Thread: The Third Pin

A question..

I've got one razor that needs new scales, and I've been thinking about adding the third pin and spacer. Am I correct in assuming that the spacer at the third pin location is the stop for the tang, so the stop when closed is not the sides of the blade against the scales??? Or is the ideal for all three points of contact to meet at once?

Originally Posted by BlacknTan

A question..

I've got one razor that needs new scales, and I've been thinking about adding the third pin and spacer. Am I correct in assuming that the spacer at the third pin location is the stop for the tang, so the stop when closed is not the sides of the blade against the scales??? Or is the ideal for all three points of contact to meet at once?

I think the third pin was actually to stabilize the scales, and not meant to be a stop for the razor.

Originally Posted by commiecat

I think the third pin was actually to stabilize the scales, and not meant to be a stop for the razor.

I have a 3 pin and the 3rd pin does not seem to touch the tang or blade so my guess would be that it is either to help stabilize them.. or it is purely cosmetic.

Originally Posted by Troggie

I have a 3 pin and the 3rd pin does not seem to touch the tang or blade so my guess would be that it is either to help stabilize them.. or it is purely cosmetic.

Yep. If your edge is protruding from the bottom of the scales without a third pin then either the scales are too narrow or they weren't made correctly. The restoration masters could provide some more detail about it.

It serves a few purposes...

It is cosmetic
It can serve as an emergency blade/tang stop
It is cosmetic
It re-contours the inside curve of the scales to allow for wonky tang taper...
It is cosmetic
It strengthens the scales
It is cosmetic
It stabilizes the scales from shifting
It is cosmetic

It is also a PITA to get the hang of doing them correctly,so make sure you practice a few times before the final fit...
Too big, or too small a center post, will warp/crack the scales... it can also mess up your wedge end fit by an improper sized center post...

I have never even done a guide to doing these, as they are all hand fit to each razor and each set of scales... It is a rather simple little thing that can really mess up a great set of scales...

PS: I have never, not once, ever, taken apart a vintage razor that actually rests on the center post....

Glen, didn't I read somewhere that the center pin can cause more trouble sometimes ? Warping and such ?