The zen of cuthroat , Spike , Square, Notch, Round.

So the last shave before today's was with a restore I had done By Maximilan. A Beautiful W.M.Greaves & Sons Sheaf Works that some of you may have seen already (Ill post another pic).
Like the other Restores I have had done by Max its very handsome and an exceptional shaver IMHO. In fact I like the restores so much I have a difficult time choosing what to shave with every couple days. That Shave was my first with a barbers notch. It navigated the face very well and continued my shaving winning streak. So after debating for a long time what razor to use today, I decided to use one of 3 recent NOS purchases all of which had been honed by Lynn. A spike tip dubl duck golden edge, A round Henckel friodur and a round Fili Doble Temple...I went with the duck. This particular duck was expensive but worth it to me. It was true NOS I was the first to open it ,lynn was the first (save the factory years ago) to put a real edge on it and I was its first ever shave.
I did my usual routine , hot shower SWMBO's conditioner, truefitt & hill pre shave oil and hot towels.I whipped up some lather with some Razorock cream. It lathers well and smells great but there are others I prefer (I might put it somewhere in the top 5).
I began the shave. I immediately cut myself on the first pass WTG at the sideburns. Nothing serious, my pride was hurt more than my face.The rest of the pass went very well but I came close to cutting myself again before I moved on to the other side.
On the other side I did it again . I swear I was focused. The rest of the shave went well. 3 passes WTG ATG & XTG. Smoothest shave to date. I finished with a nic stic, Cold towel, some thayers and a splash of lime bay rum. BBS all the way. Save the Shank Marks! lol. Actually the cuts are barely visible and will likely be gone before or by my next shave. The thing is im starting to wonder if maybe spikes are just not for me. I love this razor but im not sure I will shave with it again Nor my other spikes. It sux because I have a few really nice razors that are spikes. I have never had this problem with rounds or even the squares. I am still a nubee, far from a veteran but I dont think it was my technique. I could be wrong but I really need some advise here.
I love my razors , they are a collection that ultimately will be my sons when Im gone but I want all of my razors to be ones that I shave with not just admire from a far. Thats why I have been willing to spend so much money on them when necessary.
All in all Im still learning and the thought of giving up has not crossed my mind even once.
I bid you all god Shaving.
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Here are pics of the Duck Attachment 82797Attachment 82798

First, that is a fantastic razor!! Second, I am very new to this as well and I personally love spike points. I have a few round points now too but I like the fact that the spike points shave all the way to the tip. It's just personal preference I guess. I wish I had a Dubl to trade you but I nothing in that kind of condition.

I hope you keep it and love it or it goes to someone who will do the same. Kudos!

What a nice razor. I have noticed that when I use a spike like your Duck that if I do not make sure that the edge has absolutely even pressure the spike will get you. Coming from Lynn means that it is very keen also.

Take Care,
Richard

I remember my first shave with a DD spike. I didn't really notice till after I started that the razor was a little longer than most. This proved to be my downfall both on cutting down from the sideburns and on my xtg strokes. Both earlobes got cut and because of the little extra length, I didn't notice the razor angle being off and I dug the spike into the side of my face. it actually took a few shaves to really ffigure out what I had to watch out for when using this razor. The good news is that I can now get great shaves with spikes. I still have to be more careful though when I use them.

Have fun.

Don't give up on spikes just yet, I've had my fair share of cuts from them, but once you get more confident you'll find the tip an indispensable tool for precise trimming.

I second not giving up on spikes, they are infact my favorite type as of right now. I started with a French and moved into Round points. The Rounds make you feel safe, I didn't like my spikes because of my rounds, so I switched and started shaving exclusivly with spikes :) once you learn how to respect that tip it will respect you back and will rarely bite you. Good luck!

Man, you have a beautiful collection and that DD is simply phenomenal. Don't give up on the spikes. I've had mine catch me, too, but they shave wonderfully. As much as you think you are paying attention and getting the technique down, a spike is always waiting to remind you that it's a long road :)

It might just be the razor. It has taken me a long time to get into the groove shaving with a spike and not leaving scars, but I still have one particular spike that likes to drink my blood no matter how careful I am with it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Pauly

It might just be the razor. It has taken me a long time to get into the groove shaving with a spike and not leaving scars, but I still have one particular spike that likes to drink my blood no matter how careful I am with it.

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Yeah I have given that some thought . After reflecting on my posts I realized that this was not the only one I had shaved with but was the only one that did me dirty. Im going to give it another shot or two.

Just ran across this thread after having the same experience. Interestingly, with almost the identical NOS razor (mine is a 9/16) I had been holding in my collection for a while, debating whether to use it. I couldn't resist the urge any longer and after a few light strokes on an 8k, followed by a 12k last night, I stropped it up and was all rearing to go this morning. Dominant hand side went perfectly. Oh joy, what I sweet razor, I thought! Off hand side along left cheek, equally smooth . . . UNTIL I saw the hairline streak of blood rise and start running down my face. Ugh! What happened? No sting, not tug, no warning at all. Surgically smooth 1" cut that was, fortunately, not too deep, but seemed to bleed forever.

I'll give it another try and be extra careful, but was also wondering whether a couple of light draws across the 8k with the tip might tame the beast without much cosmetic effect? Just curious.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by blitzt

Just ran across this thread after having the same experience. Interestingly, with almost the identical NOS razor (mine is a 9/16) I had been holding in my collection for a while, debating whether to use it. I couldn't resist the urge any longer and after a few light strokes on an 8k, followed by a 12k last night, I stropped it up and was all rearing to go this morning. Dominant hand side went perfectly. Oh joy, what I sweet razor, I thought! Off hand side along left cheek, equally smooth . . . UNTIL I saw the hairline streak of blood rise and start running down my face. Ugh! What happened? No sting, not tug, no warning at all. Surgically smooth 1" cut that was, fortunately, not too deep, but seemed to bleed forever.

I'll give it another try and be extra careful, but was also wondering whether a couple of light draws across the 8k with the tip might tame the beast without much cosmetic effect? Just curious.

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I found all it took was to drag the tip one stroke across my wife's emory board was enough. I shaved with it again a couple weeks back and it went perfect . I did still however pay closer attention to where the point was as I shaved with it.

That's a good idea, too. These are beautiful razors and I'd just hate to do anything to the blade that would be too obvious.

Thats why I did it that way . You cant tell at all , it just took away the harshness.

I kept nailing my ear with the spike too, takes some getting used to but it's worth it :)

Beautiful Duck by the way :)