Thread: forgive me please. dumb Q about liners.

I love to look through the back posts of custom and restore pics. I see brass liners pop up from time to time. Are they just for looks? Must say, they do look fine.

Everyone makes scales from their own inspirations, so I'll provide 'my' input.

Liners are great to use when using a material that wont be strong in the approx 1/2"x6" that finished scales end up at. When using a weaker wood, having liners at inboard, and coating the outboard, the finished scales are very strong.

Same holds true if doing a mixed media like gold flakes with epoxy resin. (ok, that's my trick, lol) The brass does add weight, so need to make the scales as streamlined as possible. You wont want to have a hollow grind with large scales. You can do a hollow with brass liners, sleek scales and have balance nice.

Liners are also popular when doing something like mother of pearl that requires multi panels. When pined to a liner, it makes a secure, although heavy, scale.

To do only for looks, IMO, is not a good approach. When done for a purpose, it makes sense.

Most cases that need liners, I like using g10. Most applications when using liners, epoxy resin is also used and that is a natural to stick together. May not be as sexy as brass, but I feel the function is better in most uses.

I use liners to add stability just as Dirtychrome stated above. However I like to put the metal on the outside and the wood on the inside.

BTW I'd love to see a pic of your gold flakes and epoxy resin Dirtychrome!

Originally Posted by tumtatty

...BTW I'd love to see a pic of your gold flakes and epoxy resin Dirtychrome!

I have a blast doing these. Once you get the technique nailed down, it comes together very nice.

This Joseph Elliot feels so great in hand. Nice balance and great shave
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ph-elliot.html


This is another that I did for someone else. The owner's spouse liked so much, she tucked it away so wouldn't get sold, lol
http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ld-scales.html

Can you use brass liners on ivory scales to make sure cracks don't grow

Originally Posted by Alucard73

Can you use brass liners on ivory scales to make sure cracks don't grow

Suppose you could put liners on ivory, but think would have little effect on the crack

Seems like cracks in ivory get to a certain length, and stop growing by itself.

IMO, one of the lovely characteristics of ivory is how thin and light it is. If a crack had to be stabilized, I would use some epoxy on the backside of the crack, after cutting a small grove in the crack. The grove will provide more surface area for the epoxy to stick.

Epoxy on the back should stop the crack growing the same as being epoxied to brass liner would i just never thought of doing it that way thanks for your help