The Goodfellas’ Smile Syntesi safety razor has been some making waves in the wet shaving community, and with good reason. This Italian-made razor boasts an interesting design and is getting a reputation for providing both a comfortable and an efficient shave. After using this razor for a while and digging into various other user experiences and reviews, here’s a look at what I think makes the Syntesi stand out.
My Experience With The Goodfellas’ Smile Syntesi Razor
[Note: I received a stainless steel Syntesi razor without cost from Super Safety Razors (affiliate link). However the opinions expressed here are mine and have not been reviewed or approved by Super Safety Razors or Goodfellas’ Smile.]
First Impressions: Design and Build
The Syntesi is a modern-looking razor with a sleek, slim profile. Some have commented that these Italian razors have a look reminiscent of sports cars. Frankly I think that’s overstating the case a little but I do think it does have that sleek design aesthetic that Italians are known for. There have been some reports of inconsistent quality control but this has been attributed to counterfeit units coming in from Asia. Be sure to make your purchases from reputable vendors! My example is fine.
The razor is made from 303 stainless steel with a scratch-resistant hard chrome coating. This not only makes it durable but also gives it the kind of satin finish that I like. The handle features a knurled pattern of staggered vertical lines, providing a good grip, even with wet hands.
The razor also incorporates a seated o-ring at the top of the handle that fits into a counter sink in the baseplate. This feature keeps the handle connected well and ensures everything stays in place. The blade is loaded into the razor with a slot and groove configuration, where the end tabs of the blade are enclosed in the razor head. Blade alignment is spot on, with minimal blade reveal.
The head of the Syntesi is exceptionally thin, making it ideal for maneuvering under the nose and in other tight spots. The razor’s total length is around 87-88 mm with a handle length of 80 mm. It weighs approximately 98 grams, giving it a reasonably substantial feel in the hand. The blade gap is 0.62mm, and the blade exposure is 0.2mm. The design includes large lathering channels to move lather and whiskers out of the way during a shave.
My Shaving Experience: Performance and Comfort
For me the Syntesi is surprisingly mild and comfortable to use, yet efficient in performance: I would say it has a “middle of the road” aggressiveness. I find the razor is nimble and easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for navigating the contours of the face: the thin head excels at shaving under the nose and around the mouth. It is also comfortable on the neck area. There is good audio feedback, and just a little blade feel.
The razor rinses easily.
Key Feature
One of the standout features of the Syntesi is its unique 45-degree angle. This built-in angle is intended to make the razor user-friendly for both beginners and experienced wet shavers. The 45 degree angle is at the far end of what most razors are designed to work well at (30 to 45 degrees is the “conventional wisdom” range). But that angle combined with an essentially neutral blade exposure appears to be what makes it both efficient and comfortable at the same time. You can of course “ride the cap” or “ride the guard” do dial in the best shave for you.
The Goodfellas’ Smile Syntesi is frequently praised for providing a comfortable yet efficient shave. Many users report excellent results with just two passes. It is also noted to be very effective against the grain.
Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum
The Syntesi is available in both stainless steel and aluminum. While the stainless steel version is more popular, the aluminum version offers similar performance for about US $20 less. However I think most will prefer the heft and feel of the stainless steel version.
Final Verdict
The Goodfellas’ Smile Syntesi double edge safety razor is a well-regarded razor that offers a blend of comfort, efficiency, and quality. Its design, combined with its ease of use, makes it a good option for both beginners and experienced wet shavers. While there may be some minor drawbacks, such as the handle length form some, the overall consensus is that the Syntesi is a fantastic razor and a very good value. Whether you opt for the stainless steel or aluminum version, the Syntesi is a worthy contender for a spot in any shaving collection. If you are looking for a comfortable, efficient, and well-made razor, the Goodfellas’ Smile Syntesi is definitely worth considering.
This is a blatant copy of the Henson!
The blade angle and the top plate look reminiscent of Henson. Can you do a comparative analysis?
Tile head?
Is this a tile head razor?