Are there any benefits to having flat face on a cricket bat ?.
Aesthetically it is preference thing for the individual. It gives the impression as you all know of a slightly larger edge when you first look at a bat. Pressing and blade shape wise we knock in the edges anyway even though the edge wont curve down as much as curved faced bat. The front edge will be reduced which is something we forget on our initial impression of the bat.
I could chat for a while about the pressing difference between the 2 roller types but it is fair to say it will flat will suit certain pieces of willow and curved will suit other types of willow.