RAZOR TAIL: WHAT IT IS AND WHY YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED

Posted on 16 April 2025
By George Stix
Posted in razortail
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Razor tail is one of the most common issues every skateboarder faces. It might look like a small deal, but it can mess with your skating in ways that matter. This blog post breaks it all down—what razor tail is, why it sucks, and when it's time to let that deck go.

What Is Razor Tail?

Razor tail happens when the tail or nose of your board gets worn down from dragging or popping against the ground. The once-rounded edge becomes thin, sharp, and even splinters. Think of it like a sharpened blade made of wood. It's mostly caused by tricks like ollies, shuvits, and general wear over time.

Spotting the Problem

If the tail looks shaved down, splintered, or razor sharp to the touch—you’ve got razor tail. You’ll also notice your pop sounds dull and your tricks don’t snap like they used to.

Why Razor Tail Is a Problem

A razor tail isn’t just ugly—it’s dangerous. The sharp edge can cut your hands, rip through your shoes, and totally mess with how your board performs. The more it shaves down, the worse it gets.

The Pop Is Dead

Your board won’t pop the same. It hits the ground faster, reducing leverage and making your tricks feel flat. Ollies lose height. Kickflips feel sluggish. Everything just feels… off.

Flick Tricks Suffer

Kickflips, varial flips, and tre flips start to feel sketchy. That uneven tail throws off timing, grip, and rotation. It’s harder to control your board when the geometry is jacked.

Say Goodbye to Your Shoes

That sharp edge grinds down your shoes with every scoop or pop. Expect to burn through soles—especially your back foot—way faster.

Razor Tail Splinters = Injuries

Worn wood splinters easily. Catch one wrong and your board could jab into your shin or hands. Not the kind of slam you want.

Ledge and Rail Skaters, Beware

A jagged tail can mess with how your board locks into grinds. Instead of smooth slides, you get hang-ups or unpredictable bounces.

Manuals and Nose Manuals Get Weird

Because razor tail changes your board’s shape, your manual game gets thrown off. The board doesn’t balance the same, and your setup feels inconsistent.

You Could Snap Your Tail

A board with razor tail is structurally weaker. One wrong land off a set or big drop and your tail might split or crack entirely.

When to Replace Your Board

If the tail’s worn more than a quarter inch, feels sharp, or is splintering—it’s time. If your pop feels dead and tricks aren’t consistent, don’t keep guessing—look at your tail.

Why Skaters Push It

Some skaters keep razor tail decks because they “still kind of work.” But ask any pro—they swap decks constantly to keep their skating consistent. Razor tail is a silent killer.

How to Prevent Razor Tail

Rotate your board to skate both nose and tail. Avoid dragging your tail when turning or stopping. Land bolts and don’t tail drag off curbs. If you're really trying to preserve your board, tail guards are an option—though they’re not for everyone.

It’s Not Just a Style Thing

Sure, a beat-up board shows you skate hard—but don’t let pride cost you progress. There’s a difference between well-loved and dangerously dead.

Final Word

Razor tail creeps in slowly, but its effects are real. It dulls your pop, kills your flick, eats your shoes, and can mess with your safety. Check your tail. Respect your gear. And when it’s time, grab a fresh deck—you deserve it.

Need help picking your next board? Hit up STIX SGV. We’ll hook you up and make sure you’re rolling clean, not razor sharp.

Stix SGV has proudly served the San Gabriel Valley skateboarding community since the late ‘90s. With three locations across Los Angeles County, we’ve been deeply rooted in the local scene. Our Monrovia shop has been a staple since 1997, followed by our Claremont location in 2014, and our South Pasadena shop opening its doors in 2022. Our mission has always been simple: to uphold skateboarding culture and stay true to our community.