Thread: spacers

Any one ever see a vintage razor with a parallel sided spacer rather than the typical wedge.

Who invented the spacer?

Between my old blades spacers are not a separate piece (metal, bakelite or something else), but they are part of one scale (a protuberance at the pin side). Also, this is very common between later scales (XIC c.) in blond horn.

I know.. I didn't answer the question! eheh!

I've seen quite a few with parallel-sided spacers - am holding an old "Sir Isaac Newton Razor" at the moment that has thin plastic scales and a parallel spacer almost as thick as the scales. Maybe if the scales "give" enough then the function of the spacer to spread them is a moot point. As for who invented the wedge/spacer, I guess you have to have something at the end to provide the slot the blade fits into, otherwise you are into cutting the scales out of one bit of material.

Regards,
Neil

Even the stub tailed razors of the late 1700s had a spacer. At least those that I have seen. I cannot recall who posted it but someone said that a wedge shaped spacer is best for the longevity of the scales.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Even the stub tailed razors of the late 1700s had a spacer.

Well, up to now I have three, all with the spacer cutted out from one scale (with "original pinning"). So I guess both sistems were used.

I have and old "stub tail" and it has a parallel sided spacer made of lead.

Regards - Walt

Sorry to let go without response, I forgot"

Thanks for the info guys.

It would be an indulgence, but may i ask to see your very old parallel spacers?

Originally Posted by kevint

It would be an indulgence, but may i ask to see your very old parallel spacers?

Here are a few I came across. From left: Approved; Litts; Joseph Rodgers and Sons; D. Peres; Union Cutlery, and B.J. Eyer

Regards - Walt

'preciate ya Walt!

The Jo. Rodgers is one of the lead ones?

It makes me wonder what kind of tinkerer did that. Was it simply a material he was familiar with used out of convenience(easily shaped) or was he really trying to effect the balance and weighting. How' good did he do?

Forgive me if there are clues that all these are original, but for your consideration: could these be rescaled- incorporating the originals as free material? already shaped and drilled would come in handy for a guy trying to make ends meet i think.

I know I'll look more closely in the future. So many I have found were in such terrible shape I didnt look close at all details, but all i have ever noticed are wedge spacers on assumed to be original scales

Anyway I think the JR&S is rather nifty and unless the photo fools me] not exactly parallel sided

I had heard that wedge was necessary, but I think not, I think it depends on the blade and scale material. sometimes a blade has a very large tang, and needs more space between the scales to close and open properly. a 3rd pin or a tapered spacer can help with this. this is my understanding. I have not done one yet but am gonig to try parallel first.

Red