Thread: Quick washer question

I'm finishing up a Germania Cutlery works (1896 to 1938 when they were taken over by the Nazis). I'm ready to pin it up with the original scales. This razor did not have the inner washers at the pivot. Should I add them or re-pin it without? If I add them would it affect the alignment with the wedge?

Good question. Not sure it would effect operation. They help the scales from rubbing the tang. I put them in if they had them and don’t if they didn’t.

If I am taking the time to restore a razor, I put in brass thrust washers. You can make them as thin as you want. It makes for smoother operation and you do not need to pin as tight to get smooth operation and even pressure at the pin.

No, it will not affect alignment. If you make your pin holes a bit larger than the pin at the pivot and wedge, and mock up with bolts, you can adjust for any miss alignment.

You may have to adjust the fit and finish at the wedge, but no big deal, if you have gone this far. Do not adjust final fit until you actually pin the both wedge and pivot and adjust.

I always put them in. Even if it didnt habe any. Easier on the scales and operates smoother. Also there s normally a smoother so de to the washer. I always put tue smooth side to the tang. Gives it that little extra smooth pivoting. Rough sides of washers go to the scales if they are n the insde or outside.

Little questiins like this are good nfo and not something people think about.

I usually put washers in, even if the original did not have washers. I never have noticed it affecting the wedge alignment/angle.

I should have included that I am also using the original wedge and didn't un-pin the wedge. Sounds like the consensus is to add the washers. I'll flatten a couple thin, polish, and give it a go. Thanks to all of you for your opinion. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Plastic scales?
Personally I would not use washers.
It makes for a more consistent tight action.

why add a variable with washers.

Just my preference

I would never contradict German engineering

I like to put them in. I make my own from .003 brass sheets, their hardly noticeable, but adds protection to the tang from scratching

I always add them when putting the blade together, even if it didn't have them originally. I like keeping these washers very thin. I take a regular 00 washer and pound them flat, then drill out the hole a little larger. As long as you use them on both sides the alignment should not be affected.

Yes use washers :P