Thread: crooked pivot point

when a blade needs to be guided into the scales or risk slicing into the scales, is that generally a problem with the pin? Would a "repinning" fix it, or are there multiple factors that need to be looked at?

In many cases tapping the pin on the side opposite where it tends to hit, or come close, will adjust the closure towards center. Not always, but some of the time.

Factors that can cause a razor to close off center could be a bent pin, warped scales, warped blade or a combination of the three.

a bent pin would probably have to be replaced,
warped scales can be hydrated (horn), heated and adjusted (celluliiod, plactic, horn)
a warped blade..... can look nice in a display or have custom scales made to accomodate the blade

Thanks guys. I may be sending it in for a pro hone soon; I'll have them check it out. For now, I'm getting ok shaves with it. I'll try the tap trick Jimmy

You should watch a couple of videos on that. I cannot emphasize enough on how light those taps need to be. It is very easy to break a scale if you are a little over zealous. Lots of little taps is far better.

By 'many very light taps' we mean if you tap your thumb nail and it hurts you are tapping too hard...............

A neighbor who was watching me re-pin a razor asked "Why don't you give it a couple good hard whacks and be done with it instead of all those little baby taps?" I just laughed and explained to him the proper procedure.

I dropped an old Bengall on carpet and it bent the pin. No amount of light, or heavy blows will straighten it out. What a pain.

OTOH, I have realigned several pieces with just a few light taps.

Get a small hammer. I use a 4 ounce ball peen.

To ensure you don't "whack" it don't use a hammer. A tablespoon is all you should need.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

To ensure you don't "whack" it don't use a hammer. A tablespoon is all you should need.

There used to be a member lived about 30 miles from me who restored/honed razors. I watched him use a tablespoon, the rounded bottom, to tighten a loose pivot pin. Many light taps, and the curve of the bottom of the spoon making a miscue unlikely. Worked really well.

As above, a tablespoon will serve you well,you go overboard bad things can occur