Square vs. Rounded end...

[stevekolt]

What are the benefits/drawbacks of each type?

[earcutter]

Its always a personal decision and a "your milage may vary" (YMMV) kind of thing.

Personally, I find the square is better at trimming. Useful if you grow a stash or whatever.

The round I find is a bit more forgiving. It's certainly what I would start with. The square I find has a tip that I need to watch closely.

All said and done - I prefer the round myself but YMMV.

Good luck!!

[Anthony1954]

I would go for the round, it require less concentration and allows a more relaxed shave. It's also kinder on the ears!!

[Substance]

I prefer the look of square points and usually use the middle of the blade for trimming around the goate anyway
I definitely have more square than rounds

[criswilson10]

Benefit of the round - it is harder to nick your ears and nose and you are less likely to scratch your neck with the tip.
Disadvantage of the round - it is more work to trim around beards, mustaches, sideburns.

Benefit of the square - you can shave right up to the tip of the blade which makes trimming easier.
Disadvantage of the square - if you don't pay attention it will nick your ears, nose, and scratch your neck. You have to pay attention to where that tip is at all times.

[Grazor]

Rounds are good while you are learning, square points do look good, but you gotta watch out for that point, it'll get ya.

[DustySuds]

Rounds definitely more forgiving but square points will remind you when you get careless. Both serve a purpose for different people, just depends on what you are looking for.

[decraew]

I would go for the round, it require less concentration and allows a more relaxed shave. It's also kinder on the ears!!

+1
I mostly use round points, but each time I go back to one of my square points, I need to be extra careful or I cut myself in the ear.

[ecormier]

I love them both, you definitely have to pay more attention to the tip using a square point, but as has been said before, the point can be great for popping that one hair you want to get 1/2 was up the nostril. I started with round tip, I shaved with a round tip Theirs Issard this morning with MWF, a truly glorious shave!!

[Steel]

When I started I never even paid attention to what tip was on what razor except for looks. When I shave I watch the whole edge including the tip on every razor so by the time someone told me there was a difference I already had a round, square, and spike point. I prefer the look of a square tip myself.