Thread: Number of pins question

My original SR, a Hoffritz 5/8 that I bought in a retail store in about 1980 or so has 3 pins. All of my new razors have 2, but I see a fair number of vintage razors with 3 pins like my original. Is there a reason some have 2 and some have 3, or is it a style preference?

This is another one of the contested/controversial/ theories abound type topic.
It has been stated to be for Scale stability, as a blade stop (disproven IIRC), aesthetics and so forth.

When it comes down to it some like the look some don't.
My Dovo BL has three as does my JA Henkel's 401, I like the look on some but not all.

I know not much help but it is what I have to offer

Like Pfries said, no one really knows what the function of the 3rd pin is for. They are "usually" found on higher end razors. Takes more work to be installed, therefore is going to cost more.

Personally I think it looks very nice and while it may of helped with scales stability or whatnot that it's nothing more than a marketing gimmik now.

I think this can be correlated to another question that has been asked for ages and sparked many heated debates.

"Why do males of most species of animals and humans thoughout the world have nipples?"

Originally Posted by dtrain17

I think this can be correlated to another question that has been asked for ages and sparked many heated debates.

"Why do males of most species of animals and humans thoughout the world have nipples?"

Yes and why do a some have three not two?

Whether or not a third pin is for stability I have found that on most of the razors I have seen with a third pin the scales are warped more than those with only 2pins. It seems that the scales can't flex properly with a third pin and that could be why they warp the way they do. Also on almost all the razors the razor doesn't actually rest on the pin, but it holds the scales open so they don't rub against the razor. I think with certain razors they look nice, but other than that I don't think they are needed.

Those 3 pin razors that I have, often have very thick tangs a the shoulder. Those would rub against the scales at the logo part. I have re-scaled them with the third pin, I tried without and the rubbing was noticeable. Otherwise, there would be the problem of making the wedge angle so great as to make the width of the razor scales ungainly??

I think also, that it may have been to save bluing or gold wash from being rubbed off the tang.

Then, the three pin idea may have been continued to mark a quality razor even with out tang coloration.
Jut guessing from my experience.
~Richard

The third pin would, without question, make the scales more rigid. I can only speculate as to why.

Originally Posted by dtrain17

I think this can be correlated to another question that has been asked for ages and sparked many heated debates.

"Why do males of most species of animals and humans thoughout the world have nipples?"

A biologist would have the answer to this question.