are in pretty demanding situations with frequent use around moisture. I think scales of stabilized wood would be a good candidate for a straight razor, but i'm new here so maybe there's someone with more experience that might be able to help out. good luck!

---

What do you mean by "stabilized"? I'm not a woodworker by any means, so maybe this is a dumb question. I'd think any hardwood of appropriate size and age (not green) would serve so long as you took their toxicity into consideration.

Then there are a whole world of celluloid options, plastics, etc. I saw one here on SRP somewhere that a guy made out of an old clip board and a broken tail light lens. There are a world of possibilities.

You can use pretty much whatever you have in mind or come across. If you are considering woods (I happen to like them by the way) you may consider looking at different woodworking stores like Woodworking Plans & Tools | Fine Woodworking Project & Supplies at Woodcraft. They have wood already thinned down to 1/16 & of course other sizes. We talk about woods being toxic, we are talking about the dust generated by sanding. Some woods like cocobolo are a lung irritant and will effect everyone differently. I skipped the mask one day and felt like I had a chest cold for about a week due to the dust. I personally like the oily woods like cocobolo, african ebony, and so on. You can also find "blanks" from knifemaking shops...just watch the lengths from the knife blanks. Good luck and enjoy!

Thanks everyone. There is a Woodcraft just down the road a little ways from my office. I already had plans to go there and look at some different types of wood. I'm thinking cocobolo, black walnut, or quina. Any thoughts? I will likely use any scrap to make a matching brush/razor stand.

Since you have one close...you have all kind of options. There are always scraps/cuts in the back that you can find in "grab-bags". As long as you go with a dense material, you will be ok. Heed the warning on cocabolo inhalation.

Thanks Shooter. I will heed the warnings about cocobolo. Maybe I can get a chance to talk to you a little more or even show you what I've done at the DFW meet up.

Also remember that walnut is an inhalation and skin irritant. I have a lot of trouble when working walnut, but it is nice wood.