Thread: I gotta ask...

This morning I was shopping for a waterstone to sharpen my plane irons and chisels - and I ended up on one of those long Internet rabbit trails that wound up here. Couldn't retrace the steps if I tried - but here I am. I had no idea that this whole straight razor culture existed, but now that I know... it's fascinating.

So the question that's making me crazy is the mechanics of the blade/scales relationship. I've noticed that some razors have a third pin that the tang rests on when the razor is closed. But I've also noticed that those seem to be the exception rather than the rule. I've scoured the pictures online to see if I could detect a hidden third pin - maybe set into holes on the inside of scales - but I haven't seen it.

The only thing I can think of is that maybe what keeps the sharp edge from sticking out the back of the scales when closed - is a friction fit between the scales and the thicker section of the blade as it gets up to the spine. Somehow this doesn't seem like it would work on the wider blades mounted in thinner scales (I'm thinking of elevation view here).

So - does anything keep the edge from sticking out the back - or does it just do as it pleases? This question doesn't really seem worth a thread of its own - but I didn't see anywhere else it would fit in. Sorry if I'm breaking forum norms on my first post.

There are razors with a hidden third pin, but very few. In my opinion the third pin is used mostly on hollow grinds. I think it keeps the blade from being closed too far to where it sticks out the bottom. I am sure someone will come along with the right answer.

The third pin often offers both support and strength to help prevent twisting of the scales that would cause the blade not to close properly. Most razors have scales slim enough and tapered to the wedge so the spine comes to rest and prevent any exposure to the heel below the scales.

As blades get bigger so do the scales to accommodate the extra blade width. The depth to which the blade seats in the scales is determined by the distance between the scales at the wedge. The wedge width determines the distance between the scales near the wedge.

Bob

Thank you all. That was really bugging me. I guess I was born curious and since I've made things all my life, I can't let go of something until I understand how it goes together.

I forgot to add a welcome to the forum with my post. You can always be comfortable asking any question you like here.

All of the above are good "reasons" for the third pin but many of the experts will say there is no need for the third pin and it mainly is for appearance.

Originally Posted by rolodave

All of the above are good "reasons" for the third pin but many of the experts will say there is no need for the third pin and it mainly is for appearance.

Indeed, and it works. I tend to gravitate more to the 3 pin type myself. Just makes it at least look sturdier and timelier to make. But as was mentioned, I'm looking at a few right now where the tang is not even in contact with it. And I would have bet otherwise...

ive never had a third pin scale that the razor tang sat on when closed. if the scale is proportioned correctly with a proper tapered wedge the blade seats before getting to the pin,, its just a design feature, and I guess it would add stability to the scales. but really how much twist and weight do the scales hold,, Tc