Thread: Smiling vs straight blade

I just purchased this vintage John Cockhill smiling razor (white scales). This is the first smiling razor I tried and I love it. It came honed to perfection. First shave observation is as follows. There seems to be less resistance then on a straight blade. If you have problem areas like your neck, chin or upper lip, the smiling blade seems to get to those places easier and with less irritation. I usually do 3 passes but with the smiling blade I didn't need more then 2 passes because the blade got to the trouble areas the first time. Looking at knives, swords and saws, for the most part the blades are curved to reduce resistance and to keep the cutter from getting hung up. I know a lot of you have far more experience then I do but I wonder why modern blade manufacturers don't offer smiling blades as a part of their lines. I would really appreciate the members listing their experience using a smiling blade. Could really help Newbies and those struggling with getting a good shave. I have on the way a custom Jerry Stark smiling blade and it seems that if you do want a smiling blade it has to be made to order.

I too prefer a smiling blade, but it's all about preference. It's almost like: What color do you like? Neither will give a "better" shave over the other or hone easier...it's what you are used to or prefer. Try it all, you will find that over the years you will lean one way, then another, and then yet another. Enjoy the journey!

I think Scott pretty much nailed it. My preferences wain all the time too. I had a long run of really only shaving with 7/8 and larger heavy wedges, then I was loving my large full hollow blades and lately I have been really loving my 6/8 full hollows. Some people do find a handful of razors that they really love and stay with two or three.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

Looking at knives, swords and saws, for the most part the blades are curved to reduce resistance and to keep the cutter from getting hung up.

Years ago I ran an indoor pistol range that had a 'meeting room' we'd rent out to various groups, clubs, etc. One of those groups was "Soycity knife makers and collectors." I asked once, what the reasoning for a curved blade was. They replied, "A curved blade increases the cutting area, without increasing the blade length." Not sure about a razor, but it made sense for a regular knife.

Originally Posted by RezDog

I think Scott pretty much nailed it. My preferences wain all the time too. I had a long run of really only shaving with 7/8 and larger heavy wedges, then I was loving my large full hollow blades and lately I have been really loving my 6/8 full hollows. Some people do find a handful of razors that they really love and stay with two or three.

I too have stayed liking heavier blades over the years.

My neighbor who has practiced martial arts for 60 years and is a grand master in Ninja Karate and Kung Fu with 23 years as a green beret explained why curved is preferred. He has shown me his Samurai swords and explained his swords are made for cutting, slashing not stabbing. A Samurai sword can cut through a pig carcass with one pass. The curved blade has more cutting surface with less resistance then a straight blade. As the blades surface comes in contact with say the skin, the straight blade pushes the skin instead of moving the skin and hair along the blade surface. He said if the skin is pulled tight both ways the curved blade will still have less resistance and irritation. He also used the example of moving snow. Which moves the snow or dirt easier, a angled blade or straight blade. A razor in the hands of someone with a lot of experience will work great either way but for those of us starting the journey, it's worth trying different things. The pursuit of the perfect shave.

I have never used a smiling blade, but always thought they made more sense as a shaving tool than a flat blade. If you have hollows on your face and neck, the smilers will naturally fit them. The only reason I don't use them, is that I've never learned to hone one. As far as cutting power goes, I think any sharp blade will do and the difference between a smiling blade and a flat blade would be miniscule.

Smile and the world smiles with you ....... smiling straights and slant (twisted head) razors are my crave .............

Gorgeous razors in the OP BTW.

I personally get easier and more comfortable shaves with smiling razor edges.

Originally Posted by Wayne1963

I have never used a smiling blade, but always thought they made more sense as a shaving tool than a flat blade. If you have hollows on your face and neck, the smilers will naturally fit them. .

When I discovered that the heel of a straight was also good for this, my shave quality improved dramatically. That small curve can fit into some tight places.