I'm in the UK and we have a tool supplier called Axminster, on their website they sell Acrylic blanks for pen turning.
Some of them measure 150x20x20mm so I got to thinking they could be cut down to make scales. They come in everything from abstract patterns of all colours to imitation horn patterns and faux ivory.
Here are a few pics of my first attempt, made with basic tools like a hand held hacksaw and orbital sander, I do have a bench grinder with polishing wheels and compounds.
I pinned the scales without washers but I have to rehone the blade now as I took the edge off it before I started.