Cleanin up the neck

**superpacker** · 06-09-2009, 07:45 AM

So Iv'e been at it for about six weeks, and its going great. I have been doing a four pass shave usually one WTG, two XTG but in different directions, and one ATG. I usually shave a few minutes after I shower, I have been using T&H Grafton cream almost exclusively, as I cycle through my West Coast sampler pack with my HD razor. Today I added some Thayer's Lemon Witch Hazel I decanted in to a small spritzer. But, I am still not getting my neck quite ask clean and smooth as I would like. Any guess or suggestions? Is it just technique?

**Axel_** · 06-09-2009, 08:59 AM

I would reccomend you to wait a day before next shave and really feel how the hairs on your neck is going. If you don't know wich way your beard grows, making a good job is impossible to do. Your beard might even grow in different directions, some spots might grow S-N and some N-S or E-W.

If you know you really shave ATG and still ain't get the result you like, I suggest you to try the "J-hook" for example. You can find this in mantic59s video "Advanced shaving techniques" on youtube.

//Axel

**FreezerBurns** · 06-09-2009, 09:09 AM

On my neck, the grain grows in every direction imaginable. You have to really get to know the direction of the grain to get it perfectly smooth.

**Bulldawg** · 06-09-2009, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by FreezerBurns

On my neck, the grain grows in every direction imaginable. You have to really get to know the direction of the grain to get it perfectly smooth.

True. I solved this problem by studying 2 - 3 days growth and then practicing WTG strokes with a bladeless razor. You may be going ATG on the first couple passes and not even know it.

**bigdog** · 06-09-2009, 12:59 PM

I'm into DE about two months now and this morning was the best shave thus far. The key was using the technique described in the four pass shave thread at http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=24562 As my technique has improved, particularly moving the razor with NO pressure, I felt I was ready for the 4 pass. Man was it good! My neck has never been as smooth - no weepers or nicks....pure faceturbation.

**WPD111** · 06-09-2009, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by Bulldawg

True. I solved this problem by studying 2 - 3 days growth and then practicing WTG strokes with a bladeless razor. You may be going ATG on the first couple passes and not even know it.

+1 when I started Wetshaving I would constantly get razor burn and ingrown hairs on my neck. I tried different blades and razors even a slant with feather blades which destroyed me. I thought my first pass was WTG "Down" on my neck, which was really ATG. After waiting several days " On Vacation" So 7 days and really studied the growth pattern. I determined like other people that the hair on my neck grows all different directions. Up on the sides and down in the middle with a few sideways location. Now I get BBS comfortable shaves . And my go to razor and blades are the 39C Barberpole slant and feathers....

**tsmba** · 06-09-2009, 01:36 PM

My neck is, by far, the most difficult terrain for me to shave. Like others have mentioned, the stubble goes in so many directions its practically impossible to be precise about the grain. If I get too aggressive, a nick is sure to be the result. The best solution I've found is to stretch as much as possible (as illustrated in straight razor technique instructions) and do the best I can.
Back when I started, I carefully mapped my face, trying to get it all "right". I found that doing so kind of made the ritual a chore....so I quit doing so.
As with many things, relaxing a bit and keeping things simple helped a whole lot. I must have a hard head, cuz I keep needing to remind myself of that!

**The National Razor** · 06-09-2009, 01:41 PM

I don't even try for a BBS on the neck. DFS and no irritation is the goal there. I finally figured out my method--just 2 passes, 1 WTG and 1 ATG. the DRUL method..down right, up left. Then the next pas is RULD method--right up left down. It gets it good enough, and no more red blotches.

**WPD111** · 06-09-2009, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by The National Razor

I don't even try for a BBS on the neck. DFS and no irritation is the goal there. I finally figured out my method--just 2 passes, 1 WTG and 1 ATG. the DRUL method..down right, up left. Then the next pas is RULD method--right up left down. It gets it good enough, and no more red blotches.

Unfortunately I need to be very closely shavin for my job

or I'd do the same and DFS would be adequate

**The National Razor** · 06-09-2009, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by WPD111

Unfortunately I need to be very closely shavin for my job

or I'd do the same and DFS would be adequate

Alas. I go for the BBS on my face and fortunately my shirtcollar covers up any remaining stubble on my neck. I'd rather there be the stubble than the red marks.

**Walter Sobchak** · 06-09-2009, 06:28 PM

I have the same issue as a lot of you guys. My neck stubble grows in all directions with no real pattern. I was starting to think that I would never get a nice close neck shave.

Tonight, and I'm not sure why I decided to try this, I took my new Slim Adjustable (which I had never used before), threw in an Astra SP, cranked it up to 9, and went at it. It took a long time because I was super careful and devoted close attention to technique. I went very slowly on my neck. 1 pass WTG, 2 XTG, 1 ATG, and some very careful touchup. When I touched up the last couple of spots, I just dipped my finger in the remaining lather and spread it on the rough patches. I left it a little thin so I could see precisely where I was making blade contact. Then I gently buffed those tough spots. This is the closest my neck has been. It's a little sore in a couple of spots because this is by far the most aggressive I've ever shaved, but there were no weepers and there's nothing red at the moment. I'm interested to see how it will be tomorrow.

I guess my point is, don't give up. It can be done. It just took me a long time and a bit of extra effort. Hopefully, this will get a little quicker with practice.