Does the point have a purpose?

[Kevin Stueve]

Euclidean geometry would be "errr pointless" without the point

[sbhikes]

So what you are saying is that the point on the bottom end of the F-style mandolin is supposed to be jabbed into the center of your right thigh? Ouch. Wouldn't it make more sense to rest it on the middle of your left thigh and play the instrument nearly upright?

[Ivan Kelsall]

The whole point of the point is to provide a point of discussion where we can all air our points of view - other than that it's pointless - no it isn't - it's there !!. It's really meant as a means of keeping the sitting mandolin players awake. After a hard day at the factory,those guys were half asleep & needed something to keep 'em awake,so Orville, & then good ol' LLoyd give 'em a point to dig into their thighs to keep 'em stirred up a bit,
Ivan

[dang]

So that when you hold it upsidown by the neck it looks like an axe...

And that’s why people refer to them as their axe

[Bertram Henze]

...then good ol' LLoyd give 'em a point to dig into their thighs to keep 'em stirred up a bit

Hear that rumbling? It's Tomas de Torquemada turning in his grave, angry that he didn't think of that.

[Toni Schula]

That's where your leg goes

Yes. The point is the point is meant to be suportive while playing seated. But it does not hurt (too much) while standup playing...

[Timbofood]

A friend of mine has an L&H with the "Pull out" leg which does the same thing, it "aids in maintaining proper playing position"!
Kind of a point but, really more of a spike!

[Frankdolin]

The point is a built in "tone-guard'. Me thinks.

[Denny Gies]

I thought it was because Bill had one on his.................

[Jim Hilburn]

Note that the point curves away so it doesn't jab into your leg but makes a resting point.