Thread: Scale Proportions

My impression of most of the custom scales is that they are larger and/or thicker than the original scales.

Is this just a reflection of current fashion, is there some other underlying cause, or is it simply my perception from the photos?

Dave

Big Razors need Big Scales.

Generally they are although some are made as replicas of the originals etc..

Wooden scales are chunkier sometimes espescially if not bolstered with a metal liner. Although having said that I do have a beautiful W&B from Urleeebird with very slim kauri scales with alluminum liners.

A big 8/8 needs something to match and currently most Friodurs have generic cheap plastic scales as a standard option.

Gary

I am not sure, but I think you are referring to some scales that look to be darn near 1/4 inch thick.

Guys are making 'em a little thicker cause they are scaredee cats they will break or crack. The thing is... a lot of woods being used lately will break or crack over time unless they have been stabilized.

Stabilized as a short answer is wood that is put in a vacuum chamber under high heat and soaked in several liquids similar to super glue and then allowed to cure. Those would be the layman terms. If any of my wood has not been stabilized, it goes on a liner. That way I can make the scales thinner.

My personal taste is that scales should not really be much over 1/8 of and inch thick, lined or otherwise. There are exceptions, of course.

Stout materials that do not need the stabilization process are bone, ivory, cocobolo, and desert ironwood.

The scales with a CA finish may not need a liner to be on the thin side, but the jury is still out on that one for me.

Bill,

I would think that one important aspect of custom scales would be balance. For instance, if you had a blade for JL, you know, a 20/8, wouldn't that be important?

RT

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

Bill,

I would think that one important aspect of custom scales would be balance. For instance, if you had a blade for JL, you know, a 20/8, wouldn't that be important?

RT

Naw... just lead lined...