Thread: On the benefits of a square edge / spike - from a newbie

Thanks for the encouragement and advice gents. I think the risk of nicking an earlobe is somewhat reduced by the fact that I keep a beard with sideburns, so the tip generally doesn't travel that far out.

Interesting to know the difference between a spike and square point as well - I hadn't seen the distinction made before and just assumed them to be the same thing. I'm very keen to pick up a round and maybe a spanish at some point in the not too distant future. I might check out something on the lower end of the price spectrum and see if I can't work up my honing chops while I'm at it!

Knowing where the point is was my first "lesson" with a a straight razor . Round points now make me confident, but I'm still using a square point, too...just with a bit more care!

It is my belief that having a spike or square tip in your rotation keeps you on your toes . I could probably shave without a mirror with my Dovo round tip Pallisander, but would never attempt the feat with my little 4/8 Morris spike wedge. That little devil will bite me if I do not treat it with respect !

The spike point razors are my favorite - for me, they are just aesthetically far more pleasing to look at, and you can control the shave with that point very nicely.

My least favorite are the notched razors, but they seem to go with the territory when you like the antique Sheffields....

I am fairly new to straight razor shaving, and I have discovered the same thing as you! My first two razors were round points, but I now shave with only square or Spanish points. I will give away two round points for Christmas hoping to get a couple of friends on the straight razor bandwagon