Thread: Square and or Spike Point Question

Just got my razor back from being honed by Lynn, also picked up his DVD. Watched his DVD and was very enthused by its content.
Anyways my first attempt at straight razor shaving was a blood bath, so I took Lynn's and other's advice and just tried to shave my right side burn area. Wow that was smooth shave there. No nicks no runs no errors. I rinsed and wiped the blade and decided since that went so well I would try a little bit more. Than pop the tip caught me twice just little nicks vertical ones. It has to be the tip of this square point razor catching me.
Is it easier or more forgiving to use round point when first starting to shave?

Its just two different versions of the same tool, stick to the spike,square point and it will make a better shaver of you! BTW hows the fishin' these days?

Spikes can be the worst for catching you. Usually a square point or round point don't tend to dig in when you make a mistake like the spike does. One thing that helps me is to try to lay the middle of the blade to the heel on my face keeping the spike away from the skin unless I direct it there specifically. Play around with the razor a little above the face before touching the razor to skin and experiment with different strokes to see what will come in contact where.

The value of getting used to a razor in one spot on the face when you're new is that you really get a feel for the cutting before moving on.

Have fun,

Lynn

Well yes and no
yes a roind got less of a corner to catch you
no a square has the edge all the way to the toe and helps control when going close to the different obstacles on your face (somethimes getting the rest under my nose i miscalculate and then the round point will catch)

a little rounded square/spike is what IMHO will both forgive and give enough control

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

BTW hows the fishin' these days?

Haven't been for a while. Heading to Tannycommo at the end of the month!

Starting out with a round point and it was a good idea as I was learning the fine points of handling the razor during the shave. But my disposable straight razor had spike point blades, so I did get a few minor slices to remind me that it was there and it was up to me to learn quickly to avoid those movements that caused the slices. All of these healed over in two to three days. The big note was to keep the spike piont slightly off the skin during the big shave movements. I use to blow a little air in the check to help this angle out.

As I got better and more fluent with the straight razor, I preferred spike points as they come in handy shaving some small tight spots. I know that starting out with a spike point straight razor can be intimidating, but you will likely grow to like it.

Good Luck,

Pabster

Just be attentive to where the whole edge is at all times. Think of it like driving a standard. You just ground the gears a little, but you'll get used to it.

Originally Posted by Lynn

Usually a square point or round point don't tend to dig in when you make a mistake like the spike does.

So what's the difference? I've always considered the spike and the square one and the same.

Welcome to the fun the SRP. I didn't start too long ago and must say that I'm glad I began with a round point, I don't think it was ever the cause of my bleeding. But now a days I do find myself looking for a spike or square point just for the precision I imagine them being able to provide. Good luck.