Getting to the Point

In my lurking I've noticed several posts from other newbies whose initial posts are along the lines of, "What straight razor should I buy?" While I've learned a little from the answers to those posts the overwhelming response seems to be that the questions itself is far too vague to be effectively answered. That lesson learned I'm going to begin posing more specific questions, in this case regarding points.

In several posts I've seen the recommendation that those of us that are just learning the art of shaving with a straight razor start with a round point. I can understand and appreciate that advice but I'm going to question it, mostly for my own education. The square point razors are obviously built for precision, allowing the shaver to trim tight beard lines. Because of this the aptly named spike seems to be a rather large risk in the hands of the unwary as that sharp point can lacerate ears, gouge skin and generally generate a lot of pink foam. The round points appear to be a concession to safety at the expense of precision, a risk in its own right. I would think that this lack of precision can cause risk (admittedly lower than that of the spike) simply because the exact position of the cutting edge is less apparent.

In my specific case I've been shaving with cartridges my entire shaving life so there is a rather steep learning curve ahead. The issue is that I have maintained either a beard or, less commonly, a Van Dyke for over twenty years and see some benefit to the added precision of the square point, particularly when the round point isn't without some risk of its own.

So now I turn it over to the community to get your thoughts, let you shoot holes in my reasoning and potentially keep me from making a decision I'm likely to regret!

Shortly after starting with a straight I acquired a square point somewhat by accident. I was a bit intimidated at first, but immediately loved it to the point that all of my razors now have square toes AND HEELS. I also wear a Van Dyke and find the square heels especially useful for cutting in lines of my beard.

You can also easily mute the spike on glass or a fine stone without affecting the appearance or usefulness of the razor.

If you have good eye hand coordination right from the start it should be ok. I would still think that a beginner that doesn't have to be precise in their shaving, a round point is still better at least for awhile until muscle memory kicks in.

This is an area I tend to disagree, not much cause I like a square point, but all mine are muted, not so you can tell but they are. My shaving is pretty good these days so I can shave with them, but my disagreement is the precision factor. I have and use round tip razors along with, spikes, I wear a Van Dyke and my lines are cut as clean as any out there. And more to add is I haven't found it any more difficult with the round tip. Plus my Kamisoris are very nimble but my lines are no better with them than with a round tip. Just my opinion, so if precision is the goal, that's in the hands of the man using the razor. Tc

While I find the round point aesthetically unappealing, one advantage for the newer user is that it serves as a "guard" when shaving the sideburns area near the ears. The round portion of the tip will contact the flesh of the ear long before the cutting edge. Bluesman is spot on when it comes to using the heel,those who have yet to learn the advantages of that portion of the blade are missing out on its versatility.

The squares are especially good if you are sporting some kind of facial hair like a goatee or whatever and need extreme precision. Otherwise a round is more than able.

When I was a noob, I was known to nick myself, hence the name. Square points are incredibly harsh on my ears.

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Originally Posted by Wirm

While I find the round point aesthetically unappealing, one advantage for the newer user is that it serves as a "guard" when shaving the sideburns area near the ears. The round portion of the tip will contact the flesh of the ear long before the cutting edge. Bluesman is spot on when it comes to using the heel,those who have yet to learn the advantages of that portion of the blade are missing out on its versatility.

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I also find the round point unappealing aesthetically, but I like shaving with the round points I have. I don't have a Van Dyke, but I do have a moustache, Clark Gable style, a pencil moustache. So I appreciate a razor that is efficient in trimming around the nostrils and what not.

Like TC I can do it with a round point but I've been doing it awhile. My favorite point, aesthetically, and for utility is the Spanish point. That bit of edge reaching forward makes detail work a snap. With any of the points other than round, you have to keep your eye on them. Especially coming down the sideburns in front of the ear. I don't much care for square/spike points aesthetically either BTW, but a Spanish, French or notch point are cool looking and very useful.

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As we can see by the progression of this thread, YMMV. I like a square point, but not a spike. A lot of square points have a very subtle round right at the end. That is my sweet spot. I do have some spike points but they are all muted. I never did learn to get my mustache area clean without a small amount of blood shed with a spike. I am just fine with them muted. here are some very spikes Spanish points out there too, but not in my collection.

