There's also a "French point," more rounded than the square but not fully rounded. Square point aficionados feel that they get the greatest amount of precision and control with that point, while round point razors are often cited as more forgiving/mild and less likely to catch a stray earlobe or nostril. French point razors are naturally considered a hybrid of the two, combining either the best of both worlds, or the worst of them, depending on whether you're a fan. I've seen more than a couple posts here and while perusing badgerandblade that advocate using the French point to learn how to maneuver the straight razor, and then decide whether you want more control, less perceived risk of injury, or are pleased with the shave you're getting. I expect folks with more experience with the straight razor will be along momentarily to supplement and correct the above paragraph as needed.
I have a bunch of square points, but I prefer round, French or Spanish points, because it is not as easy to poke yourself. EVERY time I have poked my face and bled has been with a square point. Maybe it is because I wear spectacles, but I ALWAYS poke myself near the top of my ear with a square.
It is all going very individual. I'd say it is really does not that important. My first straight razor is square point 8/8 W&B. Besides I have 4/8 square point and spike point slant wedge. They all works great and shaves very, very clean and effective. I never had problems with tip cuts too. I'm not proficient at straight shaving and still the beginner, but on my opinion, more then 90% of all problems derives from operator's mistakes and less then 10% - from dull or defective blade (like you feel it tugs and pulls but still going on and end up with burn and irritation - the mixture of both). Anyway, when I chose my first razor I decided I need to "walk the walk" rather then "talk the talk" and just traded my first straight, without any guess of how it will work.
The round is the only point I can use & get to that zen place. My square/spikes have sent me to that bandaid place. (I'm too stubborn to round the corners.) I love the aesthetics of the Barber's Notch & Spanish points. The more angular points are helpful for detail work, like shaving around mustaches/goatees.
I have a full on Abe Lincoln going on, been growing it for the past six months. I plan on going clean in September, but in the mean time i shave my neckline, mustashe and cheeks. I have to say barbers notch and spanish have always been most appealing. However Hart only offers square or round. Getting one for fathers day. How does barbers notch work?
I've heard it said the barber's notch was there so the razor could be opened with one hand, just catch the notch on your pants pocket.
I have found that when shaving around facial hair a Spike or Square point is the easiest to work with to get the neat corners and straight lines.. Neutering a Spike into a Square or finding one has very little effect on the ability to trim around facial hair. The use of Barber's Notches First understand that they are only called that on the Internet The name used in the Vintage Ads was either Hollow Notch or Hollow Point.. Over the years there have been many uses/reasons attributed to them not one has ever been proved or even discussed by way of a Vintage Article or Ad.. Myself until I see proof otherwise, I figure they are pretty much like all the other points basically different for different faces and tastes
Sometimes you can get pretty complacent when shaving. You know, the brain is in neutral and your just shaving away, they made spike points to keep your brain engaged in the shaving process. I like them but you need to know where that point is at all times. This one will bite you if your not paying attention.
