Thread: Hinge pin mechanics

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Agreed, if your going to build a new razor, than using a spacer probebly makes no diff.
If your doing resto work,a wedge is mandatory IMO.

As soon as the tang is tapered, there has to be a wedge, period.
The scales at the tang have to be parallel to it, that can only be done with a wedge. If the tang is not tapered, then a spacer will be fine.

Originally Posted by rolodave

This may be right or wrong.

If the tang is flat with no tapers, then a spacer is OK

If the tang, at the pivot, tapers toward the tail you have a simple bevel

If the tang, at the pivot, tapers toward the tail (horizontal) and towards the heel (vertical) you have a compound bevel.

The spacer/wedge should match one of the three.

The taper(s) of the wedge should match the taper(s) of the tang at the pivot.

100% correct.

Originally Posted by Orville

Yes, they did, but it is not the only method, obviously.

Can you elaborate please?

Originally Posted by mainaman

As soon as the tang is tapered, there has to be a wedge, period.

You forgot to add IMO.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Can you elaborate please?

I meant that using a wedge is not the only method of securing scales properly. A spacer can be used as well. There are just different design requirements for both, unless I have read all this information incorrectly.

Originally Posted by bluesman7

You forgot to add IMO.

No I did not.

Originally Posted by Orville

I meant that using a wedge is not the only method of securing scales properly. A spacer can be used as well. There are just different design requirements for both, unless I have read all this information incorrectly.

Elaborate more please. What design requirements are you referring to?

Originally Posted by bluesman7

Have you tested this? This is a discussion board, please discus.

Yes I have, been restoring razors for a lot of years. Right now I have a custom razor to try, that has tapered tang and a spacer, the blade is less than a year old. The scales (horn) are starting to deform already because the tang is hitting them and stretching them where the contact is made. If a wedge was used all that would not be an issue at all. The scale deformation is always present on razors with tapered tangs and a spacer, never seen one without that issue.

The goal is to have the scales parallel to the tang, then the pin serves its purpose, to keep the blade tight in the scales no matter the relative position. This is achieved with using a wedge on tapered tang blades. For straight tang blades a spacer will be fine.

Originally Posted by mainaman

As soon as the tang is tapered, there has to be a wedge, period.
The scales at the tang have to be parallel to it, that can only be done with a wedge. If the tang is not tapered, then a spacer will be fine.

Since the tapers are in different orientations I see no requirement for the angle to match or how the skewed angle at the wedge could help with the fit up at the pivot.
Are you talking about tang taper from heel to tail or in the spine to edge direction?

Originally Posted by rolodave

The taper(s) of the wedge should match the taper(s) of the tang at the pivot.

Yep that is about it right there

Of course it is your razor and your scales and doing it your way is your option...

Also keep in mind it isn't IMHO, it is in the opinion of Razor Makers for nearly 300 years


Here is a thread I did on TSD with pics showing why