Thread: Question about choosing a razor

I have a question about razors. What is the difference in points on the edge of the blade as far as shaving; what would be the advantages? Would it matter which one to use for a beginner?

I would appreciate any advice in what to look for in buying a razor. Also what I would need to touch up the razor to keep it sharp.

Thanks

Originally Posted by binder

Also what I would need to touch up the razor to keep it sharp.

Generally, some Chromium Oxide (CrOx) spray or paste on a designated strop and/or some diamond spray on a designated strop will do for light touch ups. Or are you thinking hones?

Sorry, I can't help you with the different kinds of points.

In my opinion when selecting a razor the real choice is between carbon and stainless steel. Carbon is easier to work with but rusts and stainless doesn't rust as easily but is harder to work with. I tend to preferr the stainless becuase I can't use it during the week, got to shave 98% asleep. On the week-ends I have more time to get going so I have time to work with the straight.

Your question isn't very clear as my answer will be another interpretation to those above it. A round 'pointed' razor would be better for a beginner rather than a 'Spike' or a 'Square' end razor. A spike or square is more likely to catch an unwary noob and give a cut. So for a first razor I'm going to recommend a round nose or maybe even a French tip razor. To keep it sharp all you'll need to start with is a cheap strop. Once you've finished cutting the crap out of that one and don't think you'll cut up any more strops I'd recommend another one to keep it sharp, but not one of mine, they're not for a new bloke to learn on, they won't take a beginners major mistakes too well. Is that the advice you were looking for?


Mick

Originally Posted by binder

I have a question about razors. What is the difference in points on the edge of the blade as far as shaving; what would be the advantages? Would it matter which one to use for a beginner?

I would appreciate any advice in what to look for in buying a razor. Also what I would need to touch up the razor to keep it sharp.

Thanks

Both toe types need to be respected and you can open yourself up with either. The rounded toe is more forgiving for a beginner, but don't think you can be sloppy because you are using one - you can't.

Plenty of people started with a spike point because that's what they had. There is no doubt you have to pay attention to the toe more with a spike. But you should be anyhow.

The real benefit to a spike for me is that I can do fine work with that point right under my nose that is more difficult with a round toe. So far in my rotation this week I've had 3 spikes and 2 rounds. You get used to both.

I will say this - it will be easier to transition from a spike to a round than the other way. If all you have access to is a spike - I would not avoid getting started because of it.

Hope that helps.

David

David

Originally Posted by Alembic

Both toe types need to be respected and you can open yourself up with either. The rounded toe is more forgiving for a beginner, but don't think you can be sloppy because you are using one - you can't.

Plenty of people started with a spike point because that's what they had. There is no doubt you have to pay attention to the toe more with a spike. But you should be anyhow.

The real benefit to a spike for me is that I can do fine work with that point right under my nose that is more difficult with a round toe. So far in my rotation this week I've had 3 spikes and 2 rounds. You get used to both.

I will say this - it will be easier to transition from a spike to a round than the other way. If all you have access to is a spike - I would not avoid getting started because of it.

Hope that helps.

David

David

+1. I started out with a round point, and subsequently bought several spike points thereafter. The RP is a little easier to learn with IMO, as not having the spike point seems to be one less thing to manage when learning. However, as David mentioned, a RP razor is just as apt to bite you if you get sloppy. Having said that, I've only had two bad cuts thus far, and both were from a spike point razor that has a ridiculously sharp spike and was handled by a careless operator (that'd be me). I've had no trouble with the rest of my spike point razors, and personally prefer them to my RP razors, both in function and appearance.

I agree with Mick about the strop. Get a cheap one to start and learn the basics. You'll cut the crap out of your first one, so don't go buying a nice strop to start. Once you've got the hang of stropping, then think about adding Cr02/diamond spray & hones.

Best of luck to you.

Larry

In the Wiki you are going to find quite a bit of really good info about starting this hobby...

From the first razor recommendation and why to all the info necessary for the very first shave...

In fact this is the Wiki's strong suit it really does have a huge amount of info packed in there for the Beginner and it has all been well researched...

Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki

And that is just the very start


My recommendation has always been the same for first razors

SHAVE READY !!!! from a Honemeister that you have total confidence in...

6/8 Round nose, Half hollow grind...

The reason is simple, it is the dead center razor...

6/8 is the middle size and a tiny bit easier to strop then a 5/8 for a beginner

Half Hollow grind, again dead center and the slightly stiffer feel is easier for a beginners tentative shaving strokes..

Round nose for the Illusion of safety trust me it will cut ya just as fast..

From this dead center start you can then decide what direction you want to go next...


Also, this razor I am talking about is available new....

I really like the french point on my DD Wonderedge. I agree that round or french would be a great way to start. I have 3 other DDs that are all spikes, and if I don't stay focused I seem to dig that spike into the same place on my face each time! Rule number 1: pay very close attention to the job at hand.
Enjoy!

Originally Posted by gssixgun

In the Wiki you are going to find quite a bit of really good info about starting this hobby...

From the first razor recommendation and why to all the info necessary for the very first shave...

In fact this is the Wiki's strong suit it really does have a huge amount of info packed in there for the Beginner and it has all been well researched...

Straight Razor Place Wiki:Books/Beginners Guide - Straight Razor Place Wiki

And that is just the very start


My recommendation has always been the same for first razors

SHAVE READY !!!! from a Honemeister that you have total confidence in...

6/8 Round nose, Half hollow grind...

The reason is simple, it is the dead center razor...

6/8 is the middle size and a tiny bit easier to strop then a 5/8 for a beginner

Half Hollow grind, again dead center and the slightly stiffer feel is easier for a beginners tentative shaving strokes..

Round nose for the Illusion of safety trust me it will cut ya just as fast..

From this dead center start you can then decide what direction you want to go next...


Also, this razor I am talking about is available new....

Massive +1. If I had read this post three years ago, my trip up the learning curve would have been much easier. As others have siad, don't get too hung up on the points. Rounded is more forgiving but, take your eye off the toe and bad things can still happen. Good luck.

This shopping list for beginners might help: Shopping list for beginners - Straight Razor Place Wiki