Thread: Dulling sharp points?

I wondered about that -- seemed like a real possibility and could be worse than just geting a minor cut w/ a sharp point.

That is referred to as muting the point, as pointed out by some of the responses (no pun intended). There is an easy way to do it on a hone while honing, without "bread knifing" the tip on the hone or anything else. It does not take long, and makes the point much friendlier and forgiving. I, personally, like a square point, althout one did bite me pretty good on the neck one morning while going against the grain.

Muting a point on glass is about the safest way I've seen to dull it. Don't trust myself to do it on one of my hones.

Steve

Originally Posted by mikeadams

Muting a point on glass is about the safest way I've seen to dull it. Don't trust myself to do it on one of my hones.

You would still get a small burr at the tip that needs removing.

What is the advantage of a square or spike point? I think that the mention of the lack of technique is a excuse to cover up a poor design.

Some barbers would dull the point on the edge of a hone.

Originally Posted by 32t

What is the advantage of a square or spike point? I think that the mention of the lack of technique is a excuse to cover up a poor design.

Hi T,

The square, french/oblique, spanish points allow close work on the mustache/nostril area. A round point where the point extends any distance beyond the cutting edge takes more work to get the stubble close to the nostil. Not everyone gets used to the care required to use one. I've butchered myself w/ them a few times, but still prefer almost any point to a bulbous roundpoint. If a roundpoint doesn't stick out much beyond the cutting edge - they work great too. I LOVE the pronounced radius on the Williams SRP special. 'Very handy for concave surface shaving.

Most of my rotation, have points. I have 4 hairs high on the moustache near the nostrils that the point gets nicely. I also like it for sideburns across the grain and at the corners of my mouth.

I would not round it, but perhaps mute as recommended, don’t do anything that can’t easily be reversed. Once you develop more experience, you may find your preferences change. I for example like smaller, thinner blades as opposed to large heavy blades.

It’s like the difference in driving a well-tuned sports car or a Hummer.

Originally Posted by pinklather

Hi T,

The square, french/oblique, spanish points allow close work on the mustache/nostril area. A round point where the point extends any distance beyond the cutting edge takes more work to get the stubble close to the nostil. Not everyone gets used to the care required to use one. I've butchered myself w/ them a few times, but still prefer almost any point to a bulbous roundpoint. If a roundpoint doesn't stick out much beyond the cutting edge - they work great too. I LOVE the pronounced radius on the Williams SRP special. 'Very handy for concave surface shaving.

Hey P,

I have to admit in my 51 years of life I have never shaved my mustache so I can't disagree with around the nostril area.

My latest razor that I have used exclusively for the last 2 months is a Hess with a square point. Last week my coworker came in to relieve me and said "How did you get that scratch on your neck?" It didn't even dawn on me at that time over 9 hours from when I shaved to blame the razor and looked at my finger nails. At least I hadn't walked around all day with a Hickey there! When I got home I immediately took the C-12k and muted the point. I don't even want to think about it. With my technique, right or wrong, I use the heel more than the toe.

Tim

Just for info,

If done correctly, Muting or Neutering the Spike can be reversed with the very next honing cycle.. It does not have to be permanent