All you experienced guys,
I have several really nice old razors with spike points. I have read spike points and newbies don't mix.
When did you feel comfortable moving from rounded point to spike point?
Thanks in advance.
David
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All you experienced guys,
I have several really nice old razors with spike points. I have read spike points and newbies don't mix.
When did you feel comfortable moving from rounded point to spike point?
Thanks in advance.
David
I started with a spike and didn't have any trouble, so go for it. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Alembic
You should always be cautious when using a straight regardless of the end. Just watch the ear lobe and around your mouth with the spike and you'll be fine. I actually prefer them as it's easier to get individual hairs in tough spots like right under the nose and around the corners of the mouth.
If you already have spike points, why not use them? Round points are recommended because they are easier to use in the ear area. One could argue that round points (certainly 6/8 and wider) are harder to use XTG under the nose or to clean sideburns.
Keep an eye on your earlobe, and you should be fine.
Regards,
Robin
The first razor I honed up was a spike point, and so I had to try it out! It was only the second razor I had shaved with and it all went pretty well!
As others have said, just be careful of your ears and make sure you dont dig the spike into your cheek and you will be fine! Go for it! :-)
Good luck!
I somehow managed to catch my ear with my roundpoint when i first started. So really, just pay attention and dont rush. You should be fine :)
I hope I don't regret it but that is all I'm buying. I've got to start from scratch so we'll see. lol
You'll be fine. Note, I cut myself pretty bad with a round point when I "lifted" the edge away from my face (lifted the heel a little) trying to touch up a spot with the round toe end of the razor... bad idea, and I have the scar to prove it...:rant:
Once I figured out always to keep the razor "level" on my face along the whole edge, I've never had another bad cut on my face (going on 10months now!)--although I have nicked my earlobe a few times...
The same principle would apply to the spike point-- just keep the entire edge of the razor on the plane of your face and you should be fine.
-Chief
I've still never used a round point, started with spike point. Just pay attention to the spike when you're shaving and you'll be more fine.
Spike points only have more potential for damage from the tip if you are not paying attention.
Thanks everyone. Good feedback.
An interesting note. I asked my father if he ever tried shaving with a str8 and he said "once, I cut my earlobe and I never tried it again" These are spike points he gave to me of which I speak. So your points are well taken about the earlobe.
Always know where the point is and you'll be all right. You may suffer a nick here or there to start but once you get the feel of using a spike or one of the more aggressive style points you'll be fine ..... IME. :)
I had my first experience with a spike point last week or so. One slice near my ear was all it took to respect it. Sharp objects are all the same I think, aim twice, cut once. Be aware and respectful of the edge and you'll be fine. Says I.
I've used them from the very first straight razor. I think the first round point I got was razor number 4 or 5. I find them actually more friendly since it's perfectly clear where the edge ends.
I do argue this point (no pun intended). I started with spikes, and really prefer them to round points.Quote:
Originally Posted by BeBerlin
I've cut myself worse with round points than spikes (though most of my razors are round points). Just keep your eye on the toe, same as any shaped point. You'll be OK.
My dear David,
Much sound advice from these learned gentlemen.
I, too, like razors with precision points, as do many gentlemen at SRP. At the same time, I like my spike slightly tempered, just enough to take the bite out. In essence, then, the razor squeezes next to a square point.
That might be another options for you: a muted spike with just enough rounding of the point to take the bite out.
Thanks for reading.
Regards,
Obie
When I first shaved with a spike point as a newbie, I would focus on something and forget exactly where the "spike" itself was in relation to my skin, and I dragged a bit in my face, causing me to quickly recoil.
+1 to all the good stuff above!
If you're careful, and take your time, there's absolutely no reason why a "newbie" can't use a spike point, or any other point razor.
You just don't want to accidentally tilt the razor and have that point dip down into your face, or get too close to your ear and cut it.
I shaved maybe 2 times before I switched to a french/irish point razor, and it has yet to get me.
Just take your time, and you will be fine :) Enjoy the spike!
As a noob still, I was only a couple months into it when i got my first spike. I didn't look back after that. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION to the point. Especially before you buy it, because obviously not all spikes are the same. For instance, I got a Dovo spike point in bone that you can find on Straight Razor Designs and the spike does what I need and it didn't take much adjustment to get used to it. BUT I just got a Genco spike that is lethal, the blade is very straight and that point is a hard 90 degree angle, and I am trying to get used to it. So make sure you take a good look at the blade, because some spikes are harder to use than others. Look at the tip for the slightest muting or smirk (haha I wouldn't call it a smile).
Smooth shaving,
Gabe
I found a Simmons Hardware SR not too long ago and it has a "spike point" with a barber's notch. It's going to be my first restoration project on a SR. :eek:
+1 to watching the point. You might find danger where you don't expect it. I cut myself the other day on my upper cheek, above the shave area, with the point of my Heljestrand. As careful as I was with my ears and nose, I guess I lost focus at some point. (Dang. I was trying to avoid the word "point.")
The lesson is, don't assume it's only your earlobe that's in danger.
Constant vigilance!
Fred
As I have yet to get my first shave in. I just assumed that if I am putting a sharp razor on my face I would want to be careful and pay close attention. LOL
I have 2 blades on their way that will need to be restored one is a Irish point (I don't want to call it French LOL) and the other is a squared spike. We will see how they look when I get them. Ebay finds I don't even have $40 between the two.
Again, many thanks for all of your replys. I am going to go for the spike points as part of my rotation. And I will watch that point:tu
Apparently I'm all over the spike point wish me luck and good luck to you too.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ok-plunge.html
If we cut off our ears we could just start wearing hats. lol
Or tell our significant others that we're on a Van Gogh kick, though it didn't do him much good so… perhaps not:).Quote:
Originally Posted by firefighter