Thread: Learning a spike!

Hello All,

Any tips on learning a square point razor? I have a new Torrey and it has a square-ish point and this morning while doing my dominate side burn area I dragged the point over the edge of my jaw-line creating a fairly nice slice.

I guess you could call this "learning" but I wonder if there are any general tips on learning to use a spike? Short Strokes, watch blade angle, etc.

I think I am going to put the square points away till I get competent with my round point Dovo.

I think the main thing to be cautious about when you are new and using a spike point razor is to watch for any movement or angle which will bring the spike into contact with the skin. This may sound too simple, but I have seen many new guys not pay attention to this. I try to concentrate on cutting with the middle of the razor knowing that more of the edge is actually cutting and this helps not to increase any angle where the point will dig in. You have to be just as careful not to concentrate only on the middle and forget where the spike is though. So long as you remain aware of where the spike is before you do your stroke or continue it, you will get less nicks. The other precaution is to be careful if you are used to a 3 inch length razor and then go to a 3 1/2 length razor like a DD with a spike. That extra length can throw you off.

Once you start to get proficient with how the razor cuts the angles of your face, you can then actually start to lead and do some very detailed shaving with the spike point.

Hope this helps.

Have fun,

Lynn

As I recall the first time I used a spike most of the damage I did was on my neck. No cuts but red streaks where the spike came a might too close to the skin jus grazing it.

Like Lynn said just be aware of where the spike is at all times and what it's doing relative to the angle you are using.

I have to be careful of my left earlobe, for whatever reason, it likes to jump out in front of spike blades...

Every third day in rotation I use the spike -- all Dovo, two carbon (including the spike) and one stainless. I bought the spike about six months ago and experienced your exact problem -- bought it new, Lynn honed it (thanks!). I quickly learned (relearned?) about the center and toe of the blade. I found that in two decades of shaving I had favored considerably the toe of the blade with most of my strokes. This process with the spike caused me to cut myself in ways that astounded me. Over the course of about 5 shaves with the spike (15 days) I learned to use the center of the blade for almost every stroke on my face -- much to my surprise using the new technique with my other two round razors. My shaves are better for the learning. And true to prior comment, the spike allows more precise detail work on those parts of my face where the toe is especially helpful and correct -- at the side-burn near my ear, under the nose XTG, and under my chin ATG near the ear.

Enjoy the spike! I regretted the purchase at first and now I am delighted by it.

One of my razors is a square point. Like Lynn mentioned, one really nice thing I've found is the proficiency in tight spots. One such spot is the area directly under my nose. My beard grows right up into both my nostrils. With my barber's notch, I still have to finish off with a battery powered foil to get right up there. I wouldn't even get close with a round point, I'm sure. With the square point, no problem. You have to be very careful, obviously.

The ear! One of my razors is a spike and that's the place that I always get cut. Pull your ear back if you need to.

The ear lobes and the hollows in my neck were the issue. Remember, you don't have to eat the whole elephant in one bite! You can start on your cheeks with the square point and finish with another razor until you get used to watching the point. Always be alert to where the point is and your angle both from spine to face and heal to toe. Good luck.

+1 to what Lynn and others have said, especially about being aware of where that spike is at all times, but also about the use of the point for close work in tight places. Of the 5 razors currently in my rotation, 3 are spikes, and I can really get right under the nose much better than I can with my 2 round points. The spike point can go places the round point can't go as well. However, I dinged my right ear about 5 times early on before I got used to that sharp point being there. Stick with it--you'll be glad you did.

Originally Posted by Shoki

Hello All,

Any tips on learning a square point razor? I have a new Torrey and it has a square-ish point and this morning while doing my dominate side burn area I dragged the point over the edge of my jaw-line creating a fairly nice slice.

I guess you could call this "learning" but I wonder if there are any general tips on learning to use a spike? Short Strokes, watch blade angle, etc.

I think I am going to put the square points away till I get competent with my round point Dovo.

+1 on Lynn's suggestion. As long as you keep the edge from digging into your skin, you will be fine. Spike point is my favorite type of blade. I carefully maneuver the edge around my face...it is always in contact with skin, but NEVER digging. When you get this right, the tip can actually shave very very nicely. Be careful though...it is rather unforgiving of mistakes.