round tip razors

**deezyrocks** · 08-02-2012, 08:53 PM

Are there any advantages of using a round tip straight compared to the spike tips? I've noticed round tips seem less common but dont know if its just cause they were less common or if the are a sub par shaver. I really want to buy one and give it a shot but thought I'd pick your brains for the wealth of knowledge here before. Thanks in advance for any info!

**hig789** · 08-02-2012, 09:25 PM

No disadvantages to a RP. They are my favorite. The only advantage I can think of is that they won't bite you like a spike point will. Go for it and be sure to post pics.

**Kentos** · 08-02-2012, 09:32 PM

+1

If you are starting out, a round point might be easier, as it won't jab you in the neck as you shave the jawline. The spike point does allow you to get right up against the side burns and other hairy accoutrements on the face. A round point makes it a little harder as you don't know where the cutting edge ends and the dull part begins.

**xMackx** · 08-02-2012, 10:14 PM

Square points and spike points can get into places a lot easier that other more rounded models, but most modern razors today are round simply because they look less threatening. You can poke yourself with a spike point so you may want to start with a round until your technique is better.

**bhorsoft** · 08-02-2012, 10:25 PM

Start with what ever you want. I have blades withtips of all types - spike, Spanish, round, barber's notch and all give me equally good shaves and (equally good nicks

) regardless of the point.

**BakerAndBadger** · 08-02-2012, 10:31 PM

I started off with a slightly rounded tip - asked Larry at whipped dog for my sight unseen to be rounded. Since then I've started coveting square and spanish points - yes they bite more easily if you aren't careful but I prefer their looks! It's all about aesthetics, choose the one that currently floats your boat.

**Captain Pre-Capsize** · 08-03-2012, 05:16 AM

You can have a square point and simply mute the point. Round points are great.

**Seraphim** · 08-03-2012, 06:49 AM

A muted square tip, Spanish point, any kind of razor shape will be just as safe as a round tip.

True, sharp "spike" tipped razors serve no real purpose whatsoever other than bravado. Muting the last 1/32" of the edge tames the beast, yet still allows for plenty of control of where the shaving edge ends.

Buy whatever shape razor appeals to you, and hone it up appropriately (I.e-mute the tip)

**xMackx** · 08-03-2012, 02:41 PM

Yeah, I think it's more of a psychological thing when I hear people are afraid of spikes. As long as you don't drag the edge lengthwise against your face, even a little bit will bite. I've seen quite a few guys cut themselves with knives and razors by checking an edge by running their finger along the edge rather than perpendicular, and I think that translates into why some first shaves end up with bad nicks.

**California Cajun** · 08-03-2012, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by deezyrocks

Are there any advantages of using a round tip straight compared to the spike tips? I've noticed round tips seem less common but dont know if its just cause they were less common or if the are a sub par shaver. I really want to buy one and give it a shot but thought I'd pick your brains for the wealth of knowledge here before. Thanks in advance for any info!

Less tendency to strike red oil while shaving! Rounded tips are definitely my preference.

**professorchaos** · 08-03-2012, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Seraphim

A muted square tip, Spanish point, any kind of razor shape will be just as safe as a round tip.

True, sharp "spike" tipped razors serve no real purpose whatsoever other than bravado. Muting the last 1/32" of the edge tames the beast, yet still allows for plenty of control of where the shaving edge ends.

Buy whatever shape razor appeals to you, and hone it up appropriately (I.e-mute the tip)

Apostate! They serve the purpose of making you pay attention!*

I also like their precision - you can get in and nip that one stubble you missed.

**hig789** · 08-03-2012, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by xMackx

Square points and spike points can get into places a lot easier that other more rounded models, but most modern razors today are round simply because they look less threatening. You can poke yourself with a spike point so you may want to start with a round until your technique is better.

What is this book? I see its a manual, but is it online or do you own it?

**hokahay** · 08-03-2012, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by hig789

What is this book? I see its a manual, but is it online or do you own it?

http://www.workerseducation.org/crut...ing/moler.html

**xMackx** · 08-03-2012, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by hokahay

http://www.workerseducation.org/crut...ing/moler.html

Thats the one, different site though. It's like a public library, and they have a barbers manual called Mack's Barber Manual. :P

here's the link for the same book and other barber manuals http://archive.org/search.php?query=...A%22Barbers%22

**Pkrankow** · 08-03-2012, 06:13 PM

I like my spikes.

For some reason the round points I have used track odd when stropping the tip. That would be the third tip image in the scanned book above. The other profiles don't seem to do this.

Phil

**hig789** · 08-03-2012, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by xMackx

Thats the one, different site though. It's like a public library, and they have a barbers manual called Mack's Barber Manual. :P

here's the link for the same book and other barber manuals http://archive.org/search.php?query=...A%22Barbers%22

Cool I'll check it out. Thanks.