Thread: First Time Building Scales

I took a stab at building some scales and finished them up this weekend. The originals were in bad shape, warped, chipped and cracked in places. Here is the final product.

Good effort, looks good.

Well for a first attempt they look pretty good in terms of overall shape and they look as though the blade sits comfortably. How satisfied are you with the scale thickness - I can't tell from the photo?

A couple of points:

Have you used any finishing product on them - I tend to use a finishing oil with hardner but this is best applied before assembly so that you can get behind the pivot area.
Personally I'd have gone with a slightly smaller washer - if you look at old razors the washers are not much wider than the peened area.

These are small points and not intended as criticisms - my first effort was nowhere near as good.

Overall shape is close, but could be a bit thinner at the pivot point area. I agree with you needing to put a finish on the oak as it will help to protect it and keep it from absorbing water while shaving & holding moisture near your blade...you know where that would go. Good first go though!

Looking good, I'd make the pivot end a bit narrower for smoother transition to the razor tang and more comfortable grip while stropping.

I am pretty satisfied w/ the scale thickness, came out w/ good balance overall, I used a matte finish poly urethane on the oak before assembly. As far as the washers go, therse were the smallest I could find at my local hardware store where I also got the 1/16" brass stock for the pins. Never fully satisfied w/ my work. Am my own biggest critic. Might disassemble find some smaller washers and put a thicker finish on them and reassemble.

Originally Posted by ARrazorback

I am pretty satisfied w/ the scale thickness, came out w/ good balance overall, I used a matte finish poly urethane on the oak before assembly. As far as the washers go, therse were the smallest I could find at my local hardware store where I also got the 1/16" brass stock for the pins. Never fully satisfied w/ my work. Am my own biggest critic. Might disassemble find some smaller washers and put a thicker finish on them and reassemble.

Nice job, espesially on your first set!

Here's where you'll find the needed washers, pins etc. The fancy domed ones that you see can be made at home!
http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

Just scroll down from Bruno's introduction and you'll find it under scales.

Again nice job!