Originally Posted by
cpcohen1945
I also suspect that the old washers were stamped. A stamped "flat washer" isn't flat. It has a slightly-rounded side, and a slightly-cupped side. If the slightly-cupped side is set against the (much softer) scales, it will lock into place against them when the pivot pin is peened and the joint comes under pressure.
All movement -- and wear -- when the razor is opened and closed, will occur between the tang and the washer. "Metal-on-metal" will last longer than "metal on plastic". "Metal-on-metal" with a bit of oil will last a long, long time.
Charles