Thread: what causes scales to warp?

I have a Dovo imitation tortoise that I purchased new from SRD a little over 2 months ago. I have noticed in the past coupla weeks that one scale has warped considerably. I shaved with it today, and when I was finished and closed the razor the blade caught the edge of the warped scale. What could cause this rapid warping? And what can I do about it?

Plastic is flexiable, two solutions, one replace scales with wood, horn, stiffer plastic and/or acrylic or place a third pin. This will open the scales and help them stay open or separeted.

are you rinsing it with extremely hot water, squeezing the scales while shaving/cleaning, or setting something on top of it when storing? even something that seems light like the bottom of a sock drawer?

The scales on my Bergischer Löwe have developed a slight warp, although they are horn, not plastic. The only reason I could think of is that I used to let it dry standing upward on tang and scales, leaning against the lid of box lined with velvet. Bit of a shame really, I hate having to remember applying some sideways pressure when closing it.

Horn scales can be straightened without having to remove the scales. Fixing warped horn scales - Straight Razor Place Wiki . This worked great for me with buffalo horn scales. I don't know if the same techneque can be used to straighten man made materials. But if you are willing to try I bet there are a lot of people who would love to hear of the results.

Originally Posted by ndw76

Horn scales can be straightened without having to remove the scales. Fixing warped horn scales - Straight Razor Place Wiki .

I know, I put it there: Revision history of "Fixing warped horn scales" - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Originally Posted by ndw76

This worked great for me with buffalo horn scales. I don't know if the same techneque can be used to straighten man made materials. But if you are willing to try I bet there are a lot of people who would love to hear of the results.

I'm sure there are. But no way am I going to mess with that razor.

I have 3 razors so far, the imitation tortoise, a Dovo Best Quality, and a Wapi. I would say squeezing is a possibility, but the BQ exhibits no warping. I store my razors laying on a towel on a shelf in the bathroom. Should I not leave them in the bathroom? I have read since before I started using a straight not to leave them in the bathroom because of moisture and rust; could this contribute to the warping? I admit I have gotten lazy. At first I kept them outside the bathroom, but I have a 2 year old and the shelf in the bathroom seemed the most convenient place. Thanks.

Over time celluloid, Horn, Ivory and Wood can warp by themselves. They don't need much help. I've never heard of modern plastic warping unless they are subjected to heat.