Oversized pivot hole?

Hi all
Why do razors generally have an oversized pivot hole? I'm not a big fan of the small amount of play that happens when I strop. Is there a problem with Adding a shim between the PIN and the oversized hole?

The older razors had the hole punched hot as opposed to drilled. It is super common to have a very thin washer between the blade and scales. Once it is all pinned tight there typically isn’t a lot of play left and it shouldn’t be felt while stropping.

My first thoughts are that If you feel the slop while stropping the blade wouldn't close and would be very extreme. Or else you are gripping the scales tight while stropping. The scales might roll on my little finger and if they moved I wouldn't feel it. My control is on the tang and the scales are along for the ride.

I put the same small washers that I use on outside of scales in the oversize hole. One on each side and you eliminate any movement of the blade.

Well it depends on if you are talking about the blade itself having an oversize hole or the scales themselves having the oversize hole. Or, maybe both. Different approaches based upon the issue.

You can get brass tubing to fill the space. I have a couple of different sizes. I don't really use it anymore. As you get more versed at pinning you find you don't really need it. Any play you get, if any at all, is usually more annoyance than inconvenience. Plus, using the right amount of force with the hammer flares the pin not only at the top but in the middle. In blacksmithing it's called "up taking." This helps fill the gap and take out the wobble.

That about answers that. LOL. If you notice this play while stropping I'd say your scales are not tight enough or your holding the scales and not the tang as you should be. Just backing up what you said Tim.

I had an old Sheffield that I had to rescale that had too large a pivot hole for the brass rod I was using. I had no brass tubing to fill the hole so used CA and baking soda and then drilled it out to fit the brass rod as a temporary fix. Reading this thread reminded me that I never did go back to properly finish that repair. That was a couple of years ago and that razor has been in my regular rotation since then without any wobbles while honing, shaving or stropping. Go figure!

Thanks all!

Matt

Whenever I take the scales off I put some JB weld in the hole wait a day and drill it, Nice and tight then...