Thread: Pins and needles

Where are you guys finding your pins for new scales? Do you make them or is there a supplier some where?

Originally Posted by pmays

Where are you guys finding your pins for new scales? Do you make them or is there a supplier some where?

Classicshaving.com sells them, but they're expensive, and I don't like them. Most of us make our own. Get some 1/16" brass rod (available at your local Hobby Lobby where they sell model car/plane stuff or at any of the knifemaker supply companies) and some #0 washers from microfasteners.com, and you, too, can make your own. Wouldn't be a bad idea to invest in Bill Ellis's video, too, as he has instructions on pinning. That video is a godsend for folks new to restoration, or anyone interested in improving and upgrading their skills. I've been making custom knives for a few years, and knew a lot of the stuff on the cd, but even I picked up some tips and tricks from it. The rod, washers, and a ball-peen hammer are about all you need to make pins, although you can get creative with it, too. Check out bg42's, Bill's, garythepenman's, and Vladsch's work if you wanna see what can be accomplished (there are others, and I apologize if I left anyone out who does good work, too...those were just the first ones who came to mind) when you put your mind to it. And welcome to our house of addiction.

#@&**%# Forgot I have that CD just got it about a month ago with one of Bill's shirts. A mind is a terrible thing to..........

Also get the #0W washers for inside the scales, to prevent the tang from developing scratches.

Those are a bit thick. I've started using some phosphor bronze washers I got from another source. They're only. 010 thick versus .017 for the microfastener washers. Plus, the phosphor bronze washers have a high natural lubricity, which makes for an incredibly smooth action.

I like the washers to be a bit on the thick side, because they keep the blade away from the scales, as opposed to the thinner ones. I don't like the scratch marks on the shank of the razor... I make my own, hammering them from nail heads. And I'm still waiting for the shipment of #0W, Ilija, as they say, hope dies last

Nenad

As I promised, I'll go down to the post office tomorrow and get you the tracking number. I don't care about the washers, they can always be picked up later. It's the razors that I'm REALLY pissed about.

Can't stay...bye bye, now...

Another option for inside washer material is to use micarta. The great thing about it is that it doesn't corrode.