Thread: Point type recommendation for newb with beard?

Despite having read JILLIONS of posts about shaving around moustaches, goatees, and beards, I didn't see any that addressed a question that's bugging me:

Should someone (me) new to straight razors stick with a round point despite needing to shave around a beard?

It's clear to me that the general recommendation is to start with a round point, but that seems to assume that a clean-shaven face is the goal. I understand that a round point is a good way to reduce the chance of cutting off protruding parts while learning to handle the razor, but is the round point worth it when fine work is also needed? Is a square point a reasonable alternative, even though it's not common on 'beginner' razors?

I'll let others chime in here about the shape of the point. I would just recommend that you have the point and toe edge of the blade blunted a bit.

Oh. I'm new to it as well and have 2 square point straight razors and see the point a complete non-issue. I could be wrong, but my concentration is always where the edge is going on my face.

Welcome, Dzanda!

SPIKE !!!!

Perhaps a French / Oblique point but if you want the straight exact corners and lines you want a Spike and you want a stupid sharp edge on it

Intentionally blunting any blade just seems so WRONG!

But I may find that I need to take you up on your suggestion. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Dzanda

Intentionally blunting any blade just seems so WRONG!

But I may find that I need to take you up on your suggestion. Thanks.

Here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...ing-spike.html

We all just had this convo

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...ing-spike.html

We all just had this convo

I was speaking philosophically!

Originally Posted by Dzanda

I was speaking philosophically!

I guess I am at a loss as to know how one is to distinguish the difference between the "Philosophical", and the "Actual" request for information

Either way the info on how to mute a point so that it may be brought back at a later date is in that thread...

Originally Posted by Dzanda

Despite having read JILLIONS of posts about shaving around moustaches, goatees, and beards, I didn't see any that addressed a question that's bugging me:

Should someone (me) new to straight razors stick with a round point despite needing to shave around a beard?

It's clear to me that the general recommendation is to start with a round point, but that seems to assume that a clean-shaven face is the goal. I understand that a round point is a good way to reduce the chance of cutting off protruding parts while learning to handle the razor, but is the round point worth it when fine work is also needed? Is a square point a reasonable alternative, even though it's not common on 'beginner' razors?

I have a goatee and three round points (1 5/8ths and 1 6/8th). No problem getting precise cuts against the beard. I use the middle of the blade, place it against the beard and shave away from it or do the reverse. I've felt zero need for a square/Spanish/etc at this point.

I'm going to differ and say you need a razor with a big square heel. I'd say a 5/8 at least with a really square heel. I use the heel to shave around my goatee, soul patch and moustache thingy. I find a wider razor allows me to use the heel without my thumb getting in the way...

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

soul patch

Carl, what's a soul patch?