a few questions

**ralph86** · 06-22-2011, 10:01 AM

Hi everyone,

I posted a thread a while back but I think something was up with the site or with my computer, so I don't think it ever really got posted properly. In any case, I think it was somewhat rambling and incoherent anyway, so I'm just going to try to post an abridged version.

Been DE shaving for about a month now. My neck is definitely looking better than before, but there's still some significant enough irritation that ideally I would like to be gone entirely.

The biggest problem that I'm encountering is the area from my jawline down to maybe the middle of my neck. The lower part of my neck I'm finding relatively easy, because it's a flat surface I guess, and the hair's not as thick/rough, so it tends to disapper relatively easily and leaves minimal irritation. Also my cheeks/face have never been an issue - I fee like I could scrape a piece of jagged rock over my face and I still wouldn't have irritation.

I guess the problem is that the area where I am most prone to irritation is also the area where I'm having a lot of trouble getting rid of the hair. I shave my face no problem, but then when I tackle the area starting at the jawline and down, it seems like I'll lather up, run the razor over my skin, and it doesn't even seem like it's really getting rid of the hair. Maybe a tiny bit, but then I'll have a look in the mirror, and the area's far from smooth. Is this a common problem for new DE shavers? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I kind of taught myself to shave, so maybe I've just never really understood how to shave this area properly.

I have been trying to shave with the grain here, it mostly seems to grow down but in some places but fans out to the side horizontally in some areas - where this is the case I find it extremely awkward to shave with the grain, what with the razor and my hand being so close to the crook of my chin and having to shave outward horizontally.

I might try some sharper blades - maybe feathers. The most pleasant surprise with the whole experience has been that I rarely ever cut myself, so maybe I'll give a really sharp blade a whirl.

Anyway that's about it. Also I want to get some shaving supplies shipped to Canada soon - what's the best site for that?

Thanks a million,

-Ralph

**Greyfox** · 06-22-2011, 11:15 AM

Stretch your face in that area and remember that the beard can grow in all directions on certain parts of the face. Map out how your beard grows and adjust your technique/direction accordingly while thinking beard reduction not removal on each pass.

**Alraz** · 06-22-2011, 11:21 AM

The areas you mention gives most people, even experienced users, some trouble. I would not recommend using aggressive blades until your technique improves. The idea is that with these blades, small errors will be maximized. Use lighter pressure and aim for comfort, not closeness.

Al raz.

**BrianK** · 06-22-2011, 02:27 PM

When you do try different blade(s) don't just pick a brand and buy one pack. Buy a blade sampler. There is no way you can possibly know what works for you by reading what others say about them.

**Eric V** · 06-22-2011, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by BrianK

When you do try different blade(s) don't just pick a brand and buy one pack. Buy a blade sampler. There is no way you can possibly know what works for you by reading what others say about them.

+1 ... A blade sampler will teach you more about razor technic than anything else at this point.

I shave my face no problem, but then when I tackle the area starting at the jawline and down, it seems like I'll lather up, run the razor over my skin, and it doesn't even seem like it's really getting rid of the hair. Maybe a tiny bit, but then I'll have a look in the mirror, and the area's far from smooth. Is this a common problem for new DE shavers? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I kind of taught myself to shave, so maybe I've just never really understood how to shave this area properly.

This is very common problem for new DE shavers. My suggestion? Map that area of your neck, and focus on about one small area to see if you can figure out how to get a good shave there. When you can do that, then move to another area. Just keep chipping away.

Let us know if any of the above ideas work out for you.

**jss4fish** · 06-22-2011, 08:27 PM

I have also been challenged with the neck but have been getting better results lately. For me it was bout realizing that I was getting the blade angle wrong on all those curves. Try concentrating on the actual angle of the blade to the skin and ignoring the handle (does that even make sense?) Ditto to the info above as well regarding growth patterns and stretching the skin (and stretch in the opposite direction of growth- the goal is to stand the hairs up vertical to chop them off). Keep the faith!

**ralph86** · 06-23-2011, 08:43 AM

Hey guys,

Thanks for the replies - I'll definitely take everything into consideration and keep at it. I guess it just takes practice getting used to finding the best surfaces to shave.

Cheers,

-Ralph

**privatepilot17** · 06-23-2011, 08:58 AM

I have found that stretching the skin a bit helps.

+1 on the blade sampler.

**Codfish** · 06-23-2011, 04:47 PM

I'm going out on a limb here, but I suspect that your blade angle might be a part of your issue. If you're having problems removing hair and getting irritation, you might pay more attention to your blade angle. This is an area of compound curves, and one that requires a lot of adjustments. The previous ideas were all good and should be followed. If you're still having problems, look to blade angle.

Good luck,

Codfish