I am thinking

[perogee]

Which is usually a bad thing, tends to cost me money

but, I won this one on the bay
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370326797304&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

I have started to think that I am going to have the scales plated, my dilemma is do I go with chrome, which would be really shiny , or go with something like antique brass or copper. The brass or copper would obviously require more upkeep, but I think would add a warmth element to the piece (and would work better with the brass fasteners that I have as well).

Any thoughts?

 

[Fnord5]

Ditch the metal scales, and get some nice wood/bone/horn ones made.

Those look terribly out of place on that blade.

 

[Ray-man]

In the over 300 razors I have seen, the only one that I know of that comes with metal scales is the Wapi. Now that doesn't mean that somethig else out there doesn't have them. I am just stating this is all I have seen.

Although you might be inclined to consider chrome or another metal to replace these, take into consideration the balance of the unit once it is finished. This would only be noticed during the honing and stropping process. If the razor is out of balance with the scales, it would be very difficult to maintain. This is a huge consideration to those who make scales.

If I were you, I would consider having this W&B re-scaled in horn, much like its predecessors, and give back the beauty it deserves.

Just my personal thoughts.

Ray

 

[perogee]

I am not certain that I agree that the metal scales do not look right with the blade, I kind of like the look (of course, when I actually get to hold it in my hands, I may change that opinion). I had not thought of the balance but I can see where that could be an issue.

I guess that I will have to wait until I have it to make final decisions.

 

[John C]

I really don't care for those pitted steel scales.
However, you don't have to give up on metal. I'd go with a set of nickle scales. High polished they look like silver, or chrome with less weight. Use an acrylic wedge to help keep the weight down on the end.
If you ever want to plate them, nickle will take almost any plating.

Like Ray said, you've got to be careful to keep the same amount of mass in your scales as you have in the razor. Less is usually better when it comes to the weight of scales. You can even do a few decorative cut outs by the wedge to help keep the wight down.
An 18guage or 16guage would be your best bet.

I will disagree with Ray, in so much as metal can be just as beautiful and rich as the other scale materials. You just have to pay a bit more attention.