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I'm probably not the only one uncomfortable with the fact that straight razors don't have positive mechanisms for holding the blade closed, kind of like the back springs on pocket knives. They depend on friction alone.
Has anyone seen or heard of using a magnetic rod as the plug or third pin in a str8 handle to hold the blade shut until needed?
would it be strong enough to hold the blade closed?
Are you telling us you have a number of razors that will not stay closed without assistance?
I have never heard of such a thing so just asking. Perhaps your pins need tightening. :shrug:
A few of mine open up way too easy, i tried hammering on the pins on either side to tighten them but it made no difference and i was hitting pretty hard...are they too hard to tighten? I think using a magnet would be cool.
Great idea! I bookmarked that page for possible future reference.
Thanks.
Chris L
Don't know but Rare Earth magnets can be pretty strong.Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Red
A magnet would be great to hold the blade closed in the scales.
However the magnet will be of no use if your blade is so loose that it flops around while honing or stropping.
...Edit: unless the magnet contacts and holds the tail so the blade stays firmly open while honing or stropping.
It could be you have an internal bushing that is keeping the scales apart even though the pins are tight. And, the inside of the scales are worn so the razor is too loose.Quote:
Originally Posted by tjiscooler
If the razor is too loose when closed, it's likely that it's too loose for proper stropping, honing, and perhaps shaving. Even if a magnet would work, you would have to completely re-pin the razor to install it. So, your first step is to remove the pivot pin and figure out what the problem is. You might want to re-pin using the #0-80 screws, nuts and washers (the "adjustable" pins). A pair of the #0-80 nylon washers from the same source might be advisable between the scales and the tang. See this post.
You shouldn't have to hammer the pins hard to tighten them. Actually, you shouldn't hammer the pins hard at all! You will greatly run the risk of bending the pin (between the scales) and causing the blade to close off center (and the blade will then hit scales when closing).Quote:
Originally Posted by tjiscooler
There have been many posts here on tightening the pivot pin. Basically, with one side of the pin on a hard surface, you use a ball-peen hammer (or the rounded convex part of a spoon) and tap around the pin head/collar (NOT a direct hit). Flip to the other side and repeat. This should tighten the pin area.
As for the magnet idea, I think it's rather clever! I have a bunch of the 'rare earth metal' magnets around work that may just foot the bill.
NOW, if I ever find the time to actually get back to restoration.....I'll look into it!
(On the list with leather scales......)
Thanks for the idea!!
C utz
Rare earth magnets have strong magnetic fields, but they are weak! As in the break and chip easily. I have a stack of rare earth magnets, and once, I took one of the magnets, held it so it was just barely strong enough to pull itself into the group, and when I let go, it went into the group, but the magnetic force was so strong, that it went in pretty hard and broke itself into like 5 smaller pieces.Quote:
Originally Posted by shuredgefan
That's not all though, they chip a lot. So I wouldn't really suggest rare earth magnets as pin. They'd be the weakest pins you'd ever encounter. Other magnets that have weaker magnetic fields don't break or chip as easily. You can get some pretty strong ones that they may hold in the blade.
And also, as pointed out, if there's an issue with the pivot, then when you use it in any other way, it'll just flop around, which isn't good either. So I would suggest just tightening the pivot.
That sounds like an interesting idea. From the looks of it those tiny magnets can provide up to 3 pounds of magnetic force which should be more than enough. I guess a plated one would be best to reduce chipping.
I think the blade will be magnetized when in contact with the magnet, would be interesting to see how that effects corrosion on the razor, if at all. I just got to wondering and was trying to find some info on the web but could only find tests with metals in solutions, generally corrosion being inhibited depending on the strength of the magnetic field.
I use a 150lb. strength magnet as a part of a jig that I use for work on blades. Consequently, blades do get magnetized. I've not noticed any difference in my personal razors. The maintenance I habitually perform on my own razors prevents corrosion.Quote:
Originally Posted by bevansmw
Also, I keep the pins tight on my razors so keeping them in the scales is not a problem.
If a razor needs help keeping closed, I believe it would be hazardous strop it and handle it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Berticus
I agree. I have even seen the plated ones shatter when you hold them apart and then let them pull together. Although the idea of a magnetized pin is very intriguing.
Well, yes, they do chip a bit, and would not be a good option for the pivot. However, as a third pin, the middle pin, in which the tang rest on when closed....this might work as a great spot for the magnet to 'hold' the blade closed. At least for a travel blade it would be handy.
If you have a 'CarboMagnetic' blade of old maybe you would not be able to open the blade? :thinking:
:D
C utz
or if you just drilled a hole and put a 1/8" thick magnet in as an inlay on each side you'd have no physical contact with the blade (thus no chipping) but the magnetic field might be enough to keep it closed.
You'd want a .125 diameter to match the outer diameter of a size 0 washer and .125 length to match the thickness of most scales people make. You can get a 100 pack of such ones from here for $8.99
Like others have said, it's really not all that worth while if the razor just flops around while it's open as this will make it difficult and dangerous to use anyway. But if it's just an aid to keep the razor closed, then I don't see why not, but personally I'll just stick with pin tension.
If you do decide to use the rare earth magnets, I'd recommend using the 1/8" instead of 1/16". Considering the brittleness of NeFeB, the 1/16" diameter ones are likely to snap on you (and probably not have enough strength to be worth while). It would also be advisable to not have the blade actually rest on the magnet when the razor is closed. If you do, it's more than likely the magnet is going to chip or break if the razor closes with any force.
Couldnt you put the magnet in the spacer to help hold it shut. No contact with blade