Thread: Smiles

Howdy

Been looking to add a new blade to the collection, seen a few blades with smiles on them.
I feel this might be a good thing, I have face hollows that require the pufferfish pose.
Anyone love their smilers here that could post some pictures.

Cheers

Zim

My favourites are smiliers. Even the small 5/8 smilers are rarities, and shave oh so good! IMO they make neck shaving far more easier. Here's just a few of mine, some small americans, a medium sized Boker and some big Sheffields. The Wade & Butcher is a full hollow smiler which is a rare breed, and shaves fantastic.

Yes, a smile can make your day.

Bob

Sigh... Wish I lived in the USA, visited all vintage stores in a 150mile radius and no quality razors, ebay is my last resort, but sometimes shipping can be more than the razor itself.
Are they easy to hone and get an even bevel?


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Once you master the rolling X stroke, I find it easier than honing a regular blade.... But that's just me. Also, depending on steel like Sheffield, American,German, Swedish, this will also dictate how easy it is to hone. Some can be a real bugger and some can take no time at all. As for keeping an even bevel on a smiling blade, same thing. Some can be real nice and even some can get all wonky. Usually this can be becasue of grinding geometry on the blade, but can also be bad honing technique. I learn best by seeing and doing so I recommend watching some videos, and also doing some reading.

You could always contact Stu of Boxer razors he's a Aussie from Brisbane and commission a custom smiler, Stu makes beautiful razors.

Here's some grinners. As has been said, they can make great shavers.
MIke

My snail forge 9/8 smiler. I find a nice smile makes a razor very nimble.

My Michael Waterhouse Smiler FBU 8/8 half hollow.

I think most would agree that smiling blades are more comfortable to shave with.