Thread: Dealing with a square point

My only razor is a square point, so I'm uncontrollably curious to try a round point or a notched (I like the look of the hefty Wade & Butchers).

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Jesus, who's next in your rotation. You've got a bull pen of honemiesters in you living room?

That just happened to be who I bought my razors from.
I currently have a generic 6/8 German sp that I bought
for $8.00 at a junk store. The edge is good and the
razor was clean, it's just not shave ready. I need to
get off my butt and get a Norton 4k/8k and practice
a little.


Terry

It's not that the entire 1/3 is like that, it just seems like if I use that part of the razor, the tip gets me. I think you're right in that the tip is overhoned.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Ofcourse I dull the point, the very edge. Its crazy not to. The point should still shave without trouble. I raise the blade at a 45 degree angle and wipe it along the edge of the hone. Honing will over sharpen the tip or point and you'll tear yourself up on what is essentially an overhoned tip. You want the edge of the razor shaving all the way to the tip but the tip NOT cutting or tearing the skin.

I'd say if the entire 1/3 of the edge is a problem that it may be overhoned in that one section.

Richard,

I agree. If I don't keep a close eye on the tip, it'll get me wherever on my face that I shave. I try to use the middle of the razor too but that seems like I'm not using its full potential.

Ed

Originally Posted by wopmanfixit

I always tend to clip my earlobes with a SP. But to avoid cutting my face, I've found that if I concentrate on shaving with the center of the blade I don't get nicked by the tip.

Originally Posted by EdinLA44

It's not that the entire 1/3 is like that, it just seems like if I use that part of the razor, the tip gets me. I think you're right in that the tip is overhoned.

Now don't get me wrong, when shaving with a sp, I
am well aware where the corner ( the devil's corner )
is at all times.


Terry

I think the square point can be considered a more advanced razor style requiring a little more finess on the part of the user. The first few times I used one I quickly learned to be more mindful of that end but with experience its like anything else you adapt to it. I don't think I would ever round off the point. Its like saying you've been beaten by the razor.

The only exception is a red imp I have which has a tip that actually flares out a tad which makes a huge difference. You really have to be careful with that one.

Originally Posted by wvbias

Now don't get me wrong, when shaving with a sp, I
am well aware where the corner ( the devil's corner )
is at all times.


Terry

That's a good name for it, the devil's corner.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I think the square point can be considered a more advanced razor style requiring a little more finess on the part of the user. The first few times I used one I quickly learned to be more mindful of that end but with experience its like anything else you adapt to it. I don't think I would ever round off the point. Its like saying you've been beaten by the razor.

The only exception is a red imp I have which has a tip that actually flares out a tad which makes a huge difference. You really have to be careful with that one.

I think a square point is a bit more versatile since it can be used for fine trimming or small areas that a round point won't do. I probably just need more experience shaving with it.

I agree with Richard Martino: use the center of the blade. I regularly trim around my moustache and very much like the spikes as they can hit a single hair if I want it to using the tip on purpose. Use a magnifying mirror and glasses if you have to. I have to at my age and I only zinged (lightly) my left cheek at just above the jawline on the downstroke once. My left ear lobe was nicked with a round point. It is shaving technique that masters it and concentration....concentration. Go slow!!!!

Monte

Originally Posted by EdinLA44

I think a square point is a bit more versatile since it can be used for fine trimming or small areas that a round point won't do. I probably just need more experience shaving with it.

Edin,

If I can do it, so can you. I seriously doubt that
I am any more skilled than you. Just me mindful
of the devil's corner and take your time.

Not only are you lessening the chance of a cut,
but prolonging a very enjoyable shave.


Terry