Thread: 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.

• 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!!)

What the hell is an inverted square point? I would picture that to place the point at the spine.

6/8 Festonné Decorated Back

A very beautiful 6/8 razor with a decorated back and an inverted square point. The lower shank has a thumb rest. Very fine hollow ground (1/1), mirror polish and our exclusive etching "Fox and Rooster" and marvelous snakewood scales (Amourette).

This razors comes shave ready in a genuine leather pouch in a Thiers Issard carton.

The ideal gift for lovers and collectors of historical razors and for strong beards. (Light beards can be shaven with it too!)

Because these blanks are quite old it may happen that some blades are a tiny bit shorter than others.

Yep, those points will nip you without so much as a by-your-leave if you're not paying strict attention to EVERY aspect of what you're doing--skin stretch, angle, where the point is, etc., etc. I've got 3 spikes (well, one is sort of a bastardized French point, and it was actually my first razor) and 2 rounds. I had gotten to where I was routinely shaving with no nicks after probably about 3-4 weeks. Now I routinely nick myself. And whereas before, I would have been all bent out of shape, now it's like, "whatever." Doesn't hurt, and they stop bleeding on their own in a few seconds. Another case of familiarity breeding contempt. Well, not contempt, exactly. But I know that a nick isn't the end of the world now.

The
6/8 Festonné

are beautiful razors. I have the same and I love it. Congrats!

Originally Posted by Utopian

What the hell is an inverted square point? I would picture that to place the point at the spine.

Thanks! Now I don't have to be the tactless one.

Originally Posted by JMS

Thanks! Now I don't have to be the tactless one.

You're welcome! Sometimes I try not to be a jerk, but other times I decide to speak or type.

It IS a beautiful razor, but how is that an inverted spike?

That is a dangerous razor and you should not use it. I, on the other hand, am willing to take the risk. Send it to me immediately.

Snicker. Ok, no problem. I'll sell it to you for $10. I've inadvertently sent you a check made payable for $2500. Would you cash the check, keep your ten dollars, and - what the heck - another $100 for your trouble, and then return $2390 to me? Western Union is fine if that's easier for you.

lol, you guys crack me up

Danbrew, that's one HOT TI!!! BTW, that's a spanish point...The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki