Blade Styles

So I've been looking around and keep wondering something. There are all these different blade styles like round point, square point, Spanish, French, and barber's notch. Other than aesthetic value, do these different styles serve any purpose?
-AJ

It's like the Chevy vs. Ford debate. Either will get you from point A to point B equally well; It's, mainly, a matter of personal preference.

Well, I feel that the round points don't let me get into the tight corners as well as other points.
Hollow ground razors are lighter than wedges which are very silent shavers.
Smaller blades are a little easier to manipulate, but larger blades have some more heft hence momentum and can load up on lather before needing a rinse or a wipe.
Carbon steel provides a slightly more comfortable shave than stainless steel which is harder and will hold its edge longer on average.

I like to mix it up some. :D

X

Like Xman stated, I think it's a matter of shaving details. i.e. much easier to get into tight spots and have an exacting stroke evenly with a square, spike point type. Even spanish point where you can see a defined end to the edge.

Yes. Round points are evil. They were probably invented by Bert from sesame street. :D

They lull you into a false sense of safety, and then you cut into your nose or your ear as you are trying to shave into a corner of your face with what you think is the end of the cutting edge.

Don't like spike poits either, but that is more of an aesthetic consideration.
I prefer Spanish and notch points. Preferably on a smiling or even curved blade.

I love a good spike point!!!!!!!

This just an opinion I have no proof::::
But if you are shaving around facial hair, those funny point styles become rather useful....

I know this is really dumb, but when I shave my sideburns, the 1st thing I shave at the beginning of my shaves, if I am shaving with a spike or a square point, I seem cut my ear or my ear lobe quite a lot.

So, I have a tendency to prefer the round points. :shrug:

Yes, it is rather dumb!

Steve

I sport sideburns myself... therefore find a real spike point to be very precise. Round points are also precise, but it's a bit "bluntter"... My personal preference goes to spike point razors at the moment. Though I crave for a shefield notch at the moment! :)
But the bottom like, for me, is that any razor will be as close, as smooth and as precise as any other. It boils down to taste.

Give me a good Spanish or French point anytime.