Thread: New Guy with New Guy Troubles

My problem is I cannot do a true ATG because the hair on neck grows straight across and is difficult to make a pass with the razor verticle . Have tried the 2 45 degree passes but still noe BBS

Originally Posted by paco

My problem is I cannot do a true ATG because the hair on neck grows straight across and is difficult to make a pass with the razor verticle . Have tried the 2 45 degree passes but still noe BBS

I end up doing two XTG passes by shaving almost straight down then straight up (but in two parts since the hair on my neck changes direction midline). I don't try to do a third ATG either-- the 2 XTG are at opposite angles and get me a pretty close shave.

Have you tried streching the skin in a slightly different direction? I was messing around at the angle of the stretch, and hit upon one that really helped with irritation.

-Chief

Originally Posted by BHChieftain

I stretch my neck skin about as tight as can manage and have not had any ingrown hair issues, but I'm sure it depends on the person. One thing to check is to make sure you know which way your hair grows on your neck. For me, the upper neck hair grows down, the lower neck hair grows up. So I need to do my passes in two parts, changing directions at the midline. Inadvertently doing a first pass XTG or ATG will probably lead to irritation.

-Chief

Thanks, I actually tried that today before work, and it made a difference. I figured out that my neck whiskers have patches that grow in different directions, and changing to match up with that made a HUGE improvement. Also, I tried not stretching the skin as tight as I had been, and I got my first shave with no irritation at all. Bonus! To answer that one guys question about my beard prep, I shower first, then use a hot wet towel for a few minutes to soften things up. Thanks for all the great advice guys.

Originally Posted by jcd

I may be mistaken, but I think the "don't overstretch" advice from mantic59's video only applies to DE/cartridge shavers, since those tools are designed to stretch for you as you shave.

I had a lot of problems with ingrown hairs using a cart. Even when I avoided ingrowns, I had an almost perpetual rash on my right jawline and throat. The rash went away when I started using a str8 (Dec '08) and no more ingrowns. The only way I can get a close shave on my throat is with a sharp razor and lots of stretching. As always, YMMV, but over-stretching with a straight razor does not bother me.

Originally Posted by BHChieftain

I end up doing two XTG passes by shaving almost straight down then straight up (but in two parts since the hair on my neck changes direction midline). I don't try to do a third ATG either-- the 2 XTG are at opposite angles and get me a pretty close shave.

Have you tried streching the skin in a slightly different direction? I was messing around at the angle of the stretch, and hit upon one that really helped with irritation.

-Chief

I'VE TRIED STRECHING IN 360 DEGREES, IT'S A MATTER OF HAND POSITION FOR ME. BELIEVE IT OR NOT I HAVE ACCTUALLY TAKEN A RAZOR WITH A BAD SMILE AND GROUND DOWN THE TOE TO WERE THE BLADE IS ONLY 2 1/4 ", NOW WANT TO PUT ON SHORT SCALES AND SEE IF I CAN MANEUVER
IT AROUND.

Okay folks, here's the latest update on my progress. Today I found the trick! I got some pre-shave oil and that fixed almost every problem I had. No irritation no matter which way I shave with that stuff. I finally got the BBS shave I've been looking for. I got some cheap stuff called Shave Secret and it worked very well for me. I also used moderate stretching, being careful not to overstretch, and all together it has given me my best shave to date. I know I use a Shavette, and it's not a true straight, but man I look forward to shaving. It used to be a hassle and a necessity for work, but I really enjoy taking the extra time to use a staight razor. If my sensitive skin could hack it, I'd shave twice a day just to do it more. Thanks for all the helpful tips guys.

Originally Posted by MelvinOfTheApes

Okay folks, here's the latest update on my progress. Today I found the trick! I got some pre-shave oil and that fixed almost every problem I had. No irritation no matter which way I shave with that stuff. I finally got the BBS shave I've been looking for. I got some cheap stuff called Shave Secret and it worked very well for me. I also used moderate stretching, being careful not to overstretch, and all together it has given me my best shave to date. I know I use a Shavette, and it's not a true straight, but man I look forward to shaving. It used to be a hassle and a necessity for work, but I really enjoy taking the extra time to use a staight razor. If my sensitive skin could hack it, I'd shave twice a day just to do it more. Thanks for all the helpful tips guys.

Looking good! I have a Dovo Shavette, and I find it much easier to use a real straight, and I get a better shave. So, if you think it's good now, just wait until you have a real straight! The fact that you can use the Shavette and enjoy it will probably help a lot on using a straight. You will have to adjust your techniques a little, but should find it pretty easy.