Second attempt at scales.

[SliceOfLife]

Ok after my first half-assed attempt I took another go at it horn + laminate Ivory wedge.

A few notes:

1. Scales too thick and need rounded (I'll probably round them in the near future)
2. Wedge too thin and not wedged enough (Using this material was way too much work. Next time something I can shape easier).
3. The lines aren't very clean. First time freehand shaping on a belt sander. Next one should be much better.


But. It stands open, closes safely and isn't particularly tricky to maneuver when shaving. Once again however, the huge weight combined with the square edges makes stropping miserable (I'm hoping I can remove a lot of horn while rounding edges and make it much much better).

Oh and that's a Joe Rodge in it that I restored.

 

[vmank1q]

That's a pretty good first attempt. My first attempt was also with horn and came out terrible. They looked like cavemen scales and wouldn't have showed anyone.

Once you sand them down some they will look good

Maybe have a go at wood. IMO it's a lot easier.

 

[kehern]

Those scales are hugely thick. Maybe you can start a new trend of thicker, heavier scales?

 

[SliceOfLife]

Those scales are hugely thick. Maybe you can start a new trend of thicker, heavier scales?

I know. I'm still figuring out my bandsaw and the last thing I wanted was to saw through the side of them while splitting them apart.

 

[kehern]

I know. I'm still figuring out my bandsaw and the last thing I wanted was to saw through the side of them while splitting them apart.

That makes complete sense, I would be very cautious when starting to make scales for the first few times though. But who knows, maybe this chunky style will end up catching on!

 

[heirkb]

You should use the belt sander to thin out the scales like Brad does in his video.

Edit: Also, let me add that there's still plenty enough material on those scales for you to be able to reshape them a bit if you wanted. You could unpin them and smooth them out and still have nice scales.

 

[SliceOfLife]

You should use the belt sander to thin out the scales like Brad does in his video.

Edit: Also, let me add that there's still plenty enough material on those scales for you to be able to reshape them a bit if you wanted. You could unpin them and smooth them out and still have nice scales.

Thanks for the advice. I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going to try the next time I have a few hours to work on something.

 

[Joe Edson]

I would use a belt sander to thin them down as well. I'm going to try and make some acrylic scales this weekend as I figure those will be easier to start with, but eventually I want to master horn as I think horn and transparent horn are absolutely beautiful and classic for razors.

On the bright side you have plenty of material to shape and work with so at least you didn't overdo and ruin the scales

 

[Luc]

Those are thick!

 

[mdunn]

Those are thick!

ill say!

though thick isnt bad.

ive got some thick scales on my big elliot, not that thick, but rounding it heaps helps the look a lot

 

[Ride4TheBrand]

At least you're out there doing it! Bravo!

 

[jfreaksho]

If you're scared of damaging the scales with powertools, I've had great success (when I was living in the barracks) making scales using only a handsaw, file, and sandpaper. I would then use a dremel to drill the holes, and the final step was a clearcoat. It took a long time, but I had plenty of it, so it wasn't a big deal.
J.

 

[natchez]

At least you're out there doing it! Bravo!

It is great to see folks out there and doing!

My first acrylic scale experience is below. Maybe I should just stick to honing and strops.

 

[Woodash]

Maybe I should just stick to honing and strops.

I don't know, man. Looks pretty derned good to me!

 

[natchez]

I don't know, man. Looks pretty derned good to me!

Thanks, they are serviceable, but I made some typical newbie mistakes. Too much room from the toe of the blade to the spacer, too much space on the bottom also, lousy edge finishing- I could go on. After seeing Nerdman's work, it is easy to see where I fell short.