Thread: Question about pins

Could someone please explain the 2 or 3 pin choice.
Some high end blades have 2 some have 3. The third being the blade rest. Some vintage generic razors have 3 while others have 2.

Why do some use 3 pins while others 2? Blade grind? weight? aesthetics?

inquiring minds want to know

3 pins do not necessarily mean blade rest. It is a means to widening the scales so the tang can nicely fit between the scales. Some tangs are very wide and without third pin, depending the scale material and tapering of the wedge it will not fit and close nicely between the scales. A third pin is also used just for aesthetics.

The third pin is usually used to stiffen the scales. IMO (which doesn't matter in this case) the third pin shouldn't be a place for the razor to rest. I would only put one if the scale material needs it or if I think it will look cool. The third pin is too easy of a place for water to hide causing oxidation in an area which is difficult to wipe dry.
I'm no expert, take accordingly.

-G

Ok would a third pin prevent warping? For example some of the Red Imp razors have 2 pins some have 3 I have a 133 and 132 both with two pins both that were extremely warped. Is it safe to assume that the 3 pins were more "stable"

I have seen enough warping in both 2 and 3 pin designs. Besides the numerous variables that will make several materials warp I also mostly see poor craftsmanship when implementing a third pin. (even 2 pin designs).

I rescaled a Myers razor with three pins by customer request recently, which taught me a thing or two along the way. I'm not convinced of the advantages, but the result was a very solid job with practically no play in the scales at all: it should last for a very long time. The thing is, I rather like the way scales flex with just the two pins, but if they are very thin or particularly prone to warping it can't do any harm. The third pin is a spacer rather than a stop in that case, as is usually the case I believe, and if my unreliable memory isn't playing tricks on me, it was a sort of mark of enhanced quality in the Solingen trade.

I haven't figured it out yet...

The harder I look at it, the more convinced I am that it is more aesthetics then function...

Here are some things I have noticed about 3rd pins though I doubt they have too much meaning... these are just observations I am quite sure there are exceptions...

Mostly on Solingen and American razors
Mostly on celluloid scales
Haven't ever seen it actually used as a blade stop on "Un-warped" scales
Seems to be the cause of more warping then stopping it.
Looks to have become popular around 1920
Seem to be very popular on razors with decorated tangs, Gold, Blued, Hammered etc:


Now using the 3rd pin on new custom scales can help get around some problems, but they are built slightly different then the Vintage ones...

My 2 cents worth is basically agreeing with my fellow restorers

All very interesting