G-10 scales

**drs** · 09-03-2009, 08:10 PM

I recently saw a custom restoration razor for sale on another web site with scales described as jade ghost in color. Upon inquiry they told me the scales were made of G-10 and were I believe available for around $80.
Does anyone know anything about G-10 or anyone who does work with it? The scales looked like light green translucent but opaque jade.

**tgarza** · 09-03-2009, 08:13 PM

G10: An extremely durable makeup of layers of fiberglass soaked in resin, then highly compressed and baked. Impervious to moisture or liquid and physically stable under climate change. Most commonly black, but is available in various colors, too.

**BEAR DEN** · 09-03-2009, 08:29 PM

The most common use I have seen is for handles on pocket knives...think tactical knife. True that it is very strong...it would depend on what want your razor to look like.

**GsSixgun** · 09-03-2009, 08:45 PM

Max aka Maximilian at SRP
Alex aka Philadelph here or at SRP are the experts at making scales out of G10

I make them also but they are not my specialty...

**Aquanin** · 09-04-2009, 05:58 AM

I make them as well. If you are thinking about making scales with G10 without power tools, forget about it. It is very hard. You will kill blade after blade on scroll saws and band saws unless you use blades designed for cutting metal. The stuff sands pretty well with a belt grinder though.

**Rudy Vey** · 09-04-2009, 06:35 AM

I was asked to make a brush handle from G-10 to match scales on someones str8. Got a nice block of it, it is very heavy glass-fiber containing "stone"-like resin. Nevertheless, I tried it. First I needed to cut of a block for the approximate handle size: this killed two band saw blades (since I am a wood worker, I have wood blades - this stuff needs maybe carbide tipped, or better diamond blades). Then I destroyed two forstner type drill bits. They dulled so fast it was just amazing, and I didn't even drill deeper than 1/8". I gave up on it, because I did not want to destroy more of my tooling.

**Aquanin** · 09-04-2009, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Rudy Vey

I was asked to make a brush handle from G-10 to match scales on someones str8. Got a nice block of it, it is very heavy glass-fiber containing "stone"-like resin. Nevertheless, I tried it. First I needed to cut of a block for the approximate handle size: this killed two band saw blades (since I am a wood worker, I have wood blades - this stuff needs maybe carbide tipped, or better diamond blades). Then I destroyed two forstner type drill bits. They dulled so fast it was just amazing, and I didn't even drill deeper than 1/8". I gave up on it, because I did not want to destroy more of my tooling.

Classic. First time I tried to use it I killed a dozen scroll saw blades.

**NoFair** · 09-04-2009, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by drs

I recently saw a custom restoration razor for sale on another web site with scales described as jade ghost in color. Upon inquiry they told me the scales were made of G-10 and were I believe available for around $80.
Does anyone know anything about G-10 or anyone who does work with it? The scales looked like light green translucent but opaque jade.

The uncolored G-10 is often that color. It is sometimes called G-11, got some large scales for pocket knives it that material.

Most knife stores will stock it in various colors and thicknesses.

It is very strong and resistant to most chemicals.

Use a mask when grinding/sanding it since the dust will destroy your lungs.

Micarta and carbon fiber are alternatives for most uses.

Sverre

**Maximilian** · 09-05-2009, 09:28 PM

Originally Posted by drs

I recently saw a custom restoration razor for sale on another web site with scales described as jade ghost in color. Upon inquiry they told me the scales were made of G-10 and were I believe available for around $80.
Does anyone know anything about G-10 or anyone who does work with it? The scales looked like light green translucent but opaque jade.

I think it was me you contacted

**joto** · 09-06-2009, 05:57 AM

I don't know how well it applies, but a lot of knife makers use this in their handles- the Spyderco knives that use this material cost more, and seem to be more sought after than other handles. They are often described as very 'grippy,' but there is often a texture applied. If the scales are smooth, I do not know if that would carry over. They are supposed to be extremely durable.

**drs** · 09-06-2009, 10:16 AM

Max,
It was your site, but I didn't know it at the time. I LOVED YOUR RAZOR SCALES but had never heard of G-10 before. That's why I decided to ask the guys on the forum. I am glad you responded. Glad to see you are a member. Now I have to figure out how to get the funds for those scales.

**Maximilian** · 09-06-2009, 10:37 AM

It is a small world and the wet shaving community and users as a whole tend to all end up knowing each other.

G10 is a glass-reinforced resin material. Micarta on the other hand is a resin material reinforced with layers of 'fiber', most often paper, linen or canvas.

G10 is produced by inserting continuous glass woven fabric impregnated with an epoxy resin binder while forming the sheet under high pressure. It's extremely durable and it will outlast our future generation living on Mars. It comes in smooth laminate or textured. The textured G10 is mostly used for knife and gun handles. For scales the smooth ones. It is also most commonly used in PCB (Printed Circuit Boards) applications. It will not shrink and has a temperature rating of 180 degrees C.

G10 can be hazardous to work with and one is advised to wear a mask. It's also a PITA to work with and many don't have the patience or time. I can easily spend a whole day getting my G10 scales, cut, formed and hand sanded to perfection as all scratches need to be removed.

The end result is a scale that looks sturdy, will outlast everyone, beatiful to boot, will not warp and just oozes quality.

**Philadelph** · 09-07-2009, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by NoFair

The uncolored G-10 is often that color. It is sometimes called G-11

The above is technically incorrect. They are two different materials- just as a reference:

"G-11... have higher operating temperature and improved strength at higher temperatures than G-10... These materials are normally light green in color and come as sheets, tubes and rods."

"G-10 and G-11 (Glass Cloth / Epoxy Resin)
These glass-epoxy laminates are specified for their extremely high strength and high dimensional stability over temperature. G-10 and G-11 are used for terminal boards, high humidity applications, electrical and electronic test equipment and electric rotor insulation. G-10 and G-11 are difficult to cut or machine and may require special equipment. G-10 is slightly stronger while G-11 is a better insulator and can take higher temperatures."

Max- I don't know what your 'jade ghost' material is, but you may want to check- not that it makes any difference in razor scales! All the stuff I have is G11 in that color (only color I've ever seen G11), but I don't know your source.

**huntmol** · 09-16-2009, 01:33 PM

Max, those Jade Ghost scales I've seen of yours are simply jaw-dropping!

EDIT: Found one of my favorites

**drs** · 09-17-2009, 02:41 PM

That"s what I am talking about! Gorgeous!!!

**Smoothy** · 09-19-2009, 01:36 AM

Originally Posted by drs

I recently saw a custom restoration razor for sale on another web site with scales described as jade ghost in color. Upon inquiry they told me the scales were made of G-10 and were I believe available for around $80.
Does anyone know anything about G-10 or anyone who does work with it? The scales looked like light green translucent but opaque jade.

Ah yes, I have seen that piece of art as well. Intriguing, isn't it?

Thanks for this thread, I was curious about G10 myself..

Jeff