Thread: First straight razor point type

Should I be looking only at the round point razors as a first straight razor? I see many more square points on Ebay and some pretty decent deals and nice razors in the $50-$75 dollar range.

Follow up question...Am I just inviting more bid competition when I ask about a specific razor on Ebay?

Thanks guys.

It is just my opinion but I think you should start with a round point. A square point is fine if you run the tip lightly over a glass to take the edge away until you are used to it. I have used a straight razor for a total of 18 years and still nick myself on the cheek with a square point once In a while.

I might also suggest that you not buy your first straight from Ebay. Your first razor should come shave ready and without too many issues. There are a few great places to get them from even when you are on a budget. The best spot seems to be the classifieds here. Frequent deals and great razors at low prices. Larry at the Whipped Dog has filled a small niche in the market by selling good razors with cosmetic flaws and shave ready for low costs. There are also several quality vendors that sell both new and vintage.

Yeah, I hear you on Ebay but there is such a huge selection there, hard to ignore. I have been checking the classifieds here.

Round point...forget eBay for your first razor.

Go to Whipped Dog, the classifieds or spend about $100 for a new blade from SRD or another vendor that sells shave-ready razors.

Welcome to SRP grover. You have gotten some good suggestions about purchasing your first straight razor. eBay will be there and full of various razors for a long time. As you gain some comfort and experience with straight shaving you will find you have a much better understanding of what to look for exactly on eBay. Square or round point is up to you. Read and learn all you can here and decide for yourself on a certain tip. All straight razors require absolute focus when a blade is on your face and a square point can be a bit more intimidating starting out. Let us know how all this goes for you. We will be glad to help.
Bob

I was wondering the exact same things a few months ago and bought a square point at an antique shop. My friend sharpened up for me and I "learned" how to shave with that. I then got a round point blade for christmas and my comfort/shave quality/confidence went waaaaay up.

I think that while learning and focussing on things like blade angle, light passes, and awareness of the blade, it was very helpful for me to not have to worry about the point as well.

I then decided to add to my collection and paid way too much for an Ebay blade that looked great in the pictures. When it arrived, I noticed that someone had tried to dremel out a bunch of pitting near the edge and the blade was pretty much useless.

To sum up from the perspective of someone who was recently in your position: If you are interested in buying your first blade, play it safe and buy something new or professionally restored. You may spend more up front, but you'll save in the long run like I didn't

Welcome and happy hunting!

Another noob perspective. If you have to send an ebay razor off to be honed you won't save much over a shave ready from the classifieds here. Square points look intimidating but if you stay focused you can quickly get comfortable with square or round.

I have to agree with john, it's nothing more than being comfortable with whatever you are using. I really don't believe that we are more likely to cut ourselves with a square (American) point than with any other style. I use round point razors with a variety of "roundness", square points, Spanish points, (and I just realized that I do not currently own any with French points - I hadn't noticed) and I am really not aware of the point style at all on a given day. I did once manage to scratch myself with the corner of a square point but it had more to do with my carelessness than with the blade shape.

Having said that, if you are more comfortable with a particular point style than another, go for it. Confidence is an important factor. No matter the style, we must remain aware of the location of the end of the edge at all times.. it's the aforementioned carelessness that bites us. Similarly, remember that we are more likely to cut ourselves with a dull razor than with a sharp one so don't skimp on maintenance.

Welcome to the club and good luck!



rs,
Tack

Larry at Whipped Dog, the sight unseen razor although not pretty will get the job done, Email him and ask for a round toe if you want. Grab a poor mans strop and a balsa strop and you are pretty much right to go except for the brush and shave cream. I started with him and he was really helpful. There are a few of us who started out with sight unseens and it is funny how you get attached to your first razor. I would not sell mine for the world.