Trouble Spot on Neck--Input appreciated

I have been steadily shaving every 2 days with a SR since September without major issues and thoroughly enjoy the transition and woe & behold RAD is such a terrible beast to control.

However, there is about a 0,5 inch by 2-3inch near vertical space on my neck that gets razor burn every single time I shave regardless of which direction I shave in. I normally only do 2 passes on my neck whereas the rest of my face gets 3 without ever being a problem.

My razors have been professionally sharpened and the only pass that does not burn is what I assume WTG going in a downward motion towards my chest.

Any ideas how to rectify such strange problems areas?

I dont have any issues with razor burn, red bumps, or cuts anywhere I shave on my face and I cant really tell on the problem area how the hair is growing in comparison to other parts of my face.

Sometimes there is spots that defy any other stroke. The outer tips of my mustache can only go WTG, any other stroke over that area and it makes my skin most unhappy. My neck is sensitive to pressure, and too many strokes. For the most part on my lower neck I get two passes with comfort, any more and it get irritated. It is funny because it does not matter what direction those passes are, but the number. In those areas they are subject to over shave. I pick the two most effective passes for the owed neck and stop. I do as light as I can against, and then light as I can across, almost diagonal and no more. The result is a close and comfortable shave. If I rub my neck I can tell it is not perfect, nobody else can see it is not perfect and nobody else rubs my neck. I also find a small amount of relief from dashing and burning if I use a pre shave. Currently I am using Noxema, but Proraso and Castle Forbes work for me too. I have heard of other members using cream rinse. It's in part experimenting to find your best possible combination.

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Originally Posted by hillbillyreverend

However, there is about a 0,5 inch by 2-3inch near vertical space on my neck that gets razor burn every single time I shave regardless of which direction I shave in. I normally only do 2 passes on my neck whereas the rest of my face gets 3 without ever being a problem.

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If you let your neck hair grow out a little, you should be able to determine the growth pattern for this area. Failing that, I suggest the following: If we assume that a WTG pass is going to provide the LEAST irritation, then I would suggest making a single pass in this area with each shave. The only variation from one shave to the next should be the direction of that pass. Start with a South to North (shoulder to jaw) pass as you have already done the North-South run. Follow that with and East to West pass next time out, and then a West to East pass. Note the level of irritation and, whichever one provides the LEAST irritation "should" be the WTG direction.

I'm going to go out of the box here a bit only because I noticed a similar thing when I started. What it ended up being was the contours of my neck making it impossible to keep a consistent angle. I found a simple solution-swallow and hold it to flatten that area. No more issues.

It's worth a try.

Outside the box here too.
It's common to think that ATG passes would only come after a WTG or XTG pass but on the problem areas on each side of my neck I get a BBS shave with very little irritation using ATG for my first and second passes, then I do my touch ups at whatever direction it takes depending on my beard growth. Of coarse very slick lather and almost no pressure combined with a very flat angle and a keen and smooth edge is the other part of the equation.
Now I am able to get near 100% BBS shaves with very little to no irritation even on the problem areas on my neck.

I have problem areas on either side of my windpipe where there are hollows. I eventually found that stretching those areas to flatten them was the solution. The odd thing being that I have to stretch the left side by pulling skin toward my ear, and the right side by pulling the skin across the windpipe toward the other hollow spot. IOW, opposite stretches.

Towards the back of my neck, where it begins to curve, under my ears on both sides. I have to pull down with my thumb laying on the skin. Flattens the curve and I can get the area. If I don't do that I'm liable to nick myself. So experiment with various stretches to flatten the area. Various strokes. It is sort of an individual thing, since nobody has the exact same whiskers, or physiology. :gl:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I have problem areas on either side of my windpipe where there are hollows. I eventually found that stretching those areas to flatten them was the solution. The odd thing being that I have to stretch the left side by pulling skin toward my ear, and the right side by pulling the skin across the windpipe toward the other hollow spot. IOW, opposite stretches.

