My Neck on the Line

Fifth full shave today, and each time I recognize some progress. Problem area "chin" less and less a problem area. Neck still a bit of a problem though. Haven't yet figured out the angle for ATG. WTG and XTG aren't quite getting it. Enjoying shaving more that ever, even more than with my DE. I'm happy with the progress I'm making, and will just keep at it. But if anyone has any suggestions beyond what I see on Lynn's DVD, I'd be grateful. I realize the neck can be a problem for many, and that "grain" changes are unique for each of us. But if there's a technique that you'd like to share, for ATG on the neck, I'd appreciate hearing about it. Naturally, I'm tempted to think the blade isn't sharp enough, and that if I just had a set of honing stones, all would be well. But with only five full shaves, I'm sure my technique is more likely the problem. I went over my neck WTG and XTG four passes, and still left whiskers behind. Like a Ferrengie, I'm all ears.

I never figured out ATG on the neck. I do 1 pass down from jawline then \\\o/// back up. The o is my Adam's apple. I guess that's pretty close to ATG.

My progress on the neck is measured in years, and I'm still not consistent, so I'm no expert. But, what progress I've made I owe more to variations in stretching than to finding better ATG angles. Just going north-south then south-north, I get closer on the neck now than I used to with four passes a few years ago (n-s, s-n, then awkward partial chevron passes). If you play with different "anchor points" from which to stretch up and down, you might make some good discoveries over time. In the meanwhile, follow the dictum I've heard from others here: comfortable trumps close. I can burn the heck out of my neck trying to chase down that last bit of stubble, then look and feel awful all day.

Jim,

Well, not going to talk angles, sounds like you're trying all of those. Stretching, very important, has been covered. Honing, I wouldn't go there yet. Getting everything down on your technique is where I'd concentrate. If you have reason to think your blade needs honed, send it to one of these Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds to get a "for sure" shave ready edge. Then test your technique again. If it's still lacking with the shave, you can be sure that it's not the edge.

On the neck I find, stretching, a very nice "sharp" edge, and a very.....and I mean Light touch with the razor yields the best results. Light pressure works all over, but especially on the neck, lower neck. The blade just kind of "caresses" the skin!! First, and probably the last time I'll ever use that word!! :D You'll be surprised at what a WTG, N/S stroke with that very light pressure, and you might try a little steeper angle on the blade (but, only with that very light touch) and see what you get. The neck takes some extra practice, but it's doable.

It takes some time, but don't try learning technique and honing at the same time. Frustrating would be an understatement. Get the technique down and then you can judge your honing by the good technique you've developed!! :D

:gl:

Regards,

Howard :)

Agree with everything said but I'd emphasize the importance of the light touch to avoid irritation. I've also found that the scything technique XTG does wonders with a properly stretched field of neck skin. Will there be a few stubborn whispers left behind? The answer is yes and I tend to tackle those at the end, under clear water.

Here is what I can offer.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...-get-grip.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SirStropalot

Jim,

Well, not going to talk angles, sounds like you're trying all of those. Stretching, very important, has been covered. Honing, I wouldn't go there yet. Getting everything down on your technique is where I'd concentrate. If you have reason to think your blade needs honed, send it to one of these Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds to get a "for sure" shave ready edge. Then test your technique again. If it's still lacking with the shave, you can be sure that it's not the edge.

On the neck I find, stretching, a very nice "sharp" edge, and a very.....and I mean Light touch with the razor yields the best results. Light pressure works all over, but especially on the neck, lower neck. The blade just kind of "caresses" the skin!! First, and probably the last time I'll ever use that word!! :D You'll be surprised at what a WTG, N/S stroke with that very light pressure, and you might try a little steeper angle on the blade (but, only with that very light touch) and see what you get. The neck takes some extra practice, but it's doable.

It takes some time, but don't try learning technique and honing at the same time. Frustrating would be an understatement. Get the technique down and then you can judge your honing by the good technique you've developed!! :D

:gl:

Regards,

Howard :)

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Oh boy! This nails it!! Stretch the skin, VERY light pressure, and increase the angle, and boom. Another thing is to try to angle your N/S attack a little too like someone above posted \\0//

Try stretching a different direction too if none of this is working but be consistent and change just one thing at a time so you can narrow down what is working. My 2¢.

+1 to OCDshaver, IMO ATG requires a different grip.

Check out the grip he posted, in the link above.

While I don't use that grip, I definitely change my grip.

Sheesh, trying to describe the grip I use, best I can do is, again, post this video that was my inspiration to get into straight shaving. Turns out he is/was a member here. Anyhow, I use the grip for ATG in this video and it works for me. This guy makes it look oh so easy, some great skill in this video IMO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q4IRoaJH34