Personally, I like em all. The only type I shy away from are spikes that have exaggerated edges to them like some of the red Imps. Those can be brutal. If I need to do some trim work or precision shaving I have a 2/8s I reserve strictly for that purpose.

You will draw blood no matter what point you use, its inevitable. Spikes are sneaky, one miscue and your bleeding. Like others have said precision is in the hand of the user.

I like spikes, learned on a spike and have never cut an ear or had any bad cuts.

No question, a spike can cut you, but you will learn to shave with a light hand, and pay attention. It’s kind of like the sharp knife, theory. With a sharp knife you use less pressure and are safer.

I shave with the whole razor and I especially ensure the tip and the heel are fully honed.

The point is very handy, and come on admit it, spikes and square point, just look better.

I use them all. I really don't get the "precision" argument. That last millimeter of a spike point for me doesn't do much.

I learned on a square point. So long as it's not too square (slightly rounded at the point) it's a non issue as far as I am concerned.

I have a round point that came to me with a chip. Now I have removed the said round point is no actually sharp and more of a hazard than my square points.

I have & use all types of blades & I really like a Spanish Point a lot. But I like them all really. To me the weight & type of grind is more important than the point. I love big old W&B near wedges but I don't think I can say I have a favorite razor any more. As much as I love my vintage straight's I just finish honed & stropped a Shanghai made Double Arrow 6/8" round point that is a real good & well built razor. Used it this morning after 50 rounds on my Jager shell strop & I can't tell a lot of difference from my vintage straight's.
I guess you should try them all & find what works for YOU!

I will jump on the square-heel team here as I have facial hair, and as such, actually find the shape of the heel ha more impact on my clean lines than the point does. Like everyone else here has stated, YMMV for each and every user but the point is not always the first consideration I have...it is more of an afterthought for me when making a buying choice.

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Originally Posted by bluesman7

Shortly after starting with a straight I acquired a square point somewhat by accident. I was a bit intimidated at first, but immediately loved it to the point that all of my razors now have square toes AND HEELS. I also wear a Van Dyke and find the square heels especially useful for cutting in lines of my beard.

You can also easily mute the spike on glass or a fine stone without affecting the appearance or usefulness of the razor.

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Your response got my mind working and I quickly realized that the square heel is probably at least as useful in trimming around a beard as a square toe. More food for thought and I have to admit to admiring the simple elegance of these razors.

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Originally Posted by tcrideshd

This is an area I tend to disagree, not much cause I like a square point, but all mine are muted, not so you can tell but they are. My shaving is pretty good these days so I can shave with them, but my disagreement is the precision factor. I have and use round tip razors along with, spikes, I wear a Van Dyke and my lines are cut as clean as any out there. And more to add is I haven't found it any more difficult with the round tip. Plus my Kamisoris are very nimble but my lines are no better with them than with a round tip. Just my opinion, so if precision is the goal, that's in the hands of the man using the razor. Tc

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This is probably the most honest assessment, I suspect. While the razor design might facilitate precision the actual determining factor is going to be the skill of the individual. In my case that skill is nonexistent but then we all started from essentially the same place!

Thanks to everyone for your help! I'm probably going to avoid a spike for now but I'm unlikely to simply avoid a square point simply based on fear, particularly when I can mute the point if needed. Since I'm attempting to get started on a budget this discussion has been more about what to avoid than what I expressly want to purchase but any additional bit of knowledge at this point is certainly helpful.

I have them all. I ordered a Mastro Livi and I thought I was ordering a Spanish Point instead I ordered a barbers notch. When I got it I really liked it. Enables me to get in close places without worrying about the point. They look intimating, but once you try one you'll find it really shaves very well.

My first razor was a round point, then got a French point, barbers notch and spike point. Like everyone else I agree about precision using all of them. I grew a mustache trimmed half height like Clark Gable also a V shaped goatee and was able to keep nice straight lines using any one of my razors. I just acquired the spike point recently and drew blood just bringing it to my face I had to focus a lot too on the position on the point. My neck area was a challenge.