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

Originally Posted by gugi

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'm not sure I agree. My new Dovo spike from SRD bit me twice before I even noticed, I hope I'm a fast learner. All my vintage spikes seem to have just a touch of radius at the tip and have given me no problems, yet. I should add that it was a great shave otherwise and the ebony scales look great.

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

I have a round point and a french point-- but I picked them because I liked the shape of the razor. Go with what appeals to you, as that is the fun about this "hobby". I hear how you need to watch out for the spike tip, but I can tell you I've cut myself with the tip my "round" by using the wrong angle... use it correctly and you'll be fine.

-Chief

There is a nice Bengall 6/8th square point for sale in the classifieds if you are interested. (A little shameless self promotion)

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