Thread: Shimming Scales to the Extreme

I have a hard time dealing with a blade that closes off center..especially WAY off center. What makes it even more difficult is when the razor in question has a set of scales that you REALLY like. It was easy enough to replace the OEM scales with a nice set from Hart Steel, but....it wasn't the same.

So, a quick trip to the local hardware store and .13 cents later, here is the result-
Yes, the pivot is "cobby" to say the least and I will gladly listen to any advice which may reslut in a "cleaner" end result. But for now, this isn't too bad I suppose. Oh..this is a fairly pricey razor BTW....I wouldn't mind so much if it weren't.

Cannot tell from the pic,but something is not right with the scales,shimming like that should not be an option.

Didn't we just see this problem from somebody else with a Hart ????

I guess the fix depends on whether it is the Razor or the Scales that are "Off"

Easy enough to figure it out, take the razor out and put it on a flat surface press on the pivot hole with a finger and note the difference that the spine sits from the surface, flip the razor over and compare side to side... If the razor is off the distance will be off, if the razor is straight then the scales need tweaking...

You can remove some material at the pivot area, either on the inside of the scales or on the razor.

Yeah, this is the same razor as discussed earlier. I called Hart. They sent a set of replacement scales gratis. That was decent of them. Nice set made of Bocote (I think). I bolted them on and they were a perfect fit (which gives credibility to idea that the razor blade itself is fine). I just really missed those Micarta scales. They were a major reason I bought the thing in the first place. So, this gets the job done with minimal stress and anxiety. They'll be fine.

I have had to remove some material from the scales quite a few times with some vintage razors. I like to use my dremel with a bit alittle wider than the washer and tilt it one way or the other so the washer will sit alittle deeper on one side than the other and then do the opposite on the other scale. That way the you can't really see the material removed and it is a circle about the size of the washer. Sometimes it is just that the scales were pinned alittle off where the scales shift and force the razor to shift one way or the other. Sometimes the holes aren't drilled even so the pin is at an angle. There are so many little things that can throw a razor off. It amazes me how precise the razor and the scales need to be for everything to fit just right. Seems like it would be simple to just throw two scales together and make it work, but its not. This is one reason I find it fun to make scales.

Reality is,a blade with perfect geomitry (which I would assume a hart would have) and a properly made set of scales,should not have these issues
Thats why I hate those nuts and bolts systems,you have no capibilitys for adjusments other than tension.

Originally Posted by Phoenix51

Yeah, this is the same razor as discussed earlier. I called Hart. They sent a set of replacement scales gratis. That was decent of them. Nice set made of Bocote (I think). I bolted them on and they were a perfect fit (which gives credibility to idea that the razor blade itself is fine). I just really missed those Micarta scales. They were a major reason I bought the thing in the first place. So, this gets the job done with minimal stress and anxiety. They'll be fine.

OK, let me get this Straight; Glen (GSSIXGUN) who is a Professional Razor Restorer and Honer who has made scores of custom scales, saved hundreds if not thousands of blades from the trash heap (including my great grandfathers W&B), and is a Senior Mod here at SRP takes the time to share his knowledge of how to check to see what the problem is and you simply 'Blow Him Off' by saying (which gives credibility to idea that the razor blade itself is fine) without even trying his suggestion??????

I guess Forest Gump's mother was right!

Originally Posted by cudarunner

OK, let me get this Straight; Glen (GSSIXGUN) who is a Professional Razor Restorer and Honer who has made scores of custom scales, saved hundreds if not thousands of blades from the trash heap (including my great grandfathers W&B), and is a Senior Mod here at SRP takes the time to share his knowledge of how to check to see what the problem is and you simply 'Blow Him Off' by saying (which gives credibility to idea that the razor blade itself is fine) without even trying his suggestion??????

I guess Forest Gump's mother was right!

Did not see anyone get blown off.this post is not right

My apologies if my post was mis-worded or taken wrong. Glen had offered a sound and proven way to test to see if the blade was the problem or the scales.

I saw no post of trying his idea.

Again, my apologies if I have misspoken or offended anyone including the OP. :