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.

Thanks. I know you gave me a lot of info for buying everything, but I wanted to keep it simple for my first go, while still getting something nice that I liked (not just simple plastic scales that wouldn't do such an old razor justice). So I feel like this was a safe buy. Any tips for installation? I definitely shall take a look at some tutorials while I await them in the mail.

Getting the appropriate size ball pein hammer/jewelers hammer will save you a lot of heartache. Anything above six ounces will run the risk of bending the brass/nickel silver rod if you aren't careful. I use this guy - Watchmaker's Hammer with 6 Heads

It isn't the fastest but you have a lot of control with it. You would have to try to bend the rod with this guy.

Well here's how it turned out:



The scales are lighter than they looked in the eBay listing, but I still like them. The hinge is still a little loose like it was on the other scales, so eventually I need to repin it and take care of that. But it still works.