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I haven't been using straights very long so I've avoided spike point mostly as a self preservation effort. The other day I picked up a nice spike point with minimal hone wear and decided to give it a spin. It seemed to take a good edge within my abilities. Do I need to worry about serious blood loss here? Other than an occasional nick I am pretty patient and get decent shaves.
Sounds like you're off to a good start. I would worry only about your stropping and shaving technique to keep on getting better and better shaves.
X
I like spike points. Sometimes when I'm not paying attention I have cut my ears where they meet my cheeks (not my ear lobes). Painless or almost painless cuts which keep my in check and remind me to pay attention is all.
Chris L
Dude just pay attention and take your time and you will be fine.
Unless you typically dig the toe of your razor into your face, you will be fine. Keep an eye on the end of the blade when you are working around your ears and nose. It's very unlikely that you'll do more than give yourself a tiny nick.
Due to the curvature of your face I don't think most people get the toe of the blade on their face normally. Maybe across the grain on your upper lip when you go under your nose? I use the toe for doing the acute angles at the corners of my beard. Like Chris and others said, stay aware of things sticking up from your face. But if you're just starting you're probably not used to brushing things with a round point where a spike would nick it so there shouldn't be any problem.
Be aware of the toe, and you'll be fine. Since the spike is staring down at people, most guys seem to be aware of them more than others. Some of my worst cuts ever have been with 5/8 round point blades, not spike points.
I had to learn to be aware of the point when I shaved near my cheekbones - otherwise I'd nick the same place as mentioned above (where the ear joins the cheek). No real damage, though, and no problems with a spike point otherwise.
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Originally Posted by DogHair
If you really are patient as you note above you should be fine. If the spike point makes you a little uncomfortable you will find that you will be paying special attention to your shaves when using that blade. If the spike makes you feel really uncomfortable just put it away until the blade you are currently using feels like a part of you and then bring out the spike to use. The only reason to use it is your own. The more comfortable you are with shaving the more you will enjoy your first shave with the spike., unless you are like me and get off on the extra adrenaline. :y
My daily shaver is a DD Goldedge spike point. I've never had a problem with the point except when trying to shave below the jaw line XTG. The grain of my beard runs left to right below the jaw and I've lacerated myself trying to XTG there and have settled for WTG and ATG until I can figure something else out.
Thanks for the advice. I think the spike was just a little more intimidating than a round point. So far all is well with no major blood loss but there's always tomorrow. :D
i like the spike points alot i feel that they are actually easier to work with, the only problem is that all my round points seem like they are feeling neglected :shrug:
-dan-
Have you tried a X/A-TG with the heel's first inch of an upside-down (reverse) grip mildly curving diagonal stroke? I think the majority of the shaving "hard" force concentrated at the 1/4-1/2 inch waypoint beyond the heel's lower cutting range. Does that make any sense? I've had incredible smoothness at/under the chin from a stroke like this, especially with a slightly smiling edge (at least from the heel, of course). Whatever is going on, the heel action under the jaw can be pretty well controlled cutting action, if you make proper secondary hand (holding/stretching) accomodations.Quote:
Originally Posted by lawman2
I've enjoyed the relative simplicity of the straight straight-edge's (if that makes any sense) use as a roughly diagonal cut from bottom-up movement as an underjaw shaver. But I'm not as thick as some so YMMV.
When I do cut my self it isn't because of the spike point but the angle of the blade. :gaah:
I like my spike point Injun, although it is responsible for my one true cut with a straight. I was starting the WTG pass on my left cheek (using the blade in my right hand), and mis-judged the distance to my ear. The first stroke (top of ear, bottom of side burn) cut my ear. It was almost painless, but bled profusely. I now do this stroke with the heel of the blade closest to my ear.