Thread: Spike point versus round, plus another question

I've been using a Shavette for a little while to see if I would like straight razor shaving, and I do so I'm looking to buy my first straight razor. There are a number of things that I do not know, but I'm just going with standard configurations (5/8", full hollow, etc).

One thing that I can't decide about, though, is spike point versus round. My basic understanding is that a spike point can be good for more precise work (I have a goatee and it may be useful for getting close up to the edges), but it's also more prone to giving cuts (especially for a beginner). Do people agree with this assessment or is there more to it? Looking at the classifieds, it appears that spike point razors are easier to find.

Any other tips on what to look for when buying a razor would be much appreciated as well.

Also, perhaps a silly question, but is there ever any worry about transmitting blood borne pathogens when buying a used razor? Can the blades be autoclaved without hurting them?

Thanks a lot.

I wouldnt say one was better than the other, but a round point is not as apt to nick when you hurry or are careless, when you shave with a spike you have to pay attention. If you like the idea of a spike, get one, it is better for close work than a round one, and if you learn with a spike, anything else will be easy! Remember to pay attention!

+1 on NUn2sharp post. I have a goatee and it is not easy to edge it with the round point but that may be just me.

Al raz.

Hello and welcome aboard!

I'd say that round points and spike points are just a matter of taste. I, for one, prefer the looks of a spike point... but a spike will spike you hard if you are careless or wander of into dream land while shaving (not recomended...). A round point is a bit more forgiving. But nothing will forgive unattentiveness... a razor is one of the sharpest blades out there.
When precision is concerned I'd say that both are precise. When I started shaving with a stright razor I had beard very precisely designed and a round point did the job very well. After a while I bought a spike point and concluded that I found no increase in precision... it's just a matter of how much work you are willing to put into this. Both are great!
Now concerning the higienic problems... I beleive (and I'm not alone on this position) that there is very little to worry about. Most pathogens don't survive in cold, dry and polished surfaces like a razor blade. Unless you buy a razor from someone who got sliced hard and 10 minutes ago! Highly inprobable... There are desifectants made for razors like Barbicide and other things. Autoclaving is not advised if your razor is not all made of steel (like the vintage Wapienica - a great razor, by the way...). If the razor is vintage, chances are that it wasn't used in a very long time and that the restoration process killed all the cooties on it. However, to be on the safe side, some warm soapy water and a alcohol rubbing will leave it as clean as you need it to be.
Just my thoughts... hope this helps!

And a very Merry Xmas to you and a happy new year!

My first straightrazor was a spike point, and that wasn't a problem at all. As a beginner, you need to be careful and conservative, and that should protect you from getting spiked.

My second razor was a round point (my first one had gotten dull and was now put away, awaiting the arrival of the hones that should bring it back to sharp again). It did feel like the round point gave less precision when working around my mustache and soul patch, but it wasn't a problem, just a feeling.

After a period of shaving with the round point, I got the spike point razor sharp again, and went back to shave with that one. 60 seconds into the shave I stood there with a trademark Dexter nick, on the good side, right in the middle of my cheek. "Spiked". I couldn't believe myself. Shaving with the round point had taught me what I apparently could get away with - with the round point. Not with the spike point. It follows different rules. But as I said, as a beginner, knowing nothing else, it wasn't a problem.

Go ahead and get the spike point. You will get one eventualy and zing yourself. You might as well get one now when you have the least confidence and are therefore most careful.

A spike will help with precision around the edges of the goatee. If the goatee was not in the equation I would say start with a round point.

A spike point is definitely your best option for keeping the edges clean, just be mindful of where the tip is at all times or you might end up with some pierced ears.

I find that I can (and do) shave around my precision beard with a round point. It just takes more work. I sort of creep up on the edges. If you just put the razor to your face you can't really tell exactly where the cut line is on the round point. Make a pass and you can see the line. Then one or two more passes to move in on the beard/goatee edge. With a spike point it's very clear whats going to get shaven.

If you are anxious about a full on spike you might consider what people refer to as a "square point". It's a spike with the point very slightly rounded. A french point is even more rounded than a square but sticks out so you can see where it's going to shave better than a round point.

My daily razor is a spike point. While the spike does creates a little more risk in use, I find it easier to trim around my mustache and under the nose with it.

CAUTION: If the grain of your beard below your jaw line grows side-to-side as opposed to north-to-south, be extremely careful going ATG. Following the contours of the neck with a spike point in a sideways direction is an invitation for a laceration.

You're more apt to pierce your ears with a spike. It will be easier to clean up your edges, but using a round point can be much more forgiving. If you want one though, go for it!

You should be able to autoclave it just fine, but I don't know how your scales will hold up. This has been discussed more times than it should, but a lot of people like to just dip it in boiling water for a little bit, then wipe it off good. If that doesn't kill it, there's no hope for anyone