Thread: Blade alignment

Which pin do I bang on to get the blade to align with the scales correctly. If its canted toward a particular side do I bang on that pin or the opposing pin?

Before you start banging your way to eventually make it worse can you tell us a few things. First, was it off center before you got it? Did it become off center with usage? Is it a new razor? a vintage one? re-scaled? Is the blade loose?

It happens frequently when re-scaling that a blade isn't completely straight. The tang is tad bit bend. In that instance you can bang as much as you want, you'll only make it worse. Anyway, we need more info to move forward as this will help eventually determine what the cause is and what the solution will be.

It seemed aligned when I got it. It has the original scales. It was a discovered NOS World Master Singing 6/8; I purchased the razor out of Germany still in the original box with directions.

I think it is loose as most of my razors are loose. I don't need a tight pin when I shave so I think I've developed a bad habit. When I was at the SE meetup Glen got a little perturbed when he checked out my razors.

AFDavis11;

I wish to politely disagree with you about having loose pins when you shave.

They most definitely need to be tight, and for the following reasons:

1) When the razor is CLOSED the scales serve to protect the edge. If they flop open unexpectedly, you can end up with a damaged razor or else a possible injury.

2) When the razor is OPEN the scales serve as a counterbalance for the weight of the blade. When opened, a properly balanced straight razor has its center of gravity in line with an invisible line running right up your lower arm. This contributes to a definite ease in use and more control. With a loose pin you lose this counterbalance effect and have to work harder to hold the razor and (thus) to shave properly.

3) Also, when the razor is OPEN the scales serve as a grasping point for the fingers (wrapped around them) to exert definite control on the angle of the razor relative to the skin. Again, a loose pin is equal to less control which makes for (at least) a less effect shave.

- Ignatz

Yes, you're right. I don't check the air in my tires very often either . . . its a pervasive problem with everything around me.

If the blade is loose then it should go off center both sides. Either way you should be peening the side where the blade touches the scale.

Try closing the blade and while you do peen on that side first make sure you manipulate holding the blade centered in the closed position.

Keep us updated.

But check your tire pressure first!