Thread: Curved edge vs. Straight

I never thought of it before but I guess there would be a subtle difference in shaving technique between a curved edge razor and a straight. I noticed that my straight edge Dovo seems to shave better than my other razors that all have a slightly curved edge. It occured to me that assuming they are somewhat equally sharp, you would have to account for the curved edge when shaving. What I am thinking is that the heel and toe of a curved blade may miss some hairs whereas a straight would pick up.
That said, a curved edge has it's advantages in some of the more contoured areas like around the apple or the upper lip...

I guess a curved just requires a few more strokes . . .

Thoughts anyone?

Emil

When you say curved edge I assume you mean the toe of the blade being round point, french point or notch point. There are some straights where the actual edge has a gentle curve to it also as opposed to completely straight.

The toe configuration issue has been discussed here before it mostly a matter of style and taste though some will say a french point is less forgiving of ham handedness but easier in tight situations while the round point is easier to use and less likely to get you.

As far as the edge itself its just style. I have both kinds and I don't adjust my shaving technique any differently for either one and they seem to shave equal.

I find there is no difference in technique to using the curved or 'smiling' blades, but that they are much more comfortable to use. They do fit better beside my adams apple which is a challenge area for me, and I also find that they are easier to hone the whole edge equally since you must roll the blade to contact the hone entirely. They also look sexier.

X

Originally Posted by xman

I find there is no difference in technique to using the curved or 'smiling' blades, but that they are much more comfortable to use. They do fit better beside my adams apple which is a challenge area for me, and I also find that they are easier to hone the whole edge equally since you must roll the blade to contact the hone entirely. They also look sexier.

X

X-man,
Thanks to several of your posts re:rock n' roll method, and our correspondence, I have now successfully honed a couple of smiling razors. I still have to concentrate much more on these than on true straight blades, but with practice I think I'll have it licked. That said, I find it much easier both to hone, and shave with, a 'straight' straight razor. I feel like I've got a bit more control over it; along the same line, I prefer a spike point because it allows me to trim individual strays during touch-up. I had some time this morning and following up on a joke from last evening's chat, I trimmed both nose and ear hair with my AMCO spike. I wouldn't dream of trying that with a round nose razor.
For those of you wondering, both nose and ears are still intact .
Cheers,
Ed

My best shaver is a cheap new razor from Hess Hair Milk laboratories. (procured by my barber, who still does shaves with a straight) It is boring, square, and straight, with a plastic handle. I own one smiling blade that is a Morley and Sons wedge. I have struggled with getting it really sharp, but I like the way it handles my problem areas just under my jaw. It seems to make better and more reliable contact with the curves.