blade touching scales

[Master]

I just received my first straight razor. It's a Dovo Silver steel with ebony scales. When taking a closer look, I discovered that when closing the razor, it did not sit in the middle of the scales. The razor's edge is touching the inner side of one scale. I'm wondering if this might dull or even damage the edge. The razor was honed by a commercial seller, so I suppose that if this would be a problem, he would have sold me another razor. Just to be sure, I'm checking with you guys. Is the edge touching the inside of a scale a problem?

[JimmyHAD]

If you're saying the blade is not centering upon closure and the point is laying against the scale that is not a big thing. It could be corrected if you know how. If the actual shaving edge is rubbing the scale that is not a good thing. Contact the vendor if that is the case.

[Master]

It's the first thing: the blade is not centering upon closure and the point is laying against the scale. Enlighten me, how do I correct this?

[gssixgun]

You need to be very careful as this is a Dovo... The newer razors have a single head pin with a lock washer and peen only on the back side of the razor (unless it was put in backward at the factory) this means that you can only adjust from the peened side instead of both sides..
By using a light (I use a 4oz) ball-peen hammer you can tap the back side of the pivot pin using a directional strike and move the point of the razor off the scales...

You have to be careful or the next thread you post is going to be titled "Where can I buy replacement scales"

[AlanII]

I'd get in touch with the vendor if I were you.

[Master]

I'll see what I can do about it while still feeling comfortable. I think it's weird the vendor didn't see it when honing...

[JimmyHAD]

I've seen it done with the bottom of a large table or serving spoon. You place the pin on a hard surface such as a vise or anvil and lightly tap the pin with the bottom of the spoon. Less chance of hitting the scale with the curve of the spoon as opposed to a hammer's narrower head

. Glen has forgotten more than I know about pinning razors so I hope he will correct me if I am wrong. I learned, from the fellow with the spoon, to tap the opposite side of where the blade was making contact. On the Dovo, as Glen said you have the nail head type pin so maybe it is done differently. Whatever you do go lightly and check frequently between taps.

[Master]

Just tried with a spoon. I can tap it all I want, the blade is not moving even a little bit. You can even see wear marks on the edge where the blade is running against the scales. I'm somewhat disappointed about how my new razor turned out...

[JimmyHAD]

Well in that case I would contact the vendor and ask for a fix or an exchange. I know it is a hassle but it sounds like you won't be happy with it as is.

[Master]

To end this thread on a happy note: I finally managed to get in touch with the vendor and he made no problem at all of sending me another razor in exchange. Thanks for the service, Steve from the invisible edge! I would recommend his webshop to anyone.