Thread: Dulling sharp points?

The part of the razor I seem to get the most cuts from is the sharp angle (close to 90 degrees) where the point rounds to meet the edge. This is sharpest on square points but even some round points seem to be particularly catchy here. My barber friend suggested dragging that angle across a hone to dull it, holding the razor perpendicular to the hone so that just that point is contacted. I have begun trying that regularly and it seems to make a difference in the liklihood of cutting myself that way (better, not worse). Anyone else try that?

Yea, I have used my DMT D8C to reshape some tips and points that way.

Bob

Just one man's opinion, but I think it's better to address whatever it is about your technique that causes the problem (if possible) than it is to dull the point. But, they are your razors, so do what works for you.

Mute it under the windowsill! That's what I do!

I used to have this problem all the time. Until somebody showed me what I was doing wrong. I was putting far too much pressure against my face, and not stretching my skin enough. Once I began pulling my skin tighter my shaves improved remarkably, and with less pressure, I never cut myself on an edge again. Trying adjusting your pressure first, then try pulling the skin a tiny bit more, and make sure you always run the razor in a perfect line. no "arcing" or guillotine positions

Mump, I'm not settled on whether to mute or not, but if you do choose to (I have more than once), I would add to your barber friend's advice that if you run the last 1/32" or so over a hone, use only the weight of the blade. That's all it takes to collapse the edge & you prob. don't want to collapse any more than that. It does make the shave a bit more friendly while you figure out some technique. Every now and then, I'll try a new blade & seem to nick myself repeatedly. I'll mute it 'til I get the feel of that razor.

I appreciate the input. BTW, I obviously erred in placing this thread in the Shaving w/ Safety Razor category. I need to improve my posting technique as well as my shaving technique!

I would do it on a friendly surface, perhaps the side of a 12K hone, certainly not a 1K or a DMT. It is just a matter of very slightly dulling the edge, not changing its shape, just taking the razor edge down a bit.

After reading Ace's reply I should clarify that I use my DMT to round the spike slightly not just dull the edge.

Bob

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is that a slight burr,chip,ding etc. on the tip can also promote a nick. It can often be diagnosed if the strop is getting scratched but lifting the heel while shaving is guaranteed to bite..