Thread: Anyone NOT Like a Smiley?

So I picked this up the other day, and had my first shave with it today.



Note, this is not your father's smiley... it's... a "modified" version. More of a wave then a smile.

BEAUTIFULLY restored, ggorgeousblade and scales... and this is by far the most heavy razor I own, and I really liked the extra weight.

But the shave... using my usual technique which works fine for my other blades in rotation... I got a spotty shave. I just couldn't get a good shave, and started to really irritate my neck trying to get one, so I stopped.

Now, I will add that when this sucker was cutting whisker, it did so easily... no sound, no pulling, just a clean slice. I assume this was because of the extreme angle in the cut of the blade. But for some reason, it just didnt happen in most places on my neck!

Anyone else have a weird experience such as this with a smiley?

When I got my first heavily ground razor it took me a few shaves to get a good shave. Part of that I chocked up to not having a lot of experience with heavy blades. At that point I had mostly shaved with full and extra hollow razors and one half hollow. I do think that wavy edge may have something to do with it. I'm not sure I would be excited to give it a go. I do like the heavier grinds a lot now and think perhaps you might want to send that one out for a honing.

Originally Posted by Aldwyn

But the shave... using my usual technique which works fine for my other blades in rotation... I got a spotty shave. I just couldn't get a good shave, and started to really irritate my neck trying to get one, so I stopped.

Now, I will add that when this sucker was cutting whisker, it did so easily... no sound, no pulling, just a clean slice. I assume this was because of the extreme angle in the cut of the blade. But for some reason, it just didnt happen in most places on my neck!

Bezutifully restored but poorly honed unless the 'frown' at the heel has been corrected.
Easily the cause of your problems.

I tend to agree with Onimaru. Ditch the frown and you will have a better razor for your labor.
Very good looker!

I was under the impression that the frown was part of the way the razor was originally built. And being told that it's got a learning curve on how to use these, but once you got it, its a great shave. Is this not the case?

Its true that I have never seen another W&B with a blade like this before.

I wonder if the frown is ground out, that pretty much means flat edge, and would it remove much weight from the blade?

I don't think any maker would ever do that on purpose. That is why I said send it out for a honing. A pro will be able to fix that and you will get a whole new perspective on how that blade was intended to shave.

Disappointing, as I love the look of it.

But if I cant shave with it unless I have the frown removed, I guess that needs to be done.

Thanks for the input!

Originally Posted by Aldwyn

I was under the impression that the frown was part of the way the razor was originally built. Definitely not.
And being told that it's got a learning curve on how to use these, but once you got it, its a great shave. Is this not the case?
Definitely not. I would question a seller's intent if he said that.

Its true that I have never seen another W&B with a blade like this before.

I wonder if the frown is ground out, that pretty much means flat edge, and would it remove much weight from the blade?
No. The correction coud be kept mainly to the heel & flattening any sway back razor is simply bad geometry

Just confirming Rezdog's reply. This razor most likely had heel damage & was badly honed to compensate.

It's gonna lose a big chunk of the heel corner to even get the rearward half of the edge fairly strait. better to do a bit more if a slight smile back there. (recommended) Keep what's in the belly and the toe, swoop the heel. This razor has a big piece missing.
Might be fixable. Oz can draw on the picture what I mean. I have seen him do it!
All-powerful as he is!

Oh! It is NOT a faux-frameback. This is a 'rattler' grind!

You're getting some good help, Aldwyn.

I saw the marking on the blade for correction - that's why I'm posting. I get alot of blades that have a nice gracefully curved spine that have been brutalized on stones as if they had a straight edge and straight spine. You can spot them by the excessive spine wear in the middle and the middle bevel rarely gets sharp.

When you correct that bevel, a simple curve will still have the bevel out of parallel w/ the spine and continue to be a PITA to hone. The curve of the bevel needs to follow the curve of the spine - or how the spine was originally shaped. The spine is the 'fixture' that holds the bevel at the correct angle while honing. If the bevel isn't parallel, you're forever fighting w/ it. Correction is a long process. Don't be in a hurry to come off your course stone or diamond plate. With a heavy grind it might want several sessions. One long session can tax one's patience & care.

Its a handsome piece. After some labor, 'should give the joy you're looking for.