Thread: Looking for scales, pins, etc.

I have a 6/8 barber's notch "The Celebrated" Wade and Butcher razor that has some pretty bad original scales. There's a chip out of the end, a crack near the chip, and they are very loose, making it precariously dangerous to shave with (I have still shaved with it 3 times anyway, lol). So I would like some nice wood scales for it. I'm looking for redwood scales if possible. I saw some on Invisible Edge in the UK but they don't have them for 6/8 size. Ideally I'd like to get the scales, pins, and any tools I might need for the job. I want to do it myself and learn. Any suggestions? Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

...Shopping List for Micro Fasteners

Bolts: Hex Head Machine Screws - Brass - Micro Fasteners

These HBB00121000-80 x 3/4$ 8.70

Nuts: Hex Nuts - Brass - Micro Fasteners

These as they are easier to use for mock up

HNB00801000-805/32 .046$ 4.10

If you have any intention of using them for real then get these little ones

HNBS0080500-80 scale3/32 .048$ 9.90


Washers: Flat Washers - Brass - Micro Fasteners

Get all these in brass for in and out

FWB0100#0.064 1/8 .017$ 3.80

FWBW0100#0 wide.064 3/16 .017$ 4.40

In SS Flat Washers - Stainless - Micro Fasteners

Get these

FWSS0100#0 Narrow Washer S/S I.D. .062xO.D..125x Thk .017$ 2.20

FWS00100#0$ 2.20

If you are going to actually use these for pivots then you need the wrenchs (2) and you need to call for those they are 3/32 hex these might be listed online now I haven't checked in years...

Copied from some information Glen posted


Category:Repair & Restoration - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Wow, thanks for the great info, Hirlau! Any idea on scales?

Originally Posted by Chreees

Wow, thanks for the great info, Hirlau! Any idea on scales?

Try here:
Masecraft Supply - Online Store

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Try here:
Masecraft Supply - Online Store

Thank you. This has been exactly what I have been looking for, I think. How easy is it to cut them, though?

If anyone has the scales pre-cut that I could just buy, and then also sell me the required pins and tools needed to do the job, I would be more than willing to go that route as well.

Originally Posted by Chreees

Thank you. This has been exactly what I have been looking for, I think. How easy is it to cut them, though?

If anyone has the scales pre-cut that I could just buy, and then also sell me the required pins and tools needed to do the job, I would be more than willing to go that route as well.

I have found that there is quite a difference between ‘enthusiasm’ and ‘lack of patience’.

I have also found that there is great personal satisfaction with making something with your own hands that is priceless!

I would give you my counsel to take your time with learning to pin, it’s not as easy as it seems, even though I’ve been at it for awhile, I still struggle! Find yourself some popcycle sticks or Starbuck stir sticks and practice making pins and pinning to them so you don’t destroy a set of nice scales!!

With all of this said, while they would not be new, they would be in very nice shape I had a friend who ‘may’ provide you with a set of vintage (used) but still in very nice shape for a fee. I can’t tell you what it would be, and I’d be the third party so as not to get him involved.

Go Slow! Be use patience! There is no place for a lack of patience in the world of straight razors!

Originally Posted by cudarunner

I have found that there is quite a difference between ‘enthusiasm’ and ‘lack of patience’.

I have also found that there is great personal satisfaction with making something with your own hands that is priceless!

I would give you my counsel to take your time with learning to pin, it’s not as easy as it seems, even though I’ve been at it for awhile, I still struggle! Find yourself some popcycle sticks or Starbuck stir sticks and practice making pins and pinning to them so you don’t destroy a set of nice scales!!

With all of this said, while they would not be new, they would be in very nice shape I had a friend who ‘may’ provide you with a set of vintage (used) but still in very nice shape for a fee. I can’t tell you what it would be, and I’d be the third party so as not to get him involved.

Go Slow! Be use patience! There is no place for a lack of patience in the world of straight razors!

Thanks! I definitely have the patience. I want to learn, but at the same time I'm not sure I'm ready to cut my own scales. It seems like having a trustworthy member just send me everything I need would be better for my first time. But, as you mentioned, I could ruin the scales. So practicing on something sounds like a good idea, and I have no problem doing so. I am in no rush. I have 5 other razors to use so I can just set the W&B aside. If you have pictures of the vintage scales I could buy, I'd be interested in seeing them. If you have a picture handy or don't mind obtaining one, please feel free to PM me. I'm not against staying with something classic, but I was kinda wanting to do something different with this razor, hence the interest in the redwood.

Originally Posted by Chreees

Thanks! I definitely have the patience. I want to learn, but at the same time I'm not sure I'm ready to cut my own scales. It seems like having a trustworthy member just send me everything I need would be better for my first time. But, as you mentioned, I could ruin the scales. So practicing on something sounds like a good idea, and I have no problem doing so. I am in no rush. I have 5 other razors to use so I can just set the W&B aside. If you have pictures of the vintage scales I could buy, I'd be interested in seeing them. If you have a picture handy or don't mind obtaining one, please feel free to PM me. I'm not against staying with something classic, but I was kinda wanting to do something different with this razor, hence the interest in the redwood.

The worst thing that could happen is that you "ruin" the scales..which would actually take alot of messing up. And even if you did, it's only a stepping stone to make another set which you can only improve on
You only truly need to worry when dealing with blade restoration, scales can be replaced over and over..the blade on the other hand...

If you want to make your own scales for your razor, here's a link on how a man who makes some of the most fantastic and functional custom razors shows how to make scales with a minimum of equipment!

As previously noted, scales can be replaced time and time again while a blade can't, however to have hard work and money wasted isn't something that I like to see!

Check this link out!

making straight razor scales with a minimum amount of hand tools - YouTube