Thread: Round or Spike Point for a Newbie?

I'd clearly stay with a round point in a full, quarter or half hollow; and in carbon steel and not stainless. Wedge and pts are an acquired taste and tougher to learn on in my opinion. I also found stainless (Inox) to give a harsher shave when I began....though if really put in shave ready condition there should be no difference. I get a better result stropping a carbon blade over stainless. May get some disagreement on this point.

I like the idea of using a blade offered in the classifieds here that a member knows to be a great beginner blade (not that it wouldnt be superb for anyone) in great shave ready condition. Don't worry so much about the scales.

Certainly anything from SRD will be shave ready and a good blade.

Originally Posted by jleeg

I'd clearly stay with a round point in a full, quarter or half hollow; and in carbon steel and not stainless. Wedge and pts are an acquired taste and tougher to learn on in my opinion. I also found stainless (Inox) to give a harsher shave when I began....though if really put in shave ready condition there should be no difference. I get a better result stropping a carbon blade over stainless. May get some disagreement on this point.

I like the idea of using a blade offered in the classifieds here that a member knows to be a great beginner blade (not that it wouldnt be superb for anyone) in great shave ready condition. Don't worry so much about the scales.

Certainly anything from SRD will be shave ready and a good blade.

These are all excellent points. I prefer a hollow to a wedge, just personal preference, and carbon steel over stainless. I'd always recommend a hollow, and a round point to a new str8 shaver. It's easy to cut your ear with a spike when learning, it's even easy to cut your ear when your experienced, like me...Ha...So, if you do get a spike, keep that in mind when shaving.

Thanks to everyone as always.

I just sent my email to Don and chose the Ivory Micarta 5/8 that is currently on sale. As I am a newbie I am sure I will eventually have a Carbon, a Spike Point, and many other razors in the future. Right now I just want to get started perfecting my technique and skill.

Thanks again!

Originally Posted by jhenry

BTW...Dovo doesn't make any wedges. All of their razors are either full or extra hollow ground.

Dovo does make their Best Quality in 5/8 and 6/8 half hollow, but not many vendors seem to stock them. They also make a 3/8 wedge which is again not commonly stocked.

If you are using proper technique, the spike won't cut you more than a round. Problem is no beginner has good technique, particularly many use too much pressure. Too much pressure + spike point = cut face. Not just nicks either, but real cuts. There are many regular spike users who purposefully dull the tip so they don't have to worry about it so much.

Heh...I fully admit to liking round tips.Maybe someday when I'm feeling adventurous I will get a spike,but I'm perfectly okay with where I'm at with my Dovo Best quality and Special.I was not aware of that 3/8 wedge ,hmmm might have to take a look at that.Thanks for the heads up.

Learning to straight shave with a spike point is a lot like learning to ride a bicycle without training wheals. You'll probably learn faster, but you'll need some bandaids along the way.

I learned with a spike, and I only nicked myself with the tip a few times before I figured it out.