Replacing scales: when is and when isn't acceptable?

Hi everyone,

Firstly, i'm so glad i have found this site. Shaving has always been a ritualistic kind of deal to me. I enjoy taking that time in the day to really make a good job of something that alot of people find a mundane task! Straight razors are very new to me, although i've wanted one since the age of about 8, so the whole process of getting all the gear i need has been a treat in itself!! I find the restoration of razors of particlar interest.

I was just wondering, is it considered acceptable to replace scales on a razor purely for aesthetic/ personal reasons, even if the current scales are in good condition. Being a cabinet maker, my instant reaction is to want to make a nice set of scales up out of a beautiful timber, and really enjoy undertaking a project that will produce a thing of beauty at the end. I can understand that for some very expensive antiques, trying to rescue original scales would be a main objective, but for something like a dubl duck no1 that was bought for about 20 bucks?...

Your thoughts would be appreciated!!

Thanks guys

Paul

Paul, I'm assuming you're living in a free country so you wouldn't be breaking any laws. As far as we're concerned, as long as you have the will/means, you're not just allowed to, you're encouraged to replace the scales and describe the process in great detail :tu

P.S. Razor boxes and stands would also make great additions to your arsenal :cool:

Edit: I just noticed you had a DD. They get a lot of good press here so you may want t save the scales and offer them to a person who needs a set for his Duck.

Cool!!

Funny you should say that about razor boxes, and stands, I'm thinking about designing and making a wall mountable cabinet to store all the shavers favourate items in! Something in mahogany with a glazed door in could look pretty sweet.

Now that would be a great idea. Make sure you post pics. I'm glad we're getting some new members who know what to do with wood. I'm still struggling lol.

:thinking:
This is a question I have asked myself for a while. I'm glad you brought it up.

Originally, I would only look to replace scales that were broken, warped, no good.
Then I would replace scales on obvious "rescaled" razors.
Then I tinkered with customizing scales that needed a slight repair.

Now I find myself looking at certain razors and thinking that they would look better with a classier set of scales (versus a plastic set that was originally issued).

I use to get a little bent out of shape when I'd see guys replacing scales when the original set was perfect. However, it's your razor. It's really up to you!

The only razors I have trouble replacing the scales on, are OLD 1800's or earlier razors. If the scales are not seriously warped, cracked, or broken in some way, I can not replace them. I like to keep those old blades with original hardware. If I have to, I'll make a new set, but make them to era.

With all this said, I might change my views in a year from now... However, I do not believe I'll ever be able to rip off a good set of scales from a 1700-1800's style razor (unless I'm saving parts for another blade).

I'm interested in what you other guys feel about this....

C utz

I have the very same razor myself that I'm going to get pimped in ebony this year. There's nothing wrong with the scales 'cep dey uhgly. Do it! THat razor sn't much of a collectible like some of the other ducks.

x

I've got a similar approach to Chris':
1) If the scales are good, don't mess with'em (for now)
2) I am working on replacing the broken ones and experimenting with different styles.
3) Once they're all replaced, I'll start going up my rotation and replacing all of the non-customs with one exception (for now)

The simple answer is that its up to you.

If you're doing on a razor you plan to keep, then who cares - its your razor and you can do what you want with it.

If you're doing it for razors that ou want to re-sell, then you should consider what your prospective buyers will want.

If the original scales are very plain, then a nice set of wood scales will jazz the razor up. I've had wood scales put on some razors that had boring scales just for fun and to have something a little different. Its just like customizing a car/motorcycle or re-decorating the house - nice to have a change/something different.

In my view, its a bit of a shame to replace original scales when they're in good shape and have interesting features (for example, scales have nice metalwork on them or are in an interesting celuloid pattern, figured, etc.).

I feel the same way (perhaps more so) about replacing scales made out of natural materials (bone, horn, ivory, etc.) - assuming they're in good shape or could be nicely restored.

If you're interested in resale value, a nice set of original scales - in particular if made of natural materials will often fetch more money than plain new wood scales (if the new scales are fancy - i.e., inlay, metalwork, etc. this may not be the case). However you will destroy the collectability of the razor - and you might want to think about this before removing the original scales.

Having said all this, its really a matter of personal preference - but there is a difference in what you do on your own razors vs. what you do on razors you want to sell.

Yeah i totally agree, i mean if it aint broke don't fix it, or at least spruce it up a little, give it a clean etc!!

I guess i was really talking about razors that might have great steel but naff scales!!!!

Stay tuned for some pics of a razor box!!

As for the wood side of things and how to work with it, and the best 'cut' of wood to use, finishing, tools etc, i'm more than happy to try and help!!!

Thanks guys for your informative replies!!

Pea