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Thread: Smiler

  1. #1
    STF
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    Default Smiler

    When I first started straight shaving, Mike (Outback) generously sent me four razors.

    One of those razors was a smiler called an Artisan, that razor is my absolute favourite i reckon. It was so smooth to shave with, like shaving with a lead pipe as mike would say.

    Anyway, I just shaved with it again, it was really uncomfortable and pully, I nicked myself for the fist time ever with that particular razor so it's time.

    I am nervous because I've never honed a smiler before and it was such a nice comfortable shaver that i don't want to turn it into just any other super sharp razor. I want that lead pipe feel.

    I don't know whether the feel is because it's smiling or how it was honed, I have 3 other Mike razors and although their ridiculously sharp, they aren't smooth like my Artisan.

    Normally I start right back from bevel set with my razors because i want to become very very good at setting a bevel and if I don't practice it i never will. However, I really don't want to lose that lead pipe so I think a quick refresh for this one.

    What do you reckon? Maybe a refresh with a Coticule will help me keep that lead pipe feel instead of a 12K Nanny?

    What stroke do you think, maybe a windscreen wiper sort of stroke, or just follow the smile?

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    If you read this Mike, I would love your opinion, bearing in mind that i don't have an Escher which what i think I remember you telling me you used originally.
    Last edited by STF; 01-14-2022 at 09:44 PM. Reason: I said Artisan, should have said Artist
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    - - Steve

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    Truth is weirder than any fiction.. Grazor's Avatar
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    Shouldn't need much, a few laps on a pastel strop if you got one might get it back.
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    STF
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    Quote Originally Posted by Grazor View Post
    Shouldn't need much, a few laps on a pastel strop if you got one might get it back.
    I tried that already but it wasn't enough.
    - - Steve

    You never realize what you have until it's gone -- Toilet paper is a good example

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    Senior Member blabbermouth markbignosekelly's Avatar
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    Use a rolling X stroke, gently ink the bevel so you know that your stroke is hitting all along the edge.
    I wouldn't get too hung up about the coticle as its not the same as an escher, however if you can get a great shave from your coticle then there's no reason you can't get the same on this razor.
    Generally as soon as I feel the slightest tug I give a razor a good strop with linen to see if it behaves if not then a few laps on CroOx and FeOx or my Gok 20k. If it needs any more I drop down to the Naniwa 10k.

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    Senior Member blabbermouth RezDog's Avatar
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    As a general rule I follow the same line of thinking as already posted with the exception that I always inspect it first with a loupe to ensure nothing has been nicked.

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    Senior Member blabbermouth tcrideshd's Avatar
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    If Crox ain’t bringing it back. What have you done?a razor getting dull after 40-50 shaves usually doesn’t need more than pasted strop or 3-5 laps on a finisher,
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    STF
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    I used a Coti to refresh that smiler, it's back. I just shaved with it and it's lovely again.



    Thanks everyone for the advice.
    - - Steve

    You never realize what you have until it's gone -- Toilet paper is a good example

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    Senior Member blabbermouth markbignosekelly's Avatar
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    Nice one, Steve
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    Senior Member blabbermouth
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    Quote Originally Posted by STF View Post
    I used a Coti to refresh that smiler, it's back. I just shaved with it and it's lovely again.



    Thanks everyone for the advice.
    That’s why I like coticules. Easy to use and verstile.

    Congratulations on making that smiler smile again.
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    David
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    Senior Member blabbermouth outback's Avatar
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    Sorry I missed this one, Steve.

    Good to hear ya brought it back around.

    Glad I could offer you that benchmark, razor.
    The Artist Razors are a good brand, and take a great edge.
    Mike

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