Thread: Ok to blunt a square point?

Back Story: Last night I honed up my Dubl Duck Special No. 1 with square point tip. This morning I shaved with it and got an excellent shave, probably my best edge yet (I've only got 20 blades under my belt). When I shaved with it, I made a mental note to be careful with the point. Well, being a novice shaver too, the point still caught my a couple times and it was styptic time.

So, is it okay according to the generally accepted protocols of the SRP honing handbook to slightly blunt the tip so it is not so much of an assassin? Or do I keep it sharp and wait until I can wear my big boy straight pants?

A lot of old time barbers would gently run the very point on the side of a hone to take the point down. I think some call it 'muting' the point. Nothing 'wrong' with that if you feel like it would be easier/safer. OTOH, once you take it off, putting it back is doable, but not with the exact same profile.

Just one light pass will do it. Do not round the point. Just a single short pass at 45º to the edge on an 8k or higher..
Your ears lobes will love you. It will be sharp enough to shave but will warn you before doing damage..
~Richard

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

A lot of old time barbers would gently run the very point on the side of a hone to take the point down. I think some call it 'muting' the point. Nothing 'wrong' with that if you feel like it would be easier/safer. OTOH, once you take it off, putting it back is doable, but not with the exact same profile.

Thanks, it's an ebay beater so it is not in "collector quality" condition and I wouldn't be ruining some precious razor. So I wont be worrying about putting it back if I mute it. But it got me wondering what is "proper".

Originally Posted by Geezer

Just one light pass will do it. Do not round the point. Just a single short pass at 45º to the edge on an 8k or higher..
Your ears lobes will love you. It will be sharp enough to shave but will warn you before doing damage..
~Richard

Thanks Richard

Originally Posted by 57vert

Thanks, it's an ebay beater so it is not in "collector quality".

As a rule tho, one of the best shavers ever made IMHO.

FYI a square point is already slightly rounded. A spike point has a 90 degree angle toe.

Noooooo, If you can’t handle it, you lose your stripes…

You are sentenced to a year of Bic shaves.

Just kidding, they are there for a purpose and are useful, love the square point.

As said do so lightly, you will want it back… someday…

Originally Posted by Geezer

Your ears lobes will love you. It will be sharp enough to shave but will warn you before doing damage..
~Richard

Amen, brother.

Originally Posted by Utopian

FYI a square point is already slightly rounded. A spike point has a 90 degree angle toe.

What it was originally I don't know, but from your explanation it was a spike when I received it and I honed it up that way. Thanks for the clarification.