Thread: "POINT" in question.

Hello men. I'm newly registered and would like to say what you're all doing here is outstanding and I look forward to time well spent here. I've been with safety razors my entire shaving career of a little over 25 years. Many great memories there but the draw of the straight has gotten to me bad. I've been selling off my DE collection for months now in order to finance my entry into straight shaving, I will of course keep a couple of my favorite DE's as standby's through the learning curve and for sentimental reasons. My question tonight is about blade point in regard to my first razor purchase. How much more difficult would it be to start out with a spike point rather than a round? I find myself extremely fond of Dovo's Ebony Spike. I appreciate your time and thoughts.

My first two razors were spike points, and to this day I have more trouble with round points than spikes. Yes spikes have that pointy corner, but you always know exactly where the sharp part ends. With round tips there's a gradual reduction in sharpness out on the curve, and it's easy to misjudge where the tip is safe and where it will cut skin. My nose and earlobes are the usual victims of round tips.

I started with a straight years ago to trim around my bread lines...So I began with spike points...I don't really like anything else, I can tolerate a Spanish and barely a French.... Like Mr Parker stated already if you start with a spike you become very aware of the point there is no false sense of safety like there is with a round...

I started with round and the first shave with a spike got me. I never have done that since and can use either without mishap. Go for it if you like that razor.

you'll be fine
i haven't seen a dovo with a real square point. i mean they are pointy but nothing like some of the vintage straights

I thank you gentleman, I'll be opting for the spike.

My first razor was an ebay razor for 10 bucks. It is a spike, around 1/4 hollow, and right around 4/8s. Can't remember if it's a hair under or over. At first I was dissappointed cus I wanted a nice 5/8's full hollow round point, but a $10 Solingen seemed attractive. A member graciously honed it for me. It is now my regular shaver, although soon to be replaced with a rotation including a DD Goldedge two NOS Solingens a Frenchie and possibly a Joseph Rogers. Guess what I spent my tax refund on? (it actually didn't come to much, honing will be almost as much as the razors). But I digress. I am glad I bought my narrow spikey wedge. Why? I learned it's finnicky details. I've seen myself improve. I had said I am going to shave for as cheap as possible, and that means I have to make do and work on my technique. So for the last three months I have learned to lather with VDH and shave with my (which I will never sell because we have an incredibly bond now). My point is, no matter what you get, if you work on it, it'll turn out great. And I know a lot of people think different razors are better and what not, and that may be true, but as long as the steel is good and the hone job is good, anything will suffice to learn with, given enough patience. A second benefit I see to the spike is for trimming. (I'm really glad I have this small spike now for trimming (though I'm trying to tell myself its not for emotional connection)) The other day after growing my side burns out as best I could I shaved a goofy pattern into them as a joke. Never could've done it without the spike. The spike also helps me at my nose. And yes, while I learned, EVERY nick I got and at least HALF the cuts were from that f***ing spike, but I think I've tamed it and its far more help than hindrance. Sorry for the long post. Hope it helps.

That ebony spike is a real looker. I like the design of the ebony round more though. See!.. personal preference. Go with what attracts you, and once you have it, keep at it. Some days I would have to touch up with my fusion or mach 3, but I never thought of not trying again or buying a new razor. I promise you, with will power it can and will be done. A bad workman always blames his tools as the saying goes. I by no means am an expert, but I've read in several places that senior members recommend something consistently good (like a synth hone vs. a natural one) so that newbies like us can't blame the tool, we're forced to work on our technique.

I actually have that very ebony spike point. Just got it today as a backup for my Dovo Bismarck.

Haven't shaved with it yet tho, so I don't know if I like it.....but it sure is purdy!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I started with a straight years ago to trim around my bread lines... .....you become very aware of the point there is no false sense of safety like there is with a round...

I started with a square for the same reason. Trimming around my beard.

I've had the exact same experience. At first, I nicked myself with that point regularly, and the razor taught me to pay real close attention to where that corner is. I can only imagine that a more agressive spike would teach you to watch the tip even faster, and I can see where a round point could be tricky.

And of course, I just really don't like the look of round points