As I am starting to work though some of my pile of straights I have acquired, I realized that a lot of them need new scales. Getting the tools and workspace together to fabricate these from blocks of wood or horn is probably more than I want to do right now, especially with the amount of tools and space I have dedicated to leatherwork. I was looking on the Bay and found a few suppliers that sell scale replacements. Some have the wedge installed, and are drilled, and come with the hardware. Some are blank scales with no holes drilled yet. My question is, is there a down side to doing a razor this way? Provided the razor will fit within the scales, and I can drill a straight hole to install the pins and wedge, is there a down side to doing scales this way?
Not really. The only concern or risk taken is you're not able to pre-fit the scales to blade (when making your own) so you're essentially fitting blades to scales versus the other way around. Can it work? Absolutely. Using pre-mades can be a big timesaver.
It seems I woul have more options if I get un-drilled scales and fit them myself. I have a belt sander and plenty of sanding blocks. I don't think the wedge would be too hard to make, with the tools I have. I probably won't be doing a CA finish, are there ones I should avoid on wood? Is there a good source for pins and washers? I would like to practice that before I do a razor, but the materials I've seen cost quite a bit.
Try your local Ace Hardware for washers. If they fail don't waste your time at HomeDepot or Lowes - no really small stuff. Order from Microfasteners.com.
I was looking at knife making supply like Texasknife.com. They are expensive so if you find cheaper let us know.
Most of the pre- made kits will come with pins Most 5/8 and 6/8 razors are pretty safe with these pre-mades if you go with smaller razors and larger razor then you tend to run into issues The biggest difference is the "Wedge Gap" and the "Pivot Fit" this can be as simple as aesthetics or as dangerous as a edge coming through the bottom of the scales Biggest rule to remember "If it doesn't fit, then don't risk it" I also use MicroFasteners and Texas Knife supply for Washers and 1/16 pin rod For the 1/16 pins you need the #0 size washers there are 4 sizes if you want to use SS and Brass to match the Nickel Silver and Brass rods Popsicle sticks are cheap and easy practice scales for pinning
That is a wealth of information. I took a little time to gather the same materials. Rather that do damage to good materials, I will get my learning curve on a piece of stock steel and scale like mock up.
Razor-handles 393 on ebay is where I get most my pins. He is fantastic to deal with and has a really nice assortment, bullseyes, catseyes and a couple others in brass and silver colors. Can't comment on preformed scales cause I prefer shaping them myself. Let us know how they work if you try them though.
Forgot to mention, his sets come with inserts so if you over peen and bulge the pin you won't split the scales. Handy feature when learning.
So I gave a lot of thought to how deep I wanted to go down this particular rabbit hole with making scales. Going to try making a set and a pre made set to figure out what want to do. My biggest consideration is that I don't have a band saw or drill press. I already have a room full of specialized tools for leather working, so SWMBO isn't keen on more tools.
Here are the rosewood scales I ordered. They have a block instead of a wedge, and didn't fit the razor I had hoped to use them on. The scales are 3/16th thick. Picture of the razor that does fit the scales, my first straight razor. Not sure if I should just install the scales as is, or disassemble them, thin the wood, and make an actual wedge.
Can you hold the pivot pin pretty tight and check the function (open and close the razor) Mock up bolts are invaluable for this http://www.microfasteners.com/hbb0012-0-80-x-3-4-hex-head-machine-screws-brass.html with these will last for Years and Years http://www.microfasteners.com/hnb0080-0-80-hex-nuts-brass.html
Actually, there is a set of bolts for mock up in one of these bags of hardware. Maybe I will mock this one up and snap some pictures before I pin it.
