Do wood scales have some sort of sealant on them so water doesn't affect them. Considering is around water a lot, I would be able to keep the wood dry all the time. I hope it has a sealant so the wood won't distort or something.
Keeping a straight in the shower is bad, very bad. There is simply too much humidity which doesn't mix with steel. As far as wood scales go certain woods like the hard stuff, teak and mahogany do better but even when treated and sealed and stabilized eventually it will deteriorate if it gets wet enough. If you look at vintage razors you just don't see many with wood scales. Either they haven't lasted and were replaced or they didn't use them because of longevity issues.
If you are willing to do the maint they would probably last a lifetime if they are not subject to constant wetting. I would bet most are not willing to do the maint so it's easier to use something else. After all sailing ships in the old days were wood and lived in sea water however they were coated in tar and required constant work.
Oil finishes are the best for wood. Epoxy is the worst.
Finishing with oil not only adds protection from water, but also soaks in and protects around the pin hole so moisture will have little to no effect on the scales. This type of finish should always be used on the exotic woods that naturally expel oil such as Ebony, Rosewood and others.
CA finishes are bullet proof, as described earlier, and are a great substitute on the oily exotic woods, if you prefer a gloss finish.
Oil finishes can be made to have a gloss by using Poly or Laquer over top of it. The reason this works is because you normally don't put a gloss finish on the inside of the scale and the wood can still breath.
The problem I have encountered with using Epoxy is it not only eventually discolors, but also chips and shrinks in time. If used on the Oily woods it will start to release at some point and you will need to refinish it again. Epoxy looks wonderful when you first get it, but it doesn't stay that way. I wouldn't use it for any of our items like scales and brush handles. Just my own experience.
Ray
http://www.straightrazorsharp.com
Just stop & listen to one of the most competent guys aroundOil finishes are the best for wood. Epoxy is the worst.
Finishing with oil not only adds protection from water, but also soaks in and protects around the pin hole so moisture will have little to no effect on the scales. This type of finish should always be used on the exotic woods that naturally expel oil such as Ebony, Rosewood and others.
CA finishes are bullet proof, as described earlier, and are a great substitute on the oily exotic woods, if you prefer a gloss finish.
Oil finishes can be made to have a gloss by using Poly or Laquer over top of it. The reason this works is because you normally don't put a gloss finish on the inside of the scale and the wood can still breath.
The problem I have encountered with using Epoxy is it not only eventually discolors, but also chips and shrinks in time. If used on the Oily woods it will start to release at some point and you will need to refinish it again. Epoxy looks wonderful when you first get it, but it doesn't stay that way. I wouldn't use it for any of our items like scales and brush handles. Just my own experience.
Ray
http://www.straightrazorsharp.com