Thread: American Point Razor

Gentlemen,

In straight razors, we have round point, Spanish point, spike, square point, barber's notch point (hollow point) and French point, which the Irish call Irish point — and I'll let the French and Irish fight that battle.

I have never heard of the American point. Not until recently, anyway, on German vendor sites Revisor and Ralf Aust — Amerikanischer Kopf. Unless for some reason I have missed this designation through years, this is the first time I have seen it. Have I been asleep?

The round point, square point and spike are obvious designations. Where Spanish point, French point (or Irish point) and barber's notch comes from, is anybody's guess. Now American point. As if life were not not complicated enough . . .

I know the world faces far more important matters, but I am curious about the square point also called American point. Any thoughts?

Never heard of an American Point before either but I can say my vintage Herder Constant stainless has such a point. They have been around awhile.

Bob

I was wondering the same. I can't figure out how it is different than the standard square point, may be a minor design detail that I am missing?

Gentlemen,
I have several square points, and have had others through the years, but the name American point baffles me. From what I can determine, there seems to be no variation in design. The so-called American point looks like the standard square point. I wonder if that's how such designations as Spanish point, French point and barber's notch had their start — someone, for some reason, named them so.

I think is is because they are bad-sharp and stubborn Americans won't dull the tip!

(Except for me, of course!)

Look closely gentlemen and see that the corners are beveled/chamfered a bit as opposed to being right angles as one a square point. It is such a minute difference but it is there. At least that is what I am seeing.

Bob

Did not see a link and surely you men know a square-point as you see one! An ages-old advertising scheme, IMO. Describe something as-special, it IS!
May as well say, 'Damascus, magnetic, celebrated, etc'.
I feel the advertisement is directed at American buyers. They want THEIR tip!
could be wrong......

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Did not see a link and surely you men know a square-point as you see one! An ages-old advertising scheme, IMO. Describe something as-special, it IS!
May as well say, 'Damascus, magnetic, celebrated, etc'.
I feel the advertisement is directed at American buyers. They want THEIR tip!
could be wrong......

Googled "Amerikanischer Kopf" and found this 6/8" Rasiermesser mit amerikanischem Kopf . Like I said a very minute difference to the definition of square point found here Straight razor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .

Bob

Like, take a square point and round off the point ? I see the little bevel but may be the same thing as softening that square.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Like, take a square point and round off the point ? I see the little bevel but may be the same thing as softening that square.

Note that it does not look rounded but beveled/chamfered in the Aust photo and that the same treatment is given to the spine also. So no, not like blunting a square point in the tradition sense.

Bob