Thread: Clear scales with photo or printing

Somebody has had to have already tried this.

I want to make clear scales with a photo or printed pattern on the inside so it shows through the scales.

How do I glue of fix the printed image to the scales without ruining it?

What would be the recommended material for the scales. Normally I am a wood guy.

Check out this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...d-friodur.html

That is a set of clear scales he did for me, he has a laser engraving machine. I don't see why you couldnt get a pattern done on the inside of the scales so it shows through but is smooth to the touch.

I have a vintage Novelty Cutlery Co razor with photo scales. On it, the images are attached to a thin brass liner and a clear piece of plastic over top of the photo. You could try using the liner and then pouring a clear epoxy(System 3) over top as well.

Originally Posted by M1ke

Check out this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...d-friodur.html

That is a set of clear scales he did for me, he has a laser engraving machine. I don't see why you couldnt get a pattern done on the inside of the scales so it shows through but is smooth to the touch.

That's cool...

I have been working on a set of scales that are clear acrylic with brass wiring in the middle for design. I basically used a mold 3"W x 6 1/2"L; I literally sewed the wiring through the mold so that it would be suspended in the middle of the mold. Once poured I let harden and then cut the scales from that.

So far they look great, but the mix isnt completely hardening - or at least getting as hard as I think it should be. The material is kinda floppy and I need to attempt again this weekend.

here you can get scales with whatever design you want made in 4 colors or more: Home page you can get your name cut out with a frame around as an ex or your name beeing the scale itself.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

That's cool...

Mr. Tim (oldblades) does amazing work. I haven't gotten anything from him I was not ecstatic about. I love clear scales even without any designs because it shows off the blade, which IMO is the focal point of the razor, its the workhorse. Kindest, i bet if you messaged him you guys might be able to come up with something together.

Below is similar to what I am wanting to achieve.




I guess I could fix them to a liner like you suggested Theseus, but I am concerned that water will get between and eventually ruin it.

My thinking is fixing it to stock clear acrylic. Maybe using CA or a clear epoxy.

My thinking is the epoxy or CA would soak through into the paper or photo and essentially make it water proof / resistant, while fixing it to the clear acrylic.

I am just trying to circumvent a couple weeks worth of trial, error and the expense that goes with it.

Any ideas along this line would be appreciated.

Just get a nice print that you want to use, lay it completely flat, pour liquid acrylic onto it, let it dry and see how it turns out. You can buy the acrylic at most hardware stores or autobody supplies store. The hard part is making sure all of the bubbles are out of the mix after you pour it. If you get some that just wont come to surface just poke them with a very thin sewing needle.