Thread: Whats the point ?

Hello again,

I was wondering what everyones preference is for there choice of point styles on there straight razor. I am still shopping and learning so as to make a decent first purchase. Are there advantages and disadvantages ? Safety issues for the beginner?

Please let me know.

Thanks
TM

The two most common style points, not considering their variations, are the round and square/spike points.The advantage of the square/spike point is that the tip can easily be used to cut in and around mustaches, goatees etc. The down side of the square/spike point is that you better watch that bastard or that tip is going to bite. For a beginner I would suggest possibly the round point in order to eliminate a small portion of the learning curve. But if the square/spike point is for you , you might as well start learning with it and get the entire learning curve out of the way.Watch that point! Welcome to SRP!

I'm fairly new, and I love the square point. I have only nicked myself once or twice with the point, but it's great for putting nice even trims on sideburns/goatees/etc.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

The two most common style points, not considering their variations, are the round and square/spike points.The advantage of the square/spike point is that the tip can easily be used to cut in and around mustaches, goatees etc. The down side of the square/spike point is that you better watch that bastard or that tip is going to bite. For a beginner I would suggest possibly the round point in order to eliminate a small portion of the learning curve. But if the square/spike point is for you , you might as well start learning with it and get the entire learning curve out of the way.Watch that point! Welcome to SRP!

+1

You have to pay attention anyway, but you've REALLY got to watch that spike. Somewhere on here someone had a spike and they were doing their burns, but not paying extra careful attention. That spike went straight through his ear lobe! It's great if you want super precision, but the round isn't bad at all. They're both going to shave just fine and swipe away your beard no problem.

I started with a spiked point and the point didn't give me anymore trouble than the rest of the blade. Now that I'm more comfortable with a straight razor though, I prefer a rounded tip I don't want to get comfortable with a spiked point

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I started with a spiked point and the point didn't give me anymore trouble than the rest of the blade. Now that I'm more comfortable with a straight razor though, I prefer a rounded tip I don't want to get comfortable with a spiked point

Thats the problem with a spike, the moment you get comfortable, its gonna get you!

I prefer the rounds but my only spike shaves so well that I just suffer with the occasional nicks on my earlobe. Having one in the rotation definitely keeps your attention from drifting

When I hone spike points, I always dull the very tip. I put it perpendicular to the hone and give it a rub.

It doesn't reduce in any way the ability to trim in around beard and mustache, it just puts a stop to accidents with the point.

I also do this with the point of the heel.

Thanks toolarts that sounds like a good idea!

If you have a beard cut in a complicated pattern, a spike is nice for its accuracy when edging. You can actually cut hairs one by one. However, most beginners feel that the round point is safer & easier.