Thread: Across the neck?

In order to go against the grain I need to go across the neck. How can I do this? Do I need a smiling razor? I've been stretching the skin across and then shaving perpendicularly up which gets it closer, but I can still feel stubble.

I think you may have the strokes confused. WTG-With the grain (down strokes). ATG-Against The Grain (up strokes).XTG-across the grain (left-right/right-left) Just nice easy short strokes and the neck area should clean up real well. Don't worry it takes time to figure out the neck and chin areas, I've been working on the chin for a little over 3 months and still nick myself here and there.

Short, scything strokes from one side to the other. Lift your chin. Feedback from the blade will tell you if you are getting those hairs, you will hear and feel them. Use a light touch.

I screwed up my last post, sorry! What I was getting at was after your first pass WTG stretch the skin as best you can then with the short strokes go ATG. You will probably have to turn your head away to get the skin tight enough.

Originally Posted by hornm

I think you may have the strokes confused. WTG-With the grain (down strokes). ATG-Against The Grain (up strokes).XTG-across the grain (left-right/right-left) Just nice easy short strokes and the neck area should clean up real well. Don't worry it takes time to figure out the neck and chin areas, I've been working on the chin for a little over 3 months and still nick myself here and there.

On most of the cheeks and neck my beard grows from left to right. Hence what is across the grain for most people is against or with the grain for me.

Unless XTG, WTG, and ATG refer to the directions relative to the face independent of the individual's hair growth direction?

Anyways, I can't seem to maneuver the blade in there without interference from the chin or chest

[QUOTE=Jaepheth;480726]
Unless XTG, WTG, and ATG refer to the directions relative to the face independent of the individual's hair growth direction?

Yes that's what I was getting at in regards to direction. I'm trying to figure out how your chest etc would get in the way. Not trying to sound like a smart a** but are you a "big" guy, either muscular or weight wise. If so then I could see how you might have some issues manuvering around the neck. If your doing ATG are you using your right hand for the left side of the neck & vice versa? I'm no str8 expert just trying to help with solutions that I've come up with in my own shaving routine. Also have you seen Lynn's DVD. There's a lot of good info as well as a shaving demonstration that might come in handy. Other than that I'm out of ideas for now (gimme time I'll think of somethin').

The hair on my neck grows sideways as your does what helped me the most was doing diagonal passes XTG this is similar to a scything stroke.

Jockeys video explains it best!

for the tough parts like the adams apple try stretching the skin over to one side and then shaving so your not actualy on the adams apple but rather on its side. Good luck!

edit- hmm seems the 2.0 video isn't working right now his 3.0 shows it too just not as well IMO

Mate Ive got my hair growing east to west under the chin aswell and having real trouble getting that perfect shave. Best Ive done so far is that diagonal stroke mentioned above. Hoping one day I'll get it perfect .

Goodluck Brian

Originally Posted by hornm

Yes that's what I was getting at in regards to direction. I'm trying to figure out how your chest etc would get in the way. Not trying to sound like a smart a** but are you a "big" guy, either muscular or weight wise. If so then I could see how you might have some issues manuvering around the neck. If your doing ATG are you using your right hand for the left side of the neck & vice versa? I'm no str8 expert just trying to help with solutions that I've come up with in my own shaving routine. Also have you seen Lynn's DVD. There's a lot of good info as well as a shaving demonstration that might come in handy. Other than that I'm out of ideas for now (gimme time I'll think of somethin').

"chest" was probably the wrong word to use. I mean I can't angle the razor flush with my neck with the collar bone in the way. And I cant hold the razor upside down with my chin in the way....




I guess I could try tilting my head way back, holding the razor upside down and make a pass without being able to see.

Jaepheth I believe you are referring to the scales when you mention the razor bumping into your chest and chin.

You can adjust your grip and scale position to fit whatever feels comfortable to you. Some people like to make the razor str8t like a Japanese razor others rotate the scales so they are pointing in the opposite direction. Whatever way you can hold a razor and still control it is fine as long as you are comfortable doing it.