Why on Earth were Square Tips Produced - it beats me?

[onotoman]

Hi Guys,

A collector sent me five very fine razors for restoration and honing recently and amongst them were a nice Dubl Duck SatinEdge and a Vesuvius with Grim Reaper Scales that I have also seen on a Dubl Duck razor. Maybe the same maker for both razors?

Anyway, both have very severe square tips. I thought before shave-testing, that these were accidents waiting to happen and although I was very cautious, I still managed to gouge myself twice. These things would be absolutely lethal for a beginner and to be honest, it they were mine and for shaving rather than collection purposes, I'd slightly grind the tip edge rounder.

Sacrilegious to many I'm sure but I just cannot see the point (sorry for the pun) of these severe square tips.





Thoughts?

[RezDog]

Those spike tips are not for me. I have a few and every time I hone them I take the sharp point off of the bevel. A practise know as muting the point. It does not require any grand grinding of the top, just a couple of swipe on the side of a finisher. I often mute right after the 8K. Other like the challenge I suppose.
PS.
The Vesuvius is a fairly well known but uncommon member of the duck family. I don’t think it is the most rare but far from common.

[bluesman7]

I'm a fan of both square points and heels, so there's that.

[Butzy]

I never liked square tips for the exact reason you just pointed out until I just recently buzzed my hair and now have to maintain acceptable sideburns. it's a must for any precision trimming. that's the only advantage I see though. I think they look quite nice too

[neehooya]

I'm a fan of both square points and heels, so there's that.

Just like bluesman7, I really like them. Especially around tight areas were precision is required (in my case around nose, mouth and chin).
Aesthetically they also appear to me as well.

[DrDalton]

Aesthetically I like spike points and heels, functionally I like them muted so I don’t cut myself.

I keep one spike point in rotation, as I like the challenge occasionally.

[cudarunner]

My buddy over in Germany tells me that the spike points were made specifically for the American Market. I can't verify that but it is interesting. I have one and with being careful I can walk away unbloodied but if I'm not------------------

[BeJay]

I would say that muting them is the proper thing to do. You still have all of the precision without the risk or discomfort. Some like to hone them into crazy sharp points. It’s a macho thing. I guess I’m not very macho

[Leatherstockiings]

I haven't shaved with a spike point yet, but want to try it some day. I'll make sure it's a relaxed, weekend shave when I do.

[Brontosaurus]

I like square points. If you want to mute the tip, run it through a wine cork two or three times. That way, it will maintain its shape and can be brought back as needed.