Thread: Wedge or Spacer

Originally Posted by CTKnife

Agreed, The wedge is made for a reason. Taking the easy road, while easier will in the long run be more work and could cause damage to the blade.

Some of the reasons that Ray mentioned

1. The outward bow of the scales strengthens the scale
2. The bow creates tension on the razor so it opens and closes smoothly
3. The bow and resulting angle keeps the scales from rubbing the sides of the tang (somewhat)
4. The angle of the wedge should match the angle of the tang
5. The bow allows for use of a 3rd pin to further relive tang rubbing or just for looks (not necessary)

These are most of the reasons I can think of right now, but right now, I am just having my first cup of coffee so forgive me if I missed some

Keep in mind that the tang of a razor is angled, sometimes in two directions, sometimes even rounded, the wedge should create a natural curve to meet these angles... All this is not a rule, it is just how those old guys have figured stuff out over the years and the evolution of the SR... If you look at some of the old Stub Tails you will find much more of a spacer than a wedge, mostly I have found that they seemed to follow the tang design so that is what I always did....