As the old adage goes, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Or is there? With the recent arrival of the Italian Barber / Razorock Smile razor we find there is indeed an easier and better approach to head shaving which has been missing from this hobby space for a while. Let’s dig into it.
What Do We Have Here?
At first glance from a distance, this seems like any regular double edge. Closer inspection proves otherwise. The double-edged safety razor has enjoyed a relatively static design for over a century—straight blade, straight edge, straight results. Yet the human head and body are decidedly not straight; curved contours, recessed areas, and awkward angles have long frustrated head shavers and body shavers alike, forcing them into multiple passes and increased skin irritation just to chase a clean result.
Enter the Razorock Smile razor, which challenges this assumption with a decidedly simple innovation.
What makes this razor unique is the application of concave (or “negative”) curvature on one side of the razor head and blade. (Negative curvature is used to describe a saddle shape when we discuss the curvature of space-time in the field of astrophysics.) This fancy shaving product was the brainchild of many thoughtful discussions between the founder of Italian Barber and his wife, upon her helpful suggestion that he consider a razor specifically designed around the needs of women.
Plate 1: The top-down view of the new Smile razor.
Much like Sir Isaac Newton’s interaction with the famous Apple, Michael had a Eureka! moment upon seeing his wife cutting an apple with a curved blade. Thus was born the Smile razor in his imagination, and from there the rest is history.
When loaded with any double-edged blade, one side of the razor head is what we typically expect from any double-edged razor: a straight cutting edge. On the other side, we view what is scientifically called “negative curvature“; in other words, curved much like a potato chip. Because of the saddle-shaped profile on the inside of the cap and the corresponding baseplate, we see a curved, smile-like cutting edge on the far side, hence the name. This is where all the magic happens.
Plate 2: The innards of the Smile razor head assembly. Note the scalloping on the baseplate and matching convex curve of the top cap. The different alignment pins prevent misassembly.
Facts, Figures, and Numbers
The smile razor comes in one of two options, the Smile Standard where their razor aggressiveness scale puts this at 1-2, almost on par with the ultra-mild and very agreeable Mamba razor. This variety is perfect for fresh entrants new to the wet shave game, and/or for those with more sensitive skin who want the absolute trouble-free shave with no hassles or headaches. If you don’t mind some extra buffing or touchup strokes, this razor is for you.
Also available for your consideration is the Smile Plus razor, which sports marginally increased blade gap and slightly more pronounced razor head geometry. If your skin seems a bit more leathery and on the tougher side, you might benefit from this selection instead.
Either choice arrives in lightweight aluminum, clocking in at approximately 39.5g (1.39-1.40 oz). For comparison, the likewise-styled Henson razor tips the scales at 38 g.
Plate 3: The Henson (L) and the Smile Razor (R). If you are familiar with how the Henson razor feels and performs, working with the Smile razor will be very familiar and agreeable.
Cutting to the Chase
Based upon my extensive testing and usage across a month or so, I conclude that the Smile razor is an excellent starter razor for those just going into head shaves or experienced travelers in the realm of head grooming with the trusty double-edge shaver. Like so many head shavers out there, I share the ever so mild annoyance when it comes to shaving the backside of my head: namely, the need for repeated passes on the curved, hind-most section of my head for complete BBS (Baby Bottom Smooth) cleanup. The Smile razor makes this all go away, and you get a cleaner scalp with fewer passes and less irritation. The only downside here is the need to mentally keep note of what side is in contact with your skin, although this isn’t a critical dealbreaker and requires only a slight amount of muscle memory.
The feel of the regular Smile razor is quite mild, and thus well suited for shaving in areas outside of your visibility. The similarities between the Smile razor and the RazoRock EZ1 or the Cyber razor are striking, yet I am tempted to think of the Smile razor as being an overgrown Henson razor which happens to sport one concave-curved side.
The Smile razor also shines elsewhere on the human body. The straight edge of the razor head works its usual duty for shaving your cheeks and parts of your neck; this is to be expected. The inverse curve side can help clean up the front of your neck in record time, also under your nose in the mustache area, and the front and underside of your chin. You get a BBS finish here as well with fewer passes in the curvy areas, all adding up to less irritation and a faster, fresher, smoother finish with less time on the clock.
The ladies in the audience will also benefit from regular usage of this razor, especially in geometrically complicated areas like the front of the shins, the knees, and the ankles. (Alas, as I am not a body shaver I am thus not well suited to comment extensively on this.)
Pricewise, the Smile razor arrives at your door for a hair under $70 USD. This pricing is partly due to the fact that some of the special jigs and fixtures required for lengthy production runs aren’t available just yet. The shorter manufacturing run is due to the prototype nature of this razor as a gauge to test how deep the market is for this new brand of wet shaving innovation. Even so, this is still a wee bit cheaper than the more popular Henson.
The Smile Shaving Experience.
My first shaves with the Smile razor prove at once pleasant and reliable. Not much manual “thinking” with your hands is required here; You can almost do this on autopilot and end up with a good result. This is another easy “place-and-pull” razor with the simplicity of operation you might expect from the Henson. There is no discernible blade chatter at all with this design, for which I am greatly relieved.
A potential complaint here is the drag or “suction feel” with this style of razor. I’m pleased to report that sensation is minimal given the anodization of the aluminum razor head. Ensure you have a nice, slick shaving lather from a top tier soap artisan and you will hardly notice any resistance with your shave passes.
Plate 4: The assembled Smile Razor.
Given the mildness of the entry-level razor, I do find I occasionally need to make multiple passes in similar areas for full cleanup. I don’t fault the razor much for this, as I suggest we start with a mild razor and work upwards in terms of aggressiveness. We are always better off beginning with the gentle approach rather than diving headlong into a blade which might bite us. Mild shavers for the win!
Some Closing Thoughts
For shavers battling curved contours, the Smile’s concave geometry is the elegant mechanical answer that lets you achieve a cleaner result with fewer passes—proof that sometimes the best innovation isn’t more aggressiveness, it’s smarter geometry.
Pros:
- Lightweight aluminum.
- Precision CNC construction. No blade chatter or jiggle noted.
- Curved-blade geometry solves a real problem – Dramatically fewer passes needed on rounded body contours (scalp, neck, shins, knees).
- Mild and agreeable performance, perfect for the wet shaving novice.
- Affordable innovation – At under $70 USD, it costs less than some competitors despite its proprietary design.
- Two aggressiveness level options available – Standard for sensitive skin and newcomers; Plus for those seeking a touch more cutting power.
Cons:
- Price is up there a wee bit, but it doesn’t break the bank.
- Stainless steel or titanium would be nice as an option.
- Potentially limited availability. Don’t hesitate, get yours today!
The Final Cut:
The Razorock Smile represents a genuinely thoughtful departure from, and improvement upon, the centuries old double-edged razor, now with a fresh new innovation which solves the problem of efficient shaving in curvy face, head, and body areas. If you’re frequently shaving your head, your neck, or other curved body areas regularly, the Smile Razor doesn’t just improve your shave; it fundamentally respects the shape of your skin.
Product Link
