So I've Decided I Prefer A Smiling Edge
If there's anyone else who feels this way please speak up! Also, I have a Tally-Ho that I'll have to post pics of later that has a nice smiling edge. Anybody want to post some pictures of their own smiling blades? Also, what are some good models with smiling edges?
Keep on shaving,
Brent
You're on to something there
I'm not a wisened veteran yet, but when I spoke w/ R. Williams about a blade, he heard me talk about a preference for a very slight smile like I was stating the obvious. I avoided swaybacks, 'cause I didn't have the skills to hone/maintain. Since then, found an old B.J.Eyre swayback wedge and took alot of time to get it ready. Again, the smile made for a very pleasant edge. I ordered my first Wacker, and when touching up, noticed the heel & toe weren't touching. 'Placed it edge down on a pc of leather, and sure enough there was the smile again. 'Very very little smile, but undeniable. When I mentioned it to John, he was unaware it had a smile. It's certainly easier to maintain a very slight smile, for me (honed less than 50 razors so far). Also, JimmyHAD graciously links a pdf to an old barber instruction book that describes blade frown as the cause of customer complaints about the blade pulling during the shave.
anymore, if a blade doesn't smile, it will when I get done with it.