Heel...How Far Into Scales

[JSmith1983]

I was looking at some razors to disassemble and I grab on a cut my finger on the heel while the razor was closed. I took a closer look and it wasn't sticking out, but was about 1/16 from the bottom of the scales. I must've just grabbed it to hard and the skin pushed into the scale and got cut. I looked at some other ones and they vary from 1/16-1/8. These are razors with very little hone wear and original scales were the wedges haven't become loose to allow the razor to sit deeper. The scale materials varied from horn, acrylic, celluloid, and bakelite. I know some celluloid will shrink, but not sure about the others. I haven't found anything about this getting discussed so thought I would bring it up. What is everyones preference as to the space from heel to bottom of scales. I like about 1/8 better since less likely to get cut even if grabbed a little to hard and not from the sides. I am wondering if the razors were just expected to be handled from the sides and manufacturers weren't that worried about it unless the razor stuck out past the scales or maybe just a fluke with a couple of razors. I never really payed attention to the depth of all razors, but was under the impression that they were all pretty much at the same depth. It is starting to look like each model had their own standards. What is everyone elses opinion and observations.

[gssixgun]

I use the dangerous Thumb slice test

Well ok I try not to slice my thumb but basically if my Thumb placed lengthwise on the bottom of the scales can press in far enough to touch the heel then the razor needs adjusting,,, as to an actual measurement razors are different thickness's at the Tang so that distance between the scales vary with the size of the razor, so the "Safety Depth" varies also

ie: a 4/8 - 5/8 needs less clearance because the scales are closer together and your skin can't get in there as far as it can on an 8/8 razor...

No razor should have a heel sticking out, or being even with the bottom of the scales regardless ....


I know another YMMV answer, sorry that is just the way it works