I never thought about this until I used a flat-edged trowel once (don't ask-found it in my grandpa's garage) and realized how useless it was. Turns out that point isn't just for looks-it's a total workhorse. Let me break down the big reasons.
First, it's for getting mortar into tight spots. When you're laying bricks next to each other, there's a small gap between them called the "joint." If your trowel was flat, you couldn't squeeze mortar into that narrow space-you'd just smush it all over the outside. The point lets you nudge mortar right into the joint, making sure it's filled completely. I had to fix a wall once where the original trowel was too flat, and half the joints were empty-total nightmare to redo.
Second, it helps with cleaning. When mortar dries on the brick or the trowel itself, that point is perfect for scraping it off. I use the tip all the time to get dried mortar out of the trowel's corner, or to clean up the edges of a joint without messing up the brick. If it was flat, you'd have to use a separate tool, which adds extra steps.
And third, it's for precision when loading mortar. When you're scooping mortar from the bucket, the point lets you get into the corners of the bucket where mortar piles up-no wasted goop. I also use the point to "score" the mortar a little when spreading it, which helps the next brick stick better. It sounds small, but once you use a pointed one, you'll never go back to flat.
