I cover the back plate of all my three-piece razors with a piece of masking tape. You have to make two orthogonal cuts for the stud with a blade or scissors. That piece protects the plating on both the plate and the handle very well and makes tightening very smooth and reliable. Good for some 50 shaves (depends on the tape you chose). Try it and you may love it just like I do.
For those who are still clueless. I'll repeat: "That piece protects the plating on both the plate and the handle very well and makes tightening very smooth and reliable".
Ok, I can see this being done, if the pieces weren't tightening up. But why protect the finish? It's covered up anyway, and the razor shouldn't wear out for a few lifetimes.
I do have to admit that my own Pre-War Tech looks more like the first picture. (Though mine also seems to have a chunk of plating missing which looks like it may have actually peeled off at some point.)
I once did something similar with a head and handle that didn't quite mate but looked good together. I used a very small o-ring to tighten the gap. Your way is cheaper and you don't have an 0-ring to fly off when you change the blade.
When I was in my 20s I did not baby my safety razors like I do nowadays. We change as we mature, I guess. At least I do!
Not long ago Rob and Andrew were talking about using Teflon tape on the threads, same results possibly ?