Towards the back of my neck, where it begins to curve, under my ears on both sides. I have to pull down with my thumb laying on the skin. Flattens the curve and I can get the area. If I don't do that I'm liable to nick myself. So experiment with various stretches to flatten the area. Various strokes. It is sort of an individual thing, since nobody has the exact same whiskers, or physiology. :gl:

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Wow, that's exactly my problem area and solution, thumb pressed against more my collarbone and tilt the head back with my chin pointing the opposite way and a more scything stroke from the area below the ear towards the chin using my opposite hand for the ATG pass...and I actually find I will use some good pressure on the blade while doing it.

When I brought my local barber a few of my blades to use to give me a shave with and give me some pointers, when he did that ATG pass in that area, he used enough pressure that I almost stood up in the chair!!! But was smooth as glass afterwards with one pass and not even close to a nick or a cut...I'm still not brave enough to use the pressure he did, was a learning experience though, my own razor but in the hands of a barber who'd been doing it for over 35 years...

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Wow, that's exactly my problem area and solution, thumb pressed against more my collarbone and tilt the head back with my chin pointing the opposite way and a more scything stroke from the area below the ear towards the chin using my opposite hand for the ATG pass...and I actually find I will use some good pressure on the blade while doing it.

When I brought my local barber a few of my blades to use to give me a shave with and give me some pointers, when he did that ATG pass in that area, he used enough pressure that I almost stood up in the chair!!! But was smooth as glass afterwards with one pass and not even close to a nick or a cut...I'm still not brave enough to use the pressure he did, was a learning experience though, my own razor but in the hands of a barber who'd been doing it for over 35 years...

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Wow, can this come with a video, or a play by play visual?
It's starting to be one complicated!
I:aargh:

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Originally Posted by lethalgraphix

Wow, can this come with a video, or a play by play visual?
It's starting to be one complicated!
I:aargh:

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What works for me, or someone else, won't necessarily work for you...that's the journey you are on young Jedi StraightRazor...;)

Down stroke, the upstroke, then 45* upstroke with skin stretch on all passes. Running the blade under hot water before each pass helps as well. Since you get razorburn from the multiple passes try the last pass first and assess how well it works for you.
RobinK did speak truth in that if you can refrain from shaving long enough to see 1/8 inch hair grow you can better visualize your own unique hair growth pattern. Adjustments made and carry on, Or be me and shave above your paygrade and try some stuff nobody's heard of or even tried and take the nick. Chicks dig scars.

Jimm, that is exactky the problem area. On the right if my adams apple if i am looking in the mirror.

thx for the different tips guys.

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Originally Posted by hillbillyreverend

I have been steadily shaving every 2 days with a SR since September without major issues and thoroughly enjoy the transition and woe & behold RAD is such a terrible beast to control.

However, there is about a 0,5 inch by 2-3inch near vertical space on my neck that gets razor burn every single time I shave regardless of which direction I shave in. I normally only do 2 passes on my neck whereas the rest of my face gets 3 without ever being a problem.

My razors have been professionally sharpened and the only pass that does not burn is what I assume WTG going in a downward motion towards my chest.

Any ideas how to rectify such strange problems areas?

I dont have any issues with razor burn, red bumps, or cuts anywhere I shave on my face and I cant really tell on the problem area how the hair is growing in comparison to other parts of my face.

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http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...ecaptured.html

I am not a professional honer and it was my amateur honing skills that caused that problem for me. I had gotten away from technique I had used in the past and when I studied a honing video gssixgun made, corrected it. Afterward the blade became capable of shaving that problem area.

But I don't want to indict the honing job you received. The professionals have so much experience they don't forget things they have learned like I did.

Try attacking your problem area from a different angle and with less pressure so as not to irritate your skin. Sometimes you have to temporarily settle for less than great results in certain areas.

If you never achieve success in that area then maybe the blade is not properly honed. There are so many variables such as shaving technique, sensitivity of skin, personal facial contours, that it can take a while to get to the bottom of it but you eventually will. This is why a lot of people don't stick with straight shaving.

I thought about avoiding your question but just yesterday I solved this problem and it would be a cop out not to address it. Everything can be done right, yet there can still be a problem. Keep shaving and you'll eventually figure it out. I found that claim hard to believe when I was a beginner but, speaking from experience, I know it's true. That's why straight shaving is the only shaving method I don't tire of doing.

Let me assure you once again that you'll eventually find a solution.