Thread: points and what there for

just wondering why so many different style point. and the how there suppose to be used. I can see the round points and the spike. but the rest I really can't see why. thanks

Mainly for the looks of the razor. The same as why there are so many different car styles and types...different people and different tastes.

Having a mustache or a goatee will show what notch, Spanish and French points are useful for. The slight extension makes trimming around facial hair, nostrils easier and more efficient. IME. Humankind has always attempted to improve a design. The straight razor is no exception. Looking at the evolution of the monkey tail, straight to slightly curved scales, and the points being examples IMO.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Having a mustache or a goatee will show what notch, Spanish and French points are useful for. The slight extension makes trimming around facial hair, nostrils easier and more efficient. IME. Humankind has always attempted to improve a design. The straight razor is no exception. Looking at the evolution of the monkey tail, straight to slightly curved scales, and the points being examples IMO.

Huh... and I always thought they were examples of intelligent design.

A Straight is a rather pedestrian product. So if that is your line how do you rise above the pack? You make variations and charge more for them.

just wondering. I can see the round and spike. didn't really know if the styles had specific applications. I know that they look kool

Round - Generally the safest one (no sharp bits). Recommended for beginners
Square/ spike - Good for shaping, but the spike makes it less safe
Spanish - Works similar to the square, but looks slightly different
French - Also good for shaping, but looks different. I've heard that french points can be harder to hone/ strop because the part of the blade which juts out ahead of the spine isn't supported
Notch - Never tried one of these, but I would imagine that they are a midway point between a spanish/ square point and a round one, in terms of safety and manoeuvrability.

Try out different point types and see what you like.