Thread: Curved Blade

Hi,

I am new to straght razor shaving.

I bought an un-used Gotta made from Solingen steel, and I notice it has a slight curve to the blade (so have other new razors).


I also bought the same razor make and model, but one that has been used a fair amount. The blade on the used one is straight; it has minimal curves at either end of the blade. I have the following questions:

1. Should I hone the new curved blade so that it keeps its curve, or should it be honed to make it straight?
2. The straight blade of the used razor - should I hone it to put a curve back into it?
3. Is the curved blade of the new razor, easier/safer for a beginner to use?

Thanks in anticipation.

1. Keep the curve! Trying to hone out the smile will take you a lot of work on a coarse hone. You'll want to use something we call the Rolling Hone method of honing where you begin the honing stroke with the heel of the blade fully on the hone, and gently and gradually roll the razor's main point of contact with the stone up through the belly of the blade to the tip by the end of the stroke. Evenness is what you should strive for.

2. Use the Rolling Hone method (with a mellower dynamic because of the edge's formation) and let the chips lay where they fall.

3. Not particularly, but I love shaving with 'smilin' blades. I find it very comfortable and easier to get around some of the tight corners.

X

Thanks very much for the advice.
Much appreciated.