How to Rescale a Straight Razor

It is hard to match the straight razor as a shaving instrument of class, distinction and historic charm. These tools are still made today, although in comparatively small numbers. Many straight razor users prefer to have the genuine article, an antique straight razor. Many of these have fallen into disrepair and aside from a blade sharpening, they need new scales. Using a few woodworking tools you can design your own scales, or you can use existing scales on your old blade. Many options are available such as horn, bone and plastics.

Things You'll Need

• Razor to be rescaled
• Small ball peen hammer
• Flush cut pliers
• 2 razor pivot pins
• 2 finishing collars
• 2 brass blade bearings
• New scales
• Wedge for new scales

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Instructions

• 1

  Lift the blade so it sits fully out of the scales.

• 2

  Pull gently on each of the scales to begin separating them. The pins should become visible.

• 3

  Put the pliers in between the two scales and slowly open them to pry the two apart.

• 4

  Pull out the pin that was holding the blade in using the pliers.

• 5

  Remove the blade. You are done with the original scales.

• 6

  Place one of the new scales on its side and lay the wedge onto the inside.

• 7

  Put the other scale on top of the wedge. Press firmly together.

• 8

  Insert the pin through the wedge, pushing out through both scales.

• 9

  Attach the finishing collar to the end of the pin. Depending on the model pins used, you may need to use the ball peen hammer to attach the finishing collar.

• 10

  Stand the scales up so they are standing on their edges. Insert the pin through only one of the scales where you are going to place the blade. Place one of the blade bearings on the pin so the bearing is on the pin on the inside of the scales.

• 11

  Move the blade onto the pin and add the other blade bearing onto the pin.

• 12

  Push the pin all the way through both scales.

• 13

  Apply the finishing collar to the pin as you did before.