So... there's a reason there are different blade designs...
I've been shaving with a straight razor for six or eight weeks now. My first razor was from the Art of Shaving and has a round point. I'm feeling pretty comfortable with it, and can get a pretty close shave with zero nicks using this razor in not much time at all.
Since I considered myself a real pro at this point (ha! you know where this is going, don't you?), I decided to splurge a bit and get some additional razors.
I bought a beautiful TI 6/8 razor with an inverted square point. A heavier razor, this one required a little bit different approach with my grip and I had to slow down a bit. An excellent shave, though. Yes, one slight nick.
Moving right along, I bought a TI "Silver Wing II" with a french point on the end.
Quote:
- The Square, Spike, or Sharp Point - Single blade razors that fall under this type have a straight point profile that ends at a very sharp point perpendicular to the razor's cutting edge. This type has the highest risk of pinching the skin, therefore requiring experience in using it. This is usually used for precise shaving of small areas.
- The French Point - Also called the oblique point, straight blade razors that fall under this type have a quarter circle-like point profile. They have a sharper angled curve. Although they end in a similar sharp point as the square, spike, or sharp point razor, they don't have the profile of an abrupt straight line edge. The difference between these two types is mostly for aesthetic purpose only.
- The Round Point - Straight blade razors that fall under this type have a semicircular point profile. They don't have any sharp end points. Since they don't have the pinpoint accuracy as with the other two types, this kind of straight blade razor is more likely for people who are just starting out in using blades. There are some straight blade razors nowadays that combine the two types, having half round points with linear segments.
While I was thrilled with the look and feel of the Silver Wing II, I think I'm gonna put it back in its box for a few months and continue with what has by now become a good friend - my round point. I'll also continue with the inverted square point 6/8 as that one didn't beat me up too badly. The Silver Wing? Sheeeesh, I went slow, honest. But I cut myself up in three or four places. Every time I said "whoops, cut myself, better slow down" I just turned right around and cut myself again. Thank God momma raised a boy that knew when to stop... <sigh...> (I should be out of the hospital in a few days!!)
:D
