Should I avoid a razor if it has a smile?

[Sluggo]

I found a nice beefy wedge razor, but it is pretty happy (since it has a smile). This would be a straight that I would learn to shave with...should I avoid it?

I have a thick, coarse beard and full hollow razors tend to get snagged.

 

[TheHatter]

Personally...if the razor looks to be in any kind of questionable shape, I'd contact leighton or one of the other honing gurus and see if they can fix it up for ya.

 

[RetroGrouch]

How much of a smile are we talking about here?

I actually think a slight smile is easier to shave with when starting out. But a severe smile might not be. It would also be harder to hone, if you're going to learn to do that yourself.

The thing you really want to avoid is a frown.

Mike

 

[Sluggo]

I don't know how to judge the degree of smile, but it I think is moderate

 

[Leche]

Post a pic of it. If its acceptable it will serve you will.

 

[Sluggo]

can't do that sadly...it is in a store...I am thinking I will pass on it because it is $80 and would need restoring.

 

[Dave_D]

If its a big Sheffield wedge with a smile, $80 is actually a pretty good price if it isnt too rough. The wedge on my shelf is a 9/8 W&B with a definate smile, takes a profoundly sharp edge and shaves like dream.

 

[professorchaos]

Keep in mind that many razors have a smile by design. In those cases, the sweep up towards the spine at the toe should mirror that at the heel. If there is a marked sweep up just at the toe, that is most likely excessive hone wear. What you really want to avoid are razors with a frown.

 

[leighton]

In terms of shaving comfort and ease of use, a smile is just as good as a straight blade. If you've been using straight blades exclusively for a very long time, you might need some extra training to get used to a smile. I did.

In terms of honing, yes, a smile is bad news for a beginner.

 

[Amyn]

Keep in mind that many razors have a smile by design. In those cases, the sweep up towards the spine at the toe should mirror that at the heel. If there is a marked sweep up just at the toe, that is most likely excessive hone wear. What you really want to avoid are razors with a frown.

+1 Agree 100%

 

[Sluggo]

Keep in mind that many razors have a smile by design. In those cases, the sweep up towards the spine at the toe should mirror that at the heel. If there is a marked sweep up just at the toe, that is most likely excessive hone wear. What you really want to avoid are razors with a frown.

Thanks Henry, this smile is uniform from what I remember and it is a English wedge...I think I will offer $50 for it and see if it sells.

 

[professorchaos]

In that case, I'd pick it up. But that isn't saying much - I have little self control in these matters.

 

[English]

The better quality full hollow razors have a slight curve in the spine which is matched with a smile on the edge.

More expensive and more difficult to produce and more comfortable to use.

The old smiling wedges are difficult to hone. It's Ok people saying you just do the rolling X pattern on a hone and its easy. No it isn't. Believe me, no it isn't.

If you can not hone a smiling wedge yourself, they are notorious for needing repeat honings at quite short intervals and so it will be expensive to send out for resharpening.

It's really best to get a non smiling wedge. These are easy to hone, you just put a couple of layers of tape on the spine and they hone the same as a full hollow razor.

One last thing, you will probably ruin the one you are about to purchase, just learning how to hone it properly. You have been warned.

 

[Kees]

Why not ask the shop keeper if you can take a few pics. Tell him you want to share them with a couple of more knowledgeable straight razor shavers before you spend $ 80 on it.