Virtues of a Spike Point

[Alembic]

Gents,

I have to admit, I was pretty intimidated by the thought of using a spike point. I just could not wrap my mind around how the end would not gash my face and remove my earlobes.

Then I finally had to try one. It was my great-grandfather's Droescher. I have to say I now like them better than round points.

I can use the point very surgicaly around areas of my face. I have not nicked myself one time with one, including my earlobes. But more importantly, I find I slow down and pay much closer attention to the razor, my angles and my pressure because I know I have to respect the spike point. I may even have to attribute the large string of BBS shaves I have been getting to this last point.

So if you are considering trying one, I would encourage you to.

David

[red96ta]

Yep. They're not nearly as scary as folks make them out to be and you can really get in there to get those pesky areas that you can't get with a round point.

[dave5225]

I've been shaving with straight razors for over 3 years , and when I shave with a spike/square point , it's rare that I don't get at least one little nick .

[kg4ghn]

My first, and only for now, straight is a spike point. I haven't had any problems with it, except it scratches up my strop some, but that is my faulty technique and not the razors fault I suspect.

[Bandman]

I also enjoy my spike point, but I do have a tendency to cut myself with it if I'm not careful. It does help get around the goatee more precisely. I used a round point exclusively for over a year before getting a spike, so sometimes I just forget which one I am using and fall into old habits. As long as I slow down and watch what I'm doing, I don't have any problems though.

[JimmyHAD]

With any square or other aggressive point I have to keep my eye on where the point is at all times. If I've nicked myself with one type of point or another It is usually in front of my ear. I wear glasses normally and take them off to shave. My eyesight is a bit lacking in acuity for the area in front of the ear and I sort of do it by feel. Once in awhile it doesn't feel good.

[ganboyi]

I've not had any problems with a spike point and have never nicked myself with it. I think this may be because I started with a spike point and am respectful of and slow with the blade as I shave. In fact, and this may be a little psychological but, I believe I am able to shave much more accurately with a spike opoint as opposed to a round one.

[BAMARACING8]

spike points are way better but you have to def pay more attention to the point the other day i was in a hurry and got the top part of my ear....what was so bad is i saw it and couldnt pick up the blade in time i watched the point go right though a little part of my ear....

[Disburden]

I used my first spike point yesterday morning and I loved it. I have used square pointed razors before, but nothing like a spike point, it's slightly different. I really like how you can stick the point in the hallow parts of your neck and shave them without hitting any other areas at the same time. Good stuff!

I also tried a clover barber's notch this morning and the point on that sticks out and it was really nice in those tough spots also. I think I don't want any more round point razors!

[Ryan82]

My first straight razor was a true spike and that's what I learned with. I never had many problems with it, even at the start, so I've never understood the fear or apprehension towards spike points, though I do acknowledge the dangers. I'm not saying I haven't jabbed my face with the point; I have, but it wasn't enough to sour my attitude of them. I would also go as for as to say beginners should start out with a spike just to get it out of the way, instead of psyching themselves out down the road.

Come to think of it only one of my razors has a round point. The rest are a combo of spike, square and spanish.