How does shaving with a square point differ from the many different points?
Have received a PIF razor with square/blunt/flat point and am a little worried about that sharp point digging in. Any recommendations or suggestions? :medvl:
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How does shaving with a square point differ from the many different points?
Have received a PIF razor with square/blunt/flat point and am a little worried about that sharp point digging in. Any recommendations or suggestions? :medvl:
Just make sure that you see where the point is at all times. In general the very point on a spike or a square is for detail work. It is usually extending past the part of the skin I'm shaving unless I've specific need to use the point. The only place I've really gotten cut with those more aggressive points is in front of my ear from misjudging the distance. Once you do it you probably won't do it again. :) Read my sig below to avoid nicks and cuts.
I started with a spike and didn't have any problems. You should be careful with all razors regardless of tip. IMO the square points allow you to clean up better as it's easier to get individual whiskers.Quote:
Originally Posted by woodturner
Just be cautious as always, particularly when the tip gets near your ear lobe and/or nose.
+1. The first time I used my Sheffield (my first spike point, and longer than my other razors) I clipped my ear...WOW; I couldn't believe the amount of blood.
Think traditional skew versus a spindle gouge. No matter what you can get a catch, but you are slightly more likely with a traditional skew if you're not paying attention to the toe.
If I get a nick from a square point, it's because I didn't pull the skin tight enough. As a result, the skin bunches up and causes the toe to dip into red waters.
I also learned on a square point and still find it weird to shave with a round point. It's all about paying attention to details, watch what the tip is doing and adjust as needed to keep that bugger in check :p
I've developed a real liking for square points. Because they force me to concentrate on what I'm doing, my technique has improved considerably: it doesn't do to feel too safe and complacent with a straight razor.
I know I risk the wrath of some here, for what might be viewed as mutilation, but I've dulled the points on my square blades bye very slightly rounding the point. It's almost imperceptible to the eye buty my face appreciates the difference.
ACK... YOUR KILLING ME!!! Ack... sputter... Choke...Quote:
Originally Posted by leadduck
Some round the point ever so slightly to get away from that spike, just past what would be called a square point I guess :P
As a newbie I am just learning to use a straight. For this process I picked up two straights, a Dubl Duck Special #1 with a spike, and a W.R. Case with a rounded barber knotch. I decided to learn with the spike based on the recommendation of a few members here that I would learn to be more careful. I can't say if it's been worse than any other newbie, but I can tell you that I learned the hard way to watch the point when I gave myself a very nice 1 1/2" long perfectly vertical cut down my cheek because I tried to use the front part of the blade on my first ever WTG pass. I haven't made that mistake sense, but have been learning to appreciate the spike for getting hard to reach areas like the corners under my nose...
Had my 1st straight razor shave with the square this morning. Unfortunately I failed to look at all your wonderful responses first because I posted it late last night. The result is a cut just below the ear. Not serious at all, but a reminder to keep track of that point. Thank you all for your responses. Deighaingeal it's nice to see another woodturner in the crowd. The skew is a specialty of mine. I am often asked to teach the skills necessary in its use.
Guarantee I'll be more careful next time. Will let you know how the next shave goes.
Don't let a spike point psyche you out, they are just due a bit more care and attention. FWIW it IS possible to gouge yourself with a round point as well, it's just something you might not want to tell your friends on SR shaving forums :D
I agree with Ryan...I was hesitant to use a spike point when I first began shaving. I own two or three now and have slowly begun to prefer them over my collection of round point razors. They allow for more precise shaving on certain areas of my face.
As all of the previous posts have suggested, however, you need to be focused and pay attention to where the blade of your razor is going at all times. Moerover, I never lead with the point of the razor. That technique works just fine everytime for me.