Thread: Hello and a Question... Of Course

OOOOOOOOOHHHH WOOOOOW!!! Now I’m really in love with this place. I’ve been lurkin’ around listening to everybody and keeping my mouth shut ‘cuz I’m no “master” of the razor, but now… Cigars… Yep… I’m in heaven.

Oh… pardon me… Morning everybody. I’m Steven.
I found the cigar posts. First time in 6 months and I finally made it down the list that far. Yea, I can be a little slow like that sometimes.
I came across this site about 6 months ago and the people here are the reason that I returned to the “straight and narrow”. My grandfather (mother’s father) was an old school Mason who took the time with me when I was 12 to teach me how to shave. Between he and my great-grandfather (father’s grandfather), they taught me not only how to shave, but also how to take care of my razors. My great-grandfather was a stickler for taking care of your tools. I stayed with it for several years until I went into the U.S. Navy and then everything needed to be done in a hurry. There just never seemed to be time for shaving.
Then I ran across this site and I got hooked on reading some of the conversations. Several individuals have reminded me of the talks with those two gentlemen, not because of age, but because of content. I’m 46 now with two daughters, 23 and 17, and am still amazed, then and now, by the amount of combined experience; in everything. It’s this site and the people that have helped me remember how enjoyable something as simple as shaving is.
The two razors that I grew up with have to be replaced since they and all of the paraphernalia that went with them have long since disappeared. Both of my razors were square points. However, I have watched several videos (linked from different posts on here) and all but one showed the individuals shaving with round points. While I realize that I was watching a very practiced hand to shave, the men seemed to have a much easier time working around certain corners than I do with a square. And yes, I also realize that I’m a bit out of practice.
Now for my question. I’d love to hear some of the different opinions comparing the two. At the end of the month, I’m going to pillage and plunder Lynn’s site for all new stuff, including razors. There is already a Dovo square that I’ve got my eye on, but I haven’t made up my mind about the second yet and a round seems to be calling out to me…”try me, try me”. I’m just not wild about that bit of money on anything I’m not going to like. My wife has suggested two squares for use and a round from Ebay to try. It would mean having a second practice blade for honing if I’m not happy with the shave. I’m just not sure what to expect from it by comparison.

Now that I’ve babbled along…

Hi

Firstly, I can sympathise with the "only just noticed" thing as I've only just myself scrolled down far enough to see the "Down Under" thread thats down under everything else

But to answer the main question, I think if you are already used to the square point and like it I'd stick with it. To me they just feel a little more precise at the toe for getting into tight spaces, but in saying that I still sometimes take them too close to my ear on my first stroke of the day LOL. But, since I'm definitely no expert either YMMV!!

-Aidan

Originally Posted by Lazarus78

Hi

Firstly, I can sympathise with the "only just noticed" thing as I've only just myself scrolled down far enough to see the "Down Under" thread thats down under everything else

But to answer the main question, I think if you are already used to the square point and like it I'd stick with it. To me they just feel a little more precise at the toe for getting into tight spaces, but in saying that I still sometimes take them too close to my ear on my first stroke of the day LOL. But, since I'm definitely no expert either YMMV!!

-Aidan

First and Foremost, Welcome to the Forums!!!!!!

+1 on sticking to the Square! I have a round and Square and feel I can get much more precise shaves out of the Square, IE sideburns, but like the shave from a round non the less! Personal preference really

My first razor was a spike (square) toed razor. Whilst it's toe caused me to respect it a LOT, I still love the fact it looks and feel utterly dangerous. I use the heel of the razor to trim around my moustache, soul patch and goatee. I actually never ever use the toe of the razor; only the belly and the heel. I think a rounded toe is easier to use, but it's not necessarily better.

Oh, BTW, it's good that Parker has replied to your post. Parker's razor talks to him like your (prospective one) does. There's video evidence of that, isn't there, Parker? :-)

Carl

Carl, thanks for the reminder about Parker’s razors talking to him. I seem to remember seeing a couple of threads that mentioned that. If I recall correctly, there was a link to one of those videos that you’re talking about. I’m not sure that we’re talking about quite the same thing though. I get the impression that Parker actually hears them, where as with me, it’s more of just a comfortable and inviting feeling that I get from the thought of having a round point deftly sliding around the curves of my nose. That said, I have a hard enough time getting permission to play with sharp objects as it is, so imagine the results if I admitted that a razor was actually talking to me. Me? Naa… it didn’t say nuttin to me. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

As for the opinions, thanks a lot. I was relatively sure that it was simply a matter of personal preference and I think that I’m probably going with the better half’s suggestion. It’s really sad to have to admit that it’s her idea, but then, she really is a smart one. Never will understand how she could be that smart and then pick me… but there it is, married me and everything.

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

My first razor was a spike (square) toed razor. Whilst it's toe caused me to respect it a LOT, I still love the fact it looks and feel utterly dangerous. I use the heel of the razor to trim around my moustache, soul patch and goatee. I actually never ever use the toe of the razor; only the belly and the heel. I think a rounded toe is easier to use, but it's not necessarily better.

Oh, BTW, it's good that Parker has replied to your post. Parker's razor talks to him like your (prospective one) does. There's video evidence of that, isn't there, Parker? :-)

Carl

Haha yes there is "It's telling me, don't cut yourself." If anyone other than family sees that and you guys I will die!!
PS: It was in Morse code thanks

Hi Toymkr,

I vote for one round point in your first two new blades. I find my shaves go much quicker and I get to pay more attention to shaving when I don't have to pay so much attention to not-slicing myself. My quickest and most pleasant shaves are with my most ergonomic blades, like the Dovo 6/8 Bismarck. Love that thumb notch!

Keep an eye on our Classifieds for good vintage blades, too.

Best wishes and happy shaving.

At the risk of being found out, by OWMBO, the Bismark is exactly the round that I’ve been looking at as the second. There is just something… comfortable… looking about it that makes me want to break with the tried and true that I grew up with.

Originally Posted by Toymkr

At the risk of being found out, by OWMBO, the Bismark is exactly the round that I’ve been looking at as the second. There is just something… comfortable… looking about it that makes me want to break with the tried and true that I grew up with.

OMWBO? What's that?

One Who Must Be Obeyed... I'm not quite sure you're able to comprehend that yet, and if you are or are about to, the razors might just be having a different conversation with you.

shhhh... I didn't really say that. There's a gremlin hiding in the keyboard.