Thread: Getting the most out of a spike point

I've got a few spike points, and while some are top notch, I don't seem to be getting the best of the spike. First, I'm reluctant to put weight on the point, because that always seems to result in a poke or pinch, so I'm mostly using the middle of the razor, and the blade doesn't seem as stable out there because it's narrower (though moreso in some than others). Whereas with roundpoints or square points, I don't hesitate to lean on the point, which makes the side burn area a lot easier. I have the following spike points: C-Mon HF - wonderful razor, Geneva Cutlery spike - pure evil or pure genius, depending on the day, a 9/16 Henckels twinworks, a THessen Bruch spike. My geneva has a habit of really slashing me when I'm not careful, but it's a great razor otherwise.

For those spike point lovers out there, what do you love about the spikes and what are your secrets?

I like knowing exactly where the shaving edge finishes. Especially the round points can be very mysterious about this. I stretch well and use very light-no pressure in the shave so I don't have any problems with the point catching me or digging in.

Maybe try using the tip of a French point as you expect to use the spike as a kind of training run?

X

I definitely don't lean in with the toe of a square or spike point. For the spots where I want to use the very tip, I use an extra short, extra light stroke. Keeping the pressure extra light helps prevent the blade from compressing your skin down (which seems to be the easiest way to cut oneself on a square point).

I guess just be extra careful and practice. Maybe try to shave with just the toe in areas that are easier to shave and easier to see so you can get some easy practice before moving on to the tricks spots.

A slightly muted square point might also be a good training tool.

The old barber who told me the info in my sig line 25 years ago showed me how he would slightly round the point on a square point or it's variants. I guess shaving others daily a person had to be ultra careful. I just stay aware of where the point is at all times and as everyone else has said always use a light touch.The only time I've ever had a problem with a point of whatever kind is when I have been at the sideburn and caught the front of my ear. Do that a couple of times and knowing where the point is becomes a given.

I learned on a square point razor and have never had an issue with the point. I consider a spike point razor to have an acute angle where the square points has a ... well square angle. I have a spike point razor and while it cuts the same as any other straight it sure does get the adrenaline going just by it's looks. Loose track of the point on that bad boy and eey ha.

Joking aside, it is very rare that I have the complete 3 inches of the razor shaving my skin simultaneously. I use the tip a lot, but only where it works better than any other part of the blade. Use very light or no pressure to shave. If you need to apply any pressure your blade is not sharp enough. Keep the skin tough and be sure you are not forming a hollow your tip can get into . Be aware of where the tip is but don't obsess about it. Remember where your ears are. Don't loose concentration while the blade is on your face. or for that matter, while the blade is open and in your hand. You will enjoy shaving with square points once you get past the visual effects and respect it for what it is.

CarrieM still doesn't like shaving her legs with a square point but she does test every blade I hone on her leg, and I have honed a bunch. My son, JrJoeD is ~14.5 yrs old and uses a straight when he is with me. He has been shaving w/ straights (a going at the hard spots w/ a DE) since last June. He has recently started trying the square points and moving more towards the straight and less the DE. Gotta say, if he cut himself w/ a straight I am sure my ex would have my b@#%!, and that would only be the start of it. He's doing well and I am not concerned. He respects the blade and doesn't loose focus.

Nothing to fear w/ square points if you can focus on your shaving and not loose focus. Good luck.

I always liked the way spikes looked, but was afraid of the implications of that 90degree sharpened tip.

So I made it a 45degree, non sharpened tip, and it is as docile as any roundpoint out there now.

You just have to take off the very tip. If I had a goatee or something to work around, I could see the desire for a true spike point, but as a clean shaven guy, there is no reason for me to give up comfort and ease of shaving for no particular reason.

My 4/8 Union Cutlery Spike is wonderful. I love the square tip. I have a Geo. Korn Spike and a Sheffield Spike as well.

I use the spike as I would the serrations on my Ken Onion. I need to get into an area I use the end 1/2" or so. I use the entire blade.

I don't know, its sorta a feel process for me.

these are good thoughts. just to be clear, I have no problems with square points - if the pointy bit is right under the end of the spine, no probs, never catches or bites me. It's the spikey one where the point spikes out there beyond the spine where I have the concerns. the skin stretching is a good idea - I don't need to a lot of that usually but can see how not doing it can lead to a hollow that catches the spike when there is no spine above it.

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I always liked the way spikes looked, but was afraid of the implications of that 90degree sharpened tip.

So I made it a 45degree, non sharpened tip, and it is as docile as any roundpoint out there now.

You just have to take off the very tip. If I had a goatee or something to work around, I could see the desire for a true spike point, but as a clean shaven guy, there is no reason for me to give up comfort and ease of shaving for no particular reason.

What is the razor you posted the picture of? Looks pretty cool. Nice worked back.

The spike adds no value to the shaving process that I have ever appreciated.

I think it is the most basic design.

I think the point is an unnecessary and dangerous feature. I also think that it shows little thought or craftsmanship on behalf of the manufacturer.

All this said, they look great and I can see why many people buy them